Housing Affordability Institute’s State Legislatures and Housing Reform project monitors how state lawmakers are working to address their states’ housing challenges in 2026.
PROJECT
State Legislatures and Housing Reform 2026 Edition
Today’s housing affordability and access crises stem from years of separate but interconnected issues. As a nation and in major markets, housing has largely been underbuilt since the Great Recession.
State Legislatures and Housing Reform 2026 Edition
Click on any highlighted state for state-specific details. Content updated April 23, 2026.
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Arizona
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 12 – April 25, 2026
Status: In Session
Reform advocates in Arizona continue to press forward across multiple fronts:
Bills To Watch:
- SB1431: This bill prohibits cities and towns from forcing developers to create homeowners’ associations or include shared features or controlled access elements like gates as conditions of subdivision approval, and it clarifies that municipalities cannot require specific aesthetic or design standards for single-family homes and accessory dwelling units. The bill also prevents municipalities from denying or delaying permits based on prohibited requirements. (Passed Senate; no Floor vote before session adjourned)
- SB1787: This bill would codify Sheetz v. El Dorado in state law by requiring individual determinations of all exactions. (Passed 31-24 in the House; Passed 23-5 in the Senate, Vetoed April 7, 2026)
California
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 5 – Aug. 31, 2026
Status: In Session
After several years of successful reforms, the Golden State keeps pressing forward.
Bills to Watch:
- AB1070: Creates a study on shifting missing middle housing to the residential building code. (Passed State Assembly, No Senate Action)
- AB1294: This bill streamlines the project approval process by creating a uniform application, preventing local governments from classifying a permit as incomplete. (Introduced, no committee action).
- AB1903: Construction defect reform legisaltion. (Cleared first Assembly committee).
- SB1014: Required local governments to disclose all requirements for shared and public infrastructure within 30 days of a project’s application. Once provided, these requirements cannot be altered. (Cleared two State Senate committees)
- SB1116: This bill streamlines the production of urban infill townhomes. (Cleared two State Senate committees)
Colorado
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 14 – May 13, 2026
Status: Adjourned
Like Arizona, Colorado saw significant movement in 2024. Unlike Arizona, the effort was led by its governor. Expect more legisaltion, including construciton defect reform, in 2026.
- HB26-1001: Requires many local governments to allow housing developments on certain nonprofit, school, transit, and public agency-owned properties by 2028, even if the land was not previously zoned for housing. (Passed both chambers; signed into law in March)
- HB26-1114: Lot size reform legislation limiting minimum lot sizes over 2,000 square feet. (Passed first committee, but did not progress)
- HB26-1308: Lot size reform legislation limiting minimum lot sizes over 1,200 square feet. (Not heard)
Georgia
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 13 – April 6, 2026
Status: Adjourned
Bills to Watch
Georgia was one of the first red states to discuss housing reform, yet reforms have had difficulties at the legislative level. Expect more reforms to be introduced this sesison including another attempt at tiny homes and building code reform. Two reform bills passed one chamber, only to see the other body not act before the April 6 adjourment.
- HB 1166: Allows a secondary housing unit less than 400 square feet without local zoning approval. (Passed House 111-50 on March 6, No Senate Action)
- SB 437: A private provider inspection bill for the State Building, Plumbing, and Electrical codes, includes plan review. (Passed Senate 52-1, No House action).
- SB 447: The bill establishes defined timelines and review standards for residential development land disturbance permits. It requires an initial municipal review within 45 days and limits additional comments after a second submission to items grounded in adopted code, preventing the introduction of new requirements later in the process. (Passed the House 95-72; Passed the Senate 51-2, Awaiting Governor’s Signature)
Idaho
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 12 – March 27, 2026 (Extended to April 2, 2026)
Status: Adjourned
Idaho had two housing bills see action before its April 2 adjourment, with one becoming law effective July 1, 2026. The 2026 Session was extended one week past its March 27 planned adjournment.
- SB 1352: Idaho’s Starter Home Bill blocks cities from requiring lot sizes larger than 1,500 square feet and modifies setbacks to ensure 12 units per acre. (Passed the Senate 25-10; passed the House 36-34; signed into law))
- SB 1353: This land use reform bill would have allowed twin homes and duplexes. (Passed the Senate 23-11; Died in the House)
- SB 1354: ADUs become a permitted use (one per lot), and neither local governments or HOAs can block ADUs or impose size requirements. (Passed the Senate 25-10; passed the House 47-23; signed into law)
Indiana
Regular Session Dates: Dec. 1, 2025 – Feb. 27, 2026
Status: Adjourned
Bills to Watch
- HB 1001: The bill expands housing by making single-family homes, duplexes, in-home accessory dwelling units, and certain affordable housing projects permitted uses without a public hearing, while also requiring mixed-use and multifamily housing to be allowed in commercial zones if local governments do not opt out. It limits local zoning and design controls by capping parking requirements, prohibiting regulation of residential design elements, restricting lot size, density, setback, and bulk standards on certain parcels, and easing elevator requirements for smaller multifamily buildings. The bill also constrains local fees and permitting practices, sets deadlines for zoning updates tied to comprehensive plans, requires annual housing reporting to the state beginning in 2027. (Signed Into Law: March 4, 2026)
Massachusetts
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 7 – July 31, 2026
Status: In Session
BILLS TO WATCH
Bills from odd-numbered years carry over to even-numbered years in Massachusetts:
- H 1572 / S 2836:The centerpiece of the proposal includes several key changes aimed at promoting housing development. It would permit up to five homes by-right on lots with water and sewer access and three homes by-right on other lots. Minimum parking requirements for new residential developments would be removed, and a new process would allow property owners to subdivide their lots for new housing. The minimum lot size requirement would also be eliminated. Additionally, executive agencies would be required to identify greyfield sites suitable for redevelopment, while the disposition of state-owned land would prioritize affordable housing. Municipalities would face restrictions on adopting excessive septic regulations that hinder housing development. The plan would also clarify that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can be built on the same lot as multi-family housing. (No committee action this session)
Minnesota
Regular Session Dates: Feb. 17 – May 18, 2026
Status: Adjourned
Minnesota’s reform efforts stretch back to 2018, when a state task force called for a surge in housing production and reforms. In the nation’s most closely divided legislature, we’ll see what Minnesota does in this policy year (with all legislative seats and state-level officers up for election in November).
