Bill Description: House Bill 704 would make some minor changes to the 2023 electrical code and prevent local governments from requiring new homes to have electric vehicle chargers. 

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NOTE: House Bill 704 is similar to House Bill 662, introduced earlier this session. 

NOTE: The House Amendment to House Bill 704 does not alter our rating or analysis.

Does it give government any new, additional, or expanded power to prohibit, restrict, or regulate activities in the free market? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce government intervention in the market?

House Bill 704 would repeal and replace Section 54-1001, Idaho Code, which is part of the Idaho Electrical Code. This rewritten section would still adopt the 2023 National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, but with certain modifications. While the scope of these regulations is still voluminous, it is encouraging to see the Legislature make some modifications to the national code it adopted last year. 

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House Bill 704 would create Section 54-1001A, Idaho Code, to say that "no city, county, incorporated or unincorporated area, special use district, or any other local governmental entity of any kind shall require the installation of an electric vehicle circuit as part of any new home construction."

Preventing local governments from imposing new regulations — especially those designed to push a social agenda — will benefit developers, homeowners, and the free market overall.

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