[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 10171 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 10171
To encourage local government reform of zoning and permitting to
enhance housing affordability and economic growth, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 19, 2024
Mr. Smith of Washington introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the
Committees on Ways and Means, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To encourage local government reform of zoning and permitting to
enhance housing affordability and economic growth, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
TITLE I--ZONING AND PERMITTING REFORM
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Prefabricated Housing and Zoning
Enhancement Act of 2024''.
SEC. 2. ZONING AND PERMITTING REFORM INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Congressional Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) restrictive zoning and permitting processes contribute
to housing shortages and inflated housing costs, and hinder
economic development; and
(2) encouraging local governments to reform zoning and
permitting practices can increase housing supply, improve
affordability, and stimulate local economies.
(b) Establishment.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
shall, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
section, establish and carry out a grant program to provide financial
incentives to units of local government that implement zoning reforms
and permitting reforms.
(c) Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this section, a unit of local government shall--
(A) enact zoning and permitting reforms during the
18-month period before the date of application; and
(B) submit an application at such time and in such
manner as the Secretary may reasonably require that
includes a description of--
(i) any zoning and permitting reforms
enacted by such unit of local government in the
previous 18 months;
(ii) how such reforms are expected to
increase housing supply and make the housing
supply more affordable; and
(iii) how the unit of local government
intends to monitor the impacts of such zoning
and permitting reforms.
(2) Approval by secretary.--The Secretary may only award
grants under this section to a unit of local government with
zoning and permitting reforms that the Secretary determines
will actively increase housing supply and make the housing
supply more affordable.
(d) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority to applicants
based on the extent to which--
(1) the zoning and permitting reforms adopted by an
applicant--
(A) significantly increase the potential for
development of affordable housing and housing for
middle-income households;
(B) reduce barriers to the conversion of non-
residential buildings to residential use;
(C) implement expedited permitting processes for
housing developments; and
(D) encourage mixed-use development and higher-
density zoning near transportation hubs; and
(2) the applicant has--
(A) established partnerships with community land
trusts;
(B) provided funding, land, or other support for
community land trust initiatives; and
(C) used innovative methods to integrate community
land trust models into housing and community
development strategies, including inclusionary zoning
policies that facilitate community land trust projects
and tax incentives for land donations to community land
trusts.
(e) Use of Grant Amounts.--Amounts from a grant under the program
under this section may be used by a unit of local government only for--
(1) infrastructure improvements related to increased
housing development;
(2) technical assistance and capacity building for local
planning and development agencies; and
(3) establishing or enhancing community engagement and
consultation processes related to zoning and permitting
reforms.
(f) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide technical
assistance to units of local government awarded grants under this
section to assist such units of local government in--
(1) fostering successful partnerships with community land
trusts;
(2) developing projects; and
(3) engaging with the community.
(g) Supplemental Community Land Trust Amounts.--
(1) In general.--Each unit of local government awarded a
grant under this section shall be eligible to receive
additional amounts from the Secretary to be used by the unit of
local government to support the establishment and expansion of
community land trusts.
(2) Use of amounts.--Supplemental amounts provided under
this subsection may only be used for--
(A) local capacity building activities of a local
community land trust;
(B) land acquisition by a local community land
trust;
(C) project development by local community land
trust; or
(D) other operation needs of a local community land
trust.
(3) Priority.--When providing supplemental amounts under
this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to units of
local government that can demonstrate a history of supporting
and collaborating with community land trusts.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--
(A) In general.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are
necessary to provide supplemental amounts under this
subsection.
(B) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts
appropriated pursuant to this paragraph shall remain
available until expended.
(h) Reports.--
(1) In general.--Each unit of local government that
receives a grant under this section shall, each year, submit a
report to the Secretary that includes such information as the
Secretary determines necessary to evaluate the impacts of the
zoning and permitting reforms enacted by the unit of local
government.
