Housing across the country

in committee · United States · House Aug 10, 2026

HR 10075: First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act

The First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt qualified mortgage bonds from the federal government's annual volume cap on tax-exempt securities. By removing this limit, the bill allows for a greater issuance of these specific bonds, which are typically used to finance home loans for first-time buyers. This change directly affects financial markets and lenders by enabling them to issue more tax-advantaged debt without being constrained by existing statutory limits. The provision applies to all obligations issued after the date of the Act's enactment.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingThe bill explicitly aims to increase affordable housing by removing caps on tax-exempt bonds used to finance first-time homebuyer loans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

Sponsor Darin LaHood (R) · 4 co-sponsors

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5285: Visitable Inclusive Tax credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act

The VITAL Act increases federal low-income housing tax credit allocations to states starting in 2026, with amounts adjusted annually for inflation to expand the supply of affordable and disability-accessible housing. The bill provides a 50% boost to the tax credit value for new buildings where at least half of the units are designed to meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities and are located in areas with high walkability. To ensure these accessible units are actually built, the legislation requires states to allocate credits so that at least 40% of all new low-income housing units created over any three-year period meet these specific disability access criteria.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingThe bill explicitly increases federal tax credit allocations to expand the supply of affordable and disability-accessible housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Housing Finance Tags People with Disabilities

Sponsor Amy Klobuchar (D) · 5 co-sponsors

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 3, 2026

S 5216: Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026

The Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026 creates a new tax credit for individuals aged 60 or older to help cover the costs of home modifications that improve accessibility. This credit allows eligible taxpayers to claim up to $10,000 for expenses related to installing features such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, grab bars, and other safety improvements. The benefit is subject to income limits, where the credit amount decreases as a taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income exceeds specific thresholds ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 depending on filing status. The law also prevents taxpayers from receiving other tax benefits for the same expenses and requires the credit amount to be adjusted for inflation starting in 2028.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax credit for seniors to cover home modification costs, providing direct tax relief and financial assistance.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a tax credit to fund home modifications for seniors, directly strengthening accessible housing options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Tags Seniors

Sponsor Angela D. Alsobrooks (D) · 1 co-sponsor

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in committee · United States · House Aug 6, 2026

HR 10049: Visitable Inclusive Tax credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act

The VITAL Act aims to increase the supply of affordable housing that is accessible to people with disabilities and older adults by modifying federal tax credit rules. It achieves this by raising the amount of funding states can receive for low-income housing projects and requiring that at least 40 percent of these funds support buildings specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the bill offers a financial bonus for projects located in walkable neighborhoods and mandates that these accessible units meet specific design standards, such as wider doorways and lowered counters. These changes are intended to help residents remain independent in their communities rather than moving to institutional care settings.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases federal funding for accessible housing and modifies tax credit rules to support essential public services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases affordable housing supply and funds accessible living projects for disabled and older adults.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Housing Finance Tags People with Disabilities

Sponsor Dwight Evans (D) · 2 co-sponsors

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1312: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1740 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 210).

This bill amends the rules for the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to address housing shortages by updating how "qualified residents" are defined and what restrictions apply to affordable housing units. It removes certain financial screening requirements that duplicate standard lender checks and allows deed-restricted units to be rented long-term after an initial occupancy period, rather than requiring perpetual owner-occupancy. The law also limits a qualified resident to owning a majority interest in no more than one dwelling property at a time, requiring the sale of any additional property within two years. These changes aim to reduce administrative burdens, prevent vacant investment holdings, and ensure that affordable housing remains available to local residents without unnecessarily restricting household mobility.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill addresses housing shortages by updating affordable housing rules, removing redundant financial screening, and allowing long-term rentals for deed-restricted units.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1313: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1741 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 211).

This bill, signed into law on July 8, 2026, requires Hawaiian counties to conduct specific studies before implementing or changing rules that mandate developers build affordable housing units. Under the new law, any requirement forcing developers to include affordable units is treated legally as a fee, meaning counties must prove the rule is necessary and financially feasible before adopting it. If a county wants to set an affordable housing requirement above ten percent, it must provide written evidence showing the rule is proportional and won't make projects unbuildable. These new rules aim to ensure that policies requiring affordable housing are based on data and do not inadvertently reduce the overall supply of homes available to residents.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill treats affordable housing mandates as fees, requiring counties to prove financial feasibility, which restricts local budget flexibility and limits government spending on housing requirements.75% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill reclassifies affordable housing mandates as fees, creating barriers to development and limiting the ability to require affordable units.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1343: Informing the Legislature that on July 13, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1713 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 241).

This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on July 13, 2026, modifies how school impact fees are applied to residential developments in Hawaii to address housing costs. It directly affects developers and housing projects by expanding exemptions from these fees for smaller developments with fewer than 500 units, affordable housing, and other specific property types. The legislation also clarifies the procedures for paying fees in lieu of land dedications and removes previous reporting requirements while reorganizing related fee accounts. Ultimately, the act aims to reduce financial barriers for smaller housing projects while maintaining contributions from larger developments that significantly increase school enrollment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill reduces school impact fees for affordable housing and smaller developments, lowering costs and promoting fiscal relief for housing projects.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces school impact fees for affordable housing and smaller developments, lowering costs to advance housing availability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1318: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2544 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 216).

This bill establishes a five-year pilot program called "Hawaii Builds" within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to address the state's shortage of affordable housing for middle-income families. The program allows the corporation to use up to $20 million per year from its revolving fund for predevelopment activities like land acquisition and design, while requiring interagency coordination to speed up project timelines. To qualify, projects must be located on sites with adequate infrastructure, preferably in residential zones, and ensure all units meet specific affordability standards. Additionally, the law mandates that at least one such pilot project be designated in each county to promote statewide participation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a pilot program to address affordable housing shortages and funds predevelopment activities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1317: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2385 HD3 SD1 CD1 (ACT 215).

This bill, signed into law as Act 215, shifts the authority to approve general excise tax exemptions for affordable housing projects from individual counties to the state's Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Beginning January 1, 2027, the state agency will certify these tax incentives for developments that utilize county housing programs, aiming to better offset rising construction costs and interest rates. The legislation also grants counties expanded powers to develop, finance, and construct low- and moderate-income housing, including the ability to make loans, guarantee mortgages, and acquire land, while prohibiting counties from issuing state general obligation bonds for such projects. These changes are designed to leverage both state and local resources to address Hawaii's ongoing housing shortage by streamlining the approval process for affordable rental housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill centralizes tax exemption authority to offset rising construction costs, supporting affordable housing funding and fiscal management.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill centralizes tax exemption authority to better offset construction costs and interest rates for affordable housing projects.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1307: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1920 HD1 SD2 CD1 (ACT 205).

This message informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed HB1920 into law on July 8, 2026. The bill amends state tax statutes to allow taxpayers to claim a low-income housing tax credit regardless of their eligibility for the federal version of the same credit. It also permits partnerships and limited liability companies to transfer or sell these tax credits to other taxpayers, even if those recipients do not own an interest in the qualifying building. The law takes effect immediately upon approval and includes specific provisions regarding how the credit can be allocated and transferred.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands tax credits for low-income housing and allows transferability, providing tax relief and funding affordable housing.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands low-income housing tax credits and allows their transfer, increasing funding for affordable housing development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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