After gaining support and successful votes of approval in both the House and Senate, H.B. 2439 was signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on June 14.
H.B. 2439 restricts local governments from mandating the use of only specific products, and it would allow the use of products and materials currently permitted in current building codes. The ordinances this legislation addresses restricted exterior insulation and finish systems, vinyl siding, stucco, wood, steel products, glass and others that have been approved by national building codes.
With successful outcomes in the Texas House, Senate, and now from Governor Abbott, areas that previously restricted EIFS and other materials will no longer be able to do so.
In early 2019, the EIFS Industry Members Association launched the "Take Back Texas" initiative to combat the more than 220 codes/ordinances that restricted the use of EIF systems throughout Texas. During the initial phases of this initiative, EIMA began working with several associations and organizations in Texas on a holistic approach to remove all of these through the state legislature. The effort was led and supported by homebuilders, Realtors, contractors, builders, plasterers and other construction industry organizations.
"This is one of the single biggest victories our industry has seen in years," said EIMA President Peter Daechsel, who is a manager of BASF Wall Systems. "Thanks to a large effort from several in the construction and building industry, the 220-plus restrictions against our industry are no more."
The legislation goes into effect Sept. 1, 2019.