Janelle Bynum (D-OR)
To authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants to eligible entities to select pre-reviewed designs of covered structures of mixed-income housing for use in the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, and for other purposes.
A Democratic bill with 4 Republican cosponsors · See all 10 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the Accelerating Home Building Act, authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants to eligible entities. These entities can use the funds to select pre-reviewed designs for covered structures of mixed-income housing. The goal is to use these designs within the entity's specific jurisdiction. The bill defines various types of housing, such as duplexes and townhouses, as covered structures. It also establishes specific requirements for how the Secretary reviews applications and how funds are distributed.
Yes· 3 of 18
- Scored +6
Does this make housing cost less?
The bill provides grants to local governments to select pre-reviewed designs for mixed-income and affordable housing, aiming to boost housing production.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill specifically prioritizes affordable housing for households earning below median income levels.
- Scored +4
Would middle-income households be better off under this?
Mixed-income housing developments created through pre-reviewed designs help expand choices for middle-income households.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Streamlined Housing Construction: The use of "pre-reviewed designs" (also known as pattern books) is intended to streamline and expedite approval pathways for housing construction by using plans already assessed and approved by localities for compliance with building and permitting standards (Section 1(a)(7)).
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Increased Affordable Housing Options: The bill focuses on "mixed-income housing" and "affordable housing," which is defined as housing where monthly costs are no more than 30 percent of the monthly household income for those earning not more than 80 percent of the area median income (Section 1(a)(1) and Section 1(a)(6)).
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Support for Rural Communities: The Secretary is required to ensure that at least 10 percent of the grant funds are used for grants to eligible entities located in rural areas (Section 1(d)).
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Technical Assistance for Applicants: The Secretary has the authority to set aside up to 5 percent of appropriated amounts to provide technical assistance to grant recipients and prospective applicants (Section 1(h)(2)).
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Public Information Access: The Secretary is encouraged to have localities make information about selected designs and their benefits available on websites, and the Secretary will collect and share best practices publicly (Section 1(f)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Fund Usage: While grants are provided to select designs, the funds may not be used for actual construction, alteration, or repair work (Section 1(b)).
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Financial Risk for Eligible Entities: An eligible entity may be required to return the grant funds to the Secretary if the selected pre-reviewed designs are not adopted within a 5-year period, unless an extension is granted (Section 1(g)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill specifically prioritizes affordable housing for households earning below median income levels. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Mixed-income housing developments created through pre-reviewed designs help expand choices for middle-income households. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The 10 percent funding set-aside specifically ensures rural communities receive targeted housing design support. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban localities facing housing supply challenges can utilize these grants to streamline infill and mixed-income development. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults entering the housing market often struggle with affordability and can benefit from increased mixed-income housing options. Would business owners be better off under this? — Streamlining local permitting and design reviews can benefit local developers and small builders by reducing approval times. Would children be better off under this? — Stable and affordable housing options benefit families with children. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Increased availability of affordable and diverse housing designs supports middle-aged households looking for housing options. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Indian tribes are explicitly included as eligible entities to receive grants under this legislation. Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees looking for downsized or accessory dwelling options benefit from expanded local housing design choices. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Access to diverse housing structures like accessory dwelling units can assist seniors seeking accessible or smaller living spaces.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — The bill provides grants to local governments to select pre-reviewed designs for mixed-income and affordable housing, aiming to boost housing production. Is this likely to reduce homelessness? — By encouraging the creation of more affordable housing options, the legislation supports efforts to address housing shortages that contribute to homelessness. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Increasing the supply of affordable mixed-income housing can assist low-income households with housing stability.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Streamlining housing designs and promoting housing supply can foster local economic development. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to accelerate housing development and streamline permitting, which can indirectly support local construction and planning jobs.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill explicitly mandates a 10 percent set-aside of grant funds for eligible entities in rural areas to support local housing needs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The legislation requires public reporting on housing production, permit issuance, and the dissemination of best practices on agency websites.
- 3/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/5/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ami BeraDemocrat · California
Chuck EdwardsRepublican · North Carolina
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Scott FitzgeraldRepublican · Wisconsin
Maggie GoodlanderDemocrat · New Hampshire
Sarah McBrideDemocrat · Delaware
Chris PappasDemocrat · New Hampshire
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York
Bryan SteilRepublican · Wisconsin
Kim SchrierDemocrat · Washington