Bills to Watch
While no new bills have been introduced and hearings have just begun, bills from odd-numbered years carry over to even-numbered years in Minnesota:
- SF 4123 / HF 3895: A new version of the Minnesota Starter Home Act has been introduced, combining three land use reform concepts into a single bill. This year’s legisaltion also includes a Montana-style zoning reform menu for infill development. (Bill failed in its House committee of origin; no action in the Senate)
- SF 1750: A comprehensive HOA reform bill that includes a ban on the forced creation of HOAs in Minnesota passed the State Senate last year. (Passed and Signed Into Law)
New York
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 7 – June 4, 2026
Status: In Session
After several years of seeking statewide reforms, Gov. Kathy Hochul is back this year with another initiative: modernizing the Empire State’s environmental review law, State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Lawmakers are also seeking to continue to push forward several initiatives from last year’s legislative session:
Bills to Watch:
- S08662 / A08834: Prevents local units of government from enacting zoning laws that would reduce the number of housing units allowed. (Awaiting Action in Committee)
- S03397-B/ A03647B: Allows faith-based groups to offer housing. (Awaiting Action in Committee)
North Carolina
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 8 – July 31, 2025
Status: In Session
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein made addressing the housing crisis a part of his platform during his 2024 campaign. With many reforms introduced but little action in 2025, we’ll see how North Carolina approaches reforms in 2026.
Bills to Watch
Bills from odd-numbered years carry over to even-numbered years in North Carolina:
- H. 369: Parking reform bill banning parking mandates. (Cleared first Committee on May 19)
- H 625: Menu-style zoning reform. (No action this session.)
- S 495: ADU legalization statewide. (No action this session.)
- S 497: Expands missing middle housing in North Carolina. (No action this session.)
- S 736: This funding bills paves the way for by-right development of affordable housing. (No action this session.)
- H 764: The Local Gov. Development Regulations Omnibus Bill includes more than a dozen land use reform items, including:
- Parking mandate bans
- Bans on build dimensions.
- 90-day shot clock on land use permits. (No action this session.)
- H 876: Development approval shot-clock with allowed third-party approval. (No action this session.)
Oregon
Regular Session Dates: Feb. 2 – March 9, 2026
Status: Adjourned
After several successful years of reforms, no major reforms were tracked by Housing Affordability Institute this session.
Utah
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 20- March 6, 2026
Status: Adjourned
After having challenges getting reforms off the ground in 2024 and several bills passed in 2025, reforms are expected to continue to be part of the housing conversation in Utah in 2026.
- H.B. 184: Utah’s version of a Starter Home bill that would create a formal process allowing builders or property owners to seek approval for homes on smaller lots than local zoning typically allows, with requests deemed approved if local authorities do not act within 30 days. (Did not pass)
Vermont
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 6 – May 8, 2026
Status: Adjourned
After modernizing zoning and land use laws in 2023, Vermont is expected to continue to work through housing-related legislation in 2025.
Bills to Watch
In mid-January, housing advocates in Vermont unveiled the “Let’s Build Homes” initiative, building upon successful legislation in 2025.
- HB 253: Creates workforce housing zones. (No action in 2026)
- S.267: This bill seeks to boost housing production by relaxing regulatory requirements, extending priority housing exemptions through 2030, and enabling more rapid approval and construction of accessory dwelling units. (No action)
Virginia
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 14 – March 14, 2026
Status: Adjourned
Another state with an early adjournment, Virginia’s legislature saw mixed results this session after years of stalled progress:
- S B 454: The state’s missing middle bill, allowing more housing near jobs, passed the Senate 21-19 on Feb.5, but died in committee in the House.
- H B 1279: This “Yes In God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) bill allows faith-based groups to allow housing on their property. (54-41 House Vote, 23-26 Senate Vote)
Washington
Regular Session Dates: Jan. 12- March 12, 2026
Status: Adjourned
Washington continued to make progress in 2026 before its March adjourment:
- HB 2418: This bill is designed to strengthen Washington’s past reforms by reducing delays and uncertainty in permitting (Passed without opposition in both chambers; Signed into law March 27, 2026)
Did we miss a bill? If you are working on legisaltion to increase housing affordability and access, and your legisaltion isn’t listed, send us an email.