SB 523-FN (2026): establishing a committee to study the implementation of a residential builder registration system.

SB 523-FN (2026)

establishing a committee to study the implementation of a residential builder registration system.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Housing
• Senate committee: Commerce
• Subject: Study Committees and Commissions
• Chapter law: 258

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Commerce committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 20, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0831s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0831s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 5, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 5, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 12, 2026 and was referred to the House Housing committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 21, 2026, with 6 people signed in online: 1 in support and 5 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on April 21, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 14–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1589h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1589h) was adopted on a voice vote on May 7, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On May 7, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On May 14, 2026 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Daniel Innis. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 2, 2026, making it Chapter 258 of the session laws. It took effect on July 2, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Ruth Ward (R - SD8) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Debra Altschiller (D - SD24)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)
• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 20, 2026, 10:30 AM: hearing, Senate Commerce, SH 100
• March 5, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• April 21, 2026, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Housing, GP 231
• April 21, 2026, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Housing, GP 231
• May 7, 2026: consent calendar, House
• May 14, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• March 5, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-0831s — voice vote, passed
• May 7, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1589h — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 1
• SC 8
• SJ 5
• HJ 8, page 114
• HC 18, page 9
• HJ 12, page 14
• SJ 12
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 45