(2) Additional requirement.--Each unit of local government
that receives supplemental amounts under subsection (g) shall
include, in the annual report required under this section,
information about the efforts of such unit of local government
to promote and collaborate with community land trusts, the
outcomes of such efforts, and any barriers encountered by such
unit of local government.
(3) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall compile the
reports submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) and submit a
compilation of such reports to the Congress each year that
includes--
(A) an evaluation of efforts of community land
trust initiatives supported with amounts provided under
subsection (g) and how such efforts promote long-term
affordable housing and sustainable community
development; and
(B) any recommendations the Secretary may have for
further legislative or administrative action to
encourage zoning and permitting reform.
(i) Best Practices.--The Secretary shall disseminate best practices
and guidelines to units of local government that receive grants under
this section relating to the integration of community land trust models
into local housing strategies, including mechanisms for ensuring long-
term affordability and community stewardship of land.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated for
grants under this section $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025
and each fiscal year thereafter.
(2) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts appropriated
pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until
expended.
(k) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the following
definitions shall apply:
(1) Community land trust.--The term ``community land
trust'' means a nonprofit organization that--
(A) acquires and holds land for the benefit of the
community and operates under community governance to
ensure long-term stewardship of land; and
(B) provides affordable housing opportunities
through long-term ground leases, which are subject to
community accountability measures and deed restrictions
to maintain affordability and compliance with community
objectives.
(2) Permitting reform.-- The term ``permitting reform''
means a modification of permit-related processes that has the
effect of significantly decreasing the amount of time
associated with obtaining construction or development approvals
from a unit of local government.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development.
(4) Unit of local government.-- The term ``unit of local
government'' means any city, county, town, township, parish,
village, or other general purpose subdivision of a State.
(5) Zoning reform.--The term ``zoning reform'' means a
modification to local land use regulations that has the effect
of increasing housing capacity and diversity of housing
ownership.
TITLE II--PREFABRICATED HOUSING INCENTIVES PROGRAMS
SEC. 201. GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
shall, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
title, establish a grant program to provide financial assistance to
eligible entities.
(b) Eligible Entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' in this section
means--
(1) a company that manufactures modular housing, panelized
housing, or manufactured housing components;
(2) a developer utilizing prefabricated housing in their
projects; or
(3) an organization supporting the prefabricated housing
supply chain.
(c) Use of Amounts.--Amounts awarded under this section shall be
used by an eligible entity for 1 or more projects that will--
(1) demonstrate the potential to increase affordable
housing stock;
(2) utilize sustainable building practices;
(3) create jobs in the prefabricated housing sector; and
(4) contribute to the advancement of prefabrication
technologies.
(d) Application Process.--
(1) Submission.--To be eligible to receive amounts under
this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to
the Secretary, at such a time and in such a manner as the
Secretary may reasonably require, that describes the scope,
objectives, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes of the
project for which such eligible entity shall use any amounts
provided under this section.
(2) Review and approval.--Each application received by the
Secretary shall be reviewed by a panel of experts, to be
selected by the Secretary, who shall evaluate such applications
on criteria including--
(A) innovation;
(B) feasibility;
(C) impact on affordable housing; and
(D) alignment with the goals of the programs under
this title.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary $30,000,000,000 for grants under this section.
(2) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts appropriated
pursuant to this subsection shall remain available for a period
of 10 years.
(f) Reporting and Accountability.--
(1) Progress reports.--Each eligible entity that receives
amounts under this section shall submit quarterly progress
reports to the Secretary detailing the--
(A) use of funds;
(B) project developments; and
(C) any challenges encountered.
(2) Audits.--The Secretary shall conduct regular audits to
ensure compliance with grant terms and the effective use of
funds.
SECTION 202. MANUFACTURED HOUSING TAX CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by
inserting after section 48E the following new section:
``SEC. 48F. MANUFACTURED HOUSING CREDIT.
``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 46, the manufactured
housing credit for any taxable year is an amount equal to 20 percent of
the qualified investment for such taxable year with respect to any
qualified manufactured housing project of the taxpayer.
