Sen. Lazzara files bill in North Carolina Senate to create Office of Engineering and Codes

A new bill filed by Sen. Lazzara seeks to create an office to oversee building codes and related functions, transferring responsibilities from the State Fire Marshal to this office, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 700 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Create the Office of Engineering and Codes.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes the Office of Engineering and Codes under the Department of Labor to independently oversee building codes and other related functions. It transfers responsibility for six key councils and boards from the State Fire Marshal to this new office, including the Building Code Council, the North Carolina Manufactured Housing Board, and the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board. It also designates the “State Engineer” to lead this new office, with appointments made by the Commissioner of Labor and confirmed by the General Assembly. The State Engineer is tasked with ensuring compliance, conducting hearings and investigations, and imposing penalties for violations. Existing rules and proceedings associated with transferred entities remain effective until amended or repealed. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, with transitional provisions for current employees and ongoing investigations. It amends various statutes to conform to these changes, aligning financial operations and regulatory frameworks accordingly.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Benton G. Sawrey proposed the most bills (56) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Lazzara, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 6th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Harry Brown.