H.R. 5601: Faith in Housing Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Faith in Housing Act of 2025, aims to facilitate the construction of affordable housing on land owned by houses of worship by overriding certain state and local regulations. Below are the main components of the bill:

Background and Findings

The bill highlights several key issues related to housing in the United States:

• There is a significant shortage of housing units compared to demand, leading to a crisis in affordable housing.
• The lack of affordable housing contributes to social inequality and limits opportunities for many individuals and families.
• Inability to afford housing can lead to homelessness, which presents challenges both personally for those affected and publicly for support services.
• Houses of worship are noted for their involvement in charitable activities, particularly in providing shelter and housing support for low-income individuals.
• Current regulations restrict the ability of houses of worship to utilize their land for these purposes.
• Allowing houses of worship to develop affordable housing could enhance their ability to serve their communities.
• Housing construction is described as an interstate commerce activity, suggesting that state and local regulations have broader implications on the national housing market.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Preemption of Local Regulations

The bill explicitly states that state and local laws that hinder the construction of affordable housing on land owned by houses of worship will be overridden. The following are important definitions and qualifications relevant to this provision:

• Affordable Housing: Defined as housing that meets specific building safety codes