SB 1238 (Rodriguez) and HB 1217 (Melo) prohibit local governments from imposing certain requirements and prohibitions relating to energy-savings or energy-producing factors. The bills provide that, except for the purpose of compliance with building and fire safety laws, a local government may not require that a particular design or type of material be used in the construction of a building due to the design’s or the material’s energy saving or energy producing qualities. In addition, the bills prohibit a local government from prohibiting the use of a particular design or type of material in the construction of a building due to the material’s or design’s energy saving or energy producing qualities. The bills prohibit a local government from requiring a building or structure be retrofitted with a particular device or type of material because of its energy-saving or energy-producing qualities. The bills prohibit a local government from prohibiting the purchase or use of vehicles based on the type of energy used. The bills state that a local government may not prohibit or restrict the sale, installation, or use of natural gas home heating equipment, home appliances, outdoor heating appliances, torches, lamps, or other decorative features, or outdoor grills or stoves. The bills specify the prohibitions do not apply to any requirement included in a procurement document used to procure goods or services, including the construction or design of buildings, to be owned and used by the local government. The bills clarify that local governments may adopt bid specifications for public works projects that include energy savings or energy production provisions. (O’Hara)