TITLE: Relating to availability of certain information regarding energy use and efficiency of certain residential property.

SUMMARY: Relating to availability of certain information regarding energy use and efficiency of certain residential property.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to availability of certain information regarding energy use and efficiency of certain residential property. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subchapter Rto read as follows: SUBCHAPTER R. MULTIPLE-LISTING SERVICES Sec. 1101.851. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Energy Star rating" is the Energy Star rating under the energy performance rating system for products, homes, and buildings developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy. (2) "Home energy rating" means the energy rating of a home under: (A) a home energy rating system developed under Chapter 388, Health and Safety Code, or by a municipally owned utility; or (B) the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards developed by the National Association of State Energy Officials and the Residential Energy Services Network. (3) "ICC 700 rating" is the residential green building rating under the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard developed by the National Association of Home Builders and the International Code Council. (4) "LEED rating or certification" means the green building rating or certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating and certification system developed by the United States Green Building Council. (5) "Multiple-listing service" means a database owned or operated by a person or group of persons licensed under this chapter that allows license holders representing sellers to share information regarding properties that are for sale with other license holders. (6) "Residential real property" means property that has a single-family or multifamily dwelling. Sec. 1101.852. ENERGY EFFICIENCY INFORMATION. A multiple-listing service that lists for sale residential or commercial real property must include a field for providing information related to energy use or efficiency of a residence or building on the property. Sec. 1101.853. SELLER'S DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN ENERGY EFFICIENCY INFORMATION. On request of a seller of residential or commercial real property, a license holder shall include in the multiple-listing service listing of the property information related to the energy use or efficiency of a residence or building on the property, including the residence's or building's: (1) Energy Star rating; (2) home energy rating; (3) ICC 700 rating; or (4) LEED rating or certification. SECTION 2. A multiple-listing service is not required to comply with Subchapter R, Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, before January 1, 2014. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.