``(b) Qualified Investment.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a), the term
`qualified investment' means--
``(A) with respect to a project described in
subsection (c)(1)(A), the basis of any qualified
property placed in service by the taxpayer during such
taxable year which is part of a qualified housing
manufacturing facility, and
``(B) with respect to a project described in
subsection (c)(2)(A), the sum of the following amounts
which are paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the
taxable year in carrying on any trade or business of
the taxpayer with respect to qualified research and
development:
``(i) in-house research expenses (as
defined in section 41(b)(2)), and
``(ii) contract research expenses (as
defined in section 41(b)(3)).
``(2) Certain qualified progress expenditure rules made
applicable.--Rules similar to the rules of subsections (c)(4)
and (d) of section 46 (as in effect on the day before the
enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990) shall
apply for purposes of this section.
``(3) Limitation.--The amount which is treated as the
qualified investment for all taxable years with respect to any
qualified housing manufacturing facility or qualified research
and development shall not exceed the amount designated by the
Secretary as eligible for the credit under this section.
``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified manufactured housing project.--The term
`qualified manufactured housing project' means a project, any
portion of the qualified investment of which is certified by
the Secretary under subsection (e) as eligible for a credit
under this section--
``(A) which equips, expands, or establishes a
qualified housing manufacturing facility, or
``(B) which facilitates qualified research and
development.
``(2) Qualified property.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified property'
means property--
``(i) which is tangible property,
``(ii) which is--
``(I) constructed, reconstructed,
or erected by the taxpayer, or
``(II) acquired by the taxpayer if
the original use of such property
commences with the taxpayer, and
``(iii) which is integral to the operation
of the qualified housing manufacturing
facility.
``(B) Buildings and structural components.--
``(i) In general.--The term `qualified
property' includes any building or its
structural components which otherwise satisfy
the requirements under subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not
apply with respect to a building or portion of
a building used for offices, administrative
services, or other functions unrelated to
manufacturing.
``(3) Qualified housing manufacturing facility.--The term
`qualified housing manufacturing facility' means a facility the
primary purpose of which is the manufacturing of--
``(A) manufactured housing,
``(B) modular housing,
``(C) panelized housing, or
``(D) prefabricated housing.
``(4) Manufactured housing, modular housing, panelized
housing, prefabricated housing.--The terms `manufactured
housing', `modular housing', `panelized housing', and
`prefabricated housing' have the respective meanings given such
terms in section 207 of the `Prefabricated Housing and Zoning
Enhancement Act of 2024'.
``(5) Qualified research and development.--The term
`qualified research and development' means research and
development activities relating to--
``(A) new methods or materials for prefabricated
housing, manufactured housing, modular housing, or
panelized housing, which enhance durability,
efficiency, or cost-effectiveness in manufacturing,
``(B) sustainable building practices and materials
which reduce the environmental impact of such housing,
and
``(C) the use of advanced technologies, including
automation, robotics, and smart home systems, in the
manufacturing process.
``(d) Special Rules.--
``(1) Denial of double benefit.--A credit shall not be
allowed under this section for any qualified investment for
which a credit is allowed under section 41 or 48D.
``(2) Coordination with rehabilitation credit.--The
qualified investment with respect to any advanced manufacturing
facility for any taxable year shall not include that portion of
the basis of any property which is attributable to qualified
rehabilitation expenditures (as defined in section 47(c)(2)).
``(e) Qualified Manufactured Housing Investment Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 365 days after
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary
shall establish a qualified manufactured housing
investment program to consider and award certifications
for qualified investments eligible for credits under
this section.
``(B) Limitation.--The total amount of credits that
may be allocated under the program shall not exceed
$3,000,000,000.
``(2) Certification.--
``(A) Application period.--Each applicant for
certification under this paragraph shall submit an
application containing such information as the
Secretary may require during the 1-year period
beginning on the date the Secretary establishes the
program under paragraph (1).
``(B) Time to meet criteria for certification.--
Each applicant for certification shall have 1 year from
the date of acceptance by the Secretary of the
application during which to provide to the Secretary
evidence that the requirements of the certification
have been met.
``(C) Period of issuance.--An applicant which
receives a certification shall have 3 years from the
date of issuance of the certification in order to place
the project in service and if such project is not
placed in service by that time period, then the
certification shall no longer be valid.
``(3) Selection criteria.--In determining which projects to
certify under this section, the Secretary shall--
``(A) take into consideration only those projects
where there is a reasonable expectation of commercial
viability, and
``(B) prioritize projects that--
``(i) increase affordable housing stock,
particularly for low- and moderate-income
families,
``(ii) incorporate advanced manufacturing
technologies and innovations that improve
efficiency, reduce costs, or increase the
quality of manufactured housing,
``(iii) align with local efforts to
streamline zoning and permitting processes or
those that comply with new local zoning
reforms,
``(iv) demonstrate the ability to make use
of additional private or public funding,
``(v) are ready to begin construction or
implementation within a short time frame, and
``(vi) use replicable, scalable
construction methods that can align with
varying regional building code requirements.
``(4) Review and redistribution.--
``(A) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
review the credits allocated under this section as of
such date.
``(B) Redistribution and reallocation.--Rules
similar to the rules of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of
section 48C(d)(4) shall apply.
``(5) Disclosure of allocations.--The Secretary shall, upon
making a certification under this subsection, publicly disclose
the identity of the applicant and the amount of the credit with
respect to such applicant.
``(f) Regulations and Guidance.--The Secretary shall issue such
regulations or other guidance as may be necessary or appropriate to
carry out the purposes of this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 46 of such Code is amended in paragraph (6) by
striking ``and'' at the end, in paragraph (7) by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(8) the manufactured housing credit.''.
(2) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of subtitle A of such Code is amended
by adding at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 48F. Manufactured housing credit.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 203. INNOVATION CENTERS.
(a) Innovation Centers.--The Secretary, in coordination with
relevant partners as determined by the Secretary, shall establish a
network of National Prefabricated Housing Technology Centers (hereafter
referred to as ``Centers'') to promote research and development in
prefabrication technologies, materials, and processes.
(b) Goals of the Centers.--The goals of the Centers shall include
the following:
(1) Developing and refining new methods and materials for
prefabricated housing to enhance durability, efficiency, and
cost-effectiveness.
(2) Researching sustainable building practices and
materials to reduce the environmental impact of prefabricated
housing.
(3) Investigating and implementing advanced technologies
like automation, robotics, and smart home systems in the
prefabricated housing manufacturing process.
(4) Providing training programs and certifications for
builders, architects, and engineers in prefabricated housing
techniques and technologies.
(5) Educating the public on the benefits and options
available in prefabricated housing to increase acceptance and
adoption.
(6) Funding vocational training programs and partnerships
with community colleges to create a skilled workforce
proficient in prefabricated and modular construction methods,
including--
(A) coursework on modern construction techniques;
(B) improving safety practices; and
(C) the use of advanced manufacturing equipment.
(7) Fostering partnerships with construction companies,
manufacturers, academic institutions, and government agencies
to drive innovation and share knowledge.
(8) Working with policymakers to develop and promote
regulations and incentives that support the growth of the
prefabricated housing industry.
(9) Developing and promoting industry standards and best
practices to ensure high-quality, safe, and reliable
prefabricated housing products.
(10) Establishing testing and certification programs to
guarantee that prefabricated housing units meet or exceed
regulatory and industry standards.
(11) Promoting prefabricated housing as a viable solution
for affordable housing that addresses the housing shortage in
various communities.
(12) Supporting job creation within the prefabricated
housing sector through training and development programs.
(13) Creating a central database of research, case studies,
and best practices, to be accessible to industry stakeholders
and the public.
(14) Supporting startups and small businesses in the
prefabricated housing sector by providing resources,
mentorship, and funding opportunities.
(15) Regularly assessing, benchmarking, and comparing the
activities the center engages in with global standards to
ensure it remains at the forefront of the industry.
