Freedom to Build Act

This bill would require the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create a voluntary "Freedom to Build" designation for localities within 18 months. A locality could qualify by adopting at least 3 reforms from each of three HUD-defined categories: construction methods, the permit approval process, and limits on local mandates such as rent control, affordable-unit set-asides, and energy requirements. Or it could qualify by meeting a housing supply growth target based on local housing costs. Designations would last 5 years, could be renewed, and could be revoked after notice and a 180-day period to fix problems. HUD would have to give priority to applicants in designated communities for its competitive housing and community development grants.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Bill Hagerty Republican sponsor
• 0 cosponsors