FRAMER Act

HR 7282, the FRAMER Act, requires states to reimburse builders for the cost difference between their own energy efficiency standards and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) minimum standard for new homes built in Opportunity Zones. It directly affects residential builders in Opportunity Zones (designated tax-advantaged areas) by providing payments for exceeding HUD’s baseline energy requirements. The bill mandates that builders disclose to homebuyers the cost difference covered by the reimbursement and any price reduction tied to the payment. The program expires after 7 years, and the government must report annually on reimbursement amounts and cost differences across states and localities.