(16) Supporting the use of sustainable materials and
energy-efficient designs in prefabricated housing.
(17) Supporting the integration of resilient construction
practices to ensure that prefabricated housing can withstand
natural disasters and other challenges.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $1,000,000,000 to carry out this section.
SEC. 204. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall, not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this title, establish a grant program to
provide financial assistance to eligible entities.
(b) Eligible Entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' in this section
means a--
(1) university;
(2) private company;
(3) government agency; or
(4) collaborative partnership.
(c) Use of Amounts.--Amounts awarded under this section shall be
used by an eligible entity for a project that will focus on the
development of--
(1) new prefabrication technologies;
(2) sustainable materials; or
(3) advanced manufacturing techniques that enhance the
quality, affordability, and environmental performance of
prefabricated housing.
(d) Application Process.--
(1) Submission.--To be eligible to receive amounts under
this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to
the Secretary, at such a time and in such a manner as the
Secretary may reasonably require, that describes the scope,
objectives, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes of the
project for which such eligible entity shall use any amounts
provided under this section.
(2) Review and approval.--Each application received by the
Secretary shall be reviewed by a panel of experts, to be
selected by the Secretary, who shall evaluate such applications
on criteria including--
(A) innovation;
(B) feasibility;
(C) impact on affordable housing; and
(D) alignment with the goals of the programs under
this title.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary $1,000,000,000 for grants under this section.
(2) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts appropriated
pursuant to this section shall remain available for a period of
10 years.
(f) Reporting and Accountability.--
(1) Progress reports.--Each eligible entity that receives
amounts under this section shall submit quarterly progress
reports to the Secretary detailing the--
(A) use of funds;
(B) project developments; and
(C) any challenges encountered.
(2) Audits.--The Secretary shall conduct regular audits to
ensure compliance with grant terms and the effective use of
funds.
SEC. 205. TECHNICAL SUPPORT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide technical assistance
to State and local governments with respect to--
(1) streamlining the permitting process for prefabricated
and modular housing projects;
(2) reducing bureaucratic hurdles; and
(3) accelerating project timelines.
(b) Development of Model Codes and Processes.--The Secretary shall,
not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section,
convene a panel of expert to develop and provide technical assistance
on--
(1) a model permitting process for construction using
prefabricated construction methods; and
(2) a model building codes that support the use of
prefabricated construction methods.
SEC. 206. COMMUNITY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall, not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this title, establish a grant program to
provide financial assistance to eligible entities.
(b) Eligible Entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' in this section
means a--
(1) nonprofit organization;
(2) local government;
(3) housing authority; or
(4) developer.
(c) Use of Funds.--Amounts awarded under this section shall be used
by an eligible entity on projects that--
(1) serve low-income and moderate-income households;
(2) address specific community needs;
(3) utilize prefabricated and modular constructions
methods; and
(4) involve communities in planning and development
processes, ensuring that prefabricated housing projects meet
local needs and preferences, including through conducting--
(A) public meetings for community members to voice
opinions, ask questions, and provide feedback on
proposed affordable housing developments;
(B) surveys, in multiple languages, to gather
opinions and suggestions from community members about
planning and development processes; and
(C) neighborhood walkthroughs and site visits to
allow community members to see potential housing
development sites and discuss concerns and suggestions.
(d) Priority.-- The Secretary shall give grant priority to projects
that demonstrate the potential to--
(1) increase affordable housing stock;
(2) utilize sustainable building practices; and
(3) create community benefits.
(e) Application Process.--
(1) Submission.--To be eligible to receive amounts under
this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to
the Secretary, at such a time and in such a manner as the
Secretary may reasonably require, that describes the scope,
objectives, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes of the
project for which such eligible entity shall use any amounts
provided under this section.
(2) Review and approval.--Each application received by the
Secretary shall be reviewed by a panel of experts, to be
selected by the Secretary, who shall evaluate such applications
on criteria including--
(A) innovation;
(B) feasibility;
(C) impact on affordable housing; and
(D) alignment with the goals of the programs under
this title.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary $15,000,000,000 for grants under this section.
(2) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts appropriated
pursuant to this subsection shall remain available for a period
of 10 years.
(g) Reporting and Accountability.--
(1) Progress reports.--Each eligible entity that receives
amounts under this section shall submit quarterly progress
reports to the Secretary detailing the--
(A) use of funds;
(B) research developments; and
(C) any challenges encountered.
(2) Audits.--The Secretary shall conduct regular audits to
ensure compliance with grant terms and the effective use of
funds.
SEC. 207. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(a) Affordable Housing.--The term ``affordable housing'' has the
meaning of the term section 215 of title 2 in the Cranston-Gonzalez
National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12745).
(b) Manufactured Housing.--The term ``manufactured housing'' means
housing that is built entirely in a factory, transported to a site, and
installed on a permanent chassis.
(c) Modular Housing.--The term ``modular housing'' means housing
that is built in sections in a factory setting and then transported to
the construction site for assembly.
(d) Panelized Housing.--The term ``panelized housing'' means to
housing where panels, such as walls and floors, are prebuilt in a
factory and then assembled on-site.
(e) Prefabricated Housing.--The term ``prefabricated housing''
means housing that is manufactured offsite, in advance, usually in
standard sections, that can be easily shipped and assembled, and
includes--
(1) modular housing;
(2) panelized housing; and
(3) manufactured housing.
(f) National Prefabricated Housing Technology Center.--The term
``National Prefabricated Housing Technology Center'' means a
comprehensive, multidisciplinary institution dedicated to advancing the
technology, innovation, and adoption of prefabricated housing, serving
as a central hub for research, development, education, and
collaboration in the prefabricated housing industry.
(g) The Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development.
TITLE III--NATIONAL BUILDING CODE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
SEC. 1. THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE.
(a) Authority.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
(hereafter referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall, in consultation
with relevant Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies not later than
3 years after date of the enactment of this section, develop a National
Building Code for Affordable Housing (hereafter referred to as the
``Code'').
(b) Objectives.--The Code to be developed under subsection (a)
shall do the following:
(1) Streamline the building approval process to reduce
delays and costs associated with housing construction.
(2) Promote the use of modern construction techniques and
materials that enhance affordability, durability, and energy
efficiency.
(3) Standardize building codes across States to minimize
regulatory discrepancies and facilitate interstate housing
development.
(4) Ensure that the building code supports the development
of a diverse range of housing types, including single-family
housing, multi-family units, and manufactured housing.
(c) Stakeholder Input.--The Secretary shall, when developing the
code under subsection (a), solicit feedback from stakeholders,
including--
(1) State, local, and Tribal government officials;
(2) private-sector stakeholders, such as developers,
homebuilders, creditors, real estate professionals,
manufacturers, and academic researchers; and
(3) renters, advocates, and homeowners.
SEC. 2. GRANT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall, on the date that the Code is
developed under section 1, establish a grant program to incentivize the
adoption of the Code by units of State and local government.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary $10,000,000,000 for grants under this section.
(2) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts appropriated
pursuant to this subsection shall remain available for a period
of 10 years.
SEC. 3. REPORTING AND EVALUATION.
(a) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall submit an annual report to
Congress on the implementation and impact of the Code, including--
(1) the number of States and localities that have adopted
the code;
(2) the impact of the Code on housing affordability and
supply; and
(3) recommendations for further improvements to the Code.
(b) Evaluation.--Not later than 5 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit a report to Congress on the effectiveness of the Code in
reducing housing costs and increasing housing supply.
TITLE IV--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 101. EFFECTIVE DATES.
(a) Title I.--Title I shall take effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(b) Title II.--Title II shall take effect 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
(c) Title III.--Title III shall take effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 102. COMPLIANCE WITH THE DAVIS-BACON ACT.
All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and
subcontractors in the performance of construction work financed in
whole or in part by amounts provided under this Act shall be paid wages
at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character
similar in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in
accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States
Code.
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