Senate rules panel advances change narrowing virtual inspections for certain residential trades

Senator Clint Dixon presented a substitute to Senate Bill 437 to the Senate Rules Standing Committee that tightens language governing virtual inspections for building permits. The committee advanced the substitute by unanimous voice vote.

The substitute removes earlier wording from the committee process that, as drafted, could allow virtual inspections more broadly for reinspections with a short punch list. Under the revised text, virtual inspections would be permitted only for residential single-construction trades — specifically structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical — when a reinspection or punch list consists of 10 items or fewer, according to the presenter.

Senator Gooch asked whether environmental inspections or footing/concrete inspections are included; the presenter said they are not intended to be covered. Senator Gooch asked whether septic- or footing-related inspections might be appropriate for virtual inspection in the future; the presenter said he would not be opposed to considering those changes later in the legislative process, likely in the House.

Senator Anderson asked how the change affects small counties that lack in-house code inspectors and use third-party inspectors. The presenter replied the substitute does not change local authority: it preserves the local permitting process while giving builders the option to use third-party inspection services where allowed.

The motion to advance the substitute was recorded as moved by Senator Gooch and seconded (second not specified in the record). The committee voted and the motion carried unanimously. The committee did not receive any public testimony on the bill during this meeting.

The presenter referenced working off legislative language labeled LC620411S when describing the substitute. The next procedural step for SB 437 is for the bill to proceed from Rules to the next stage indicated by Senate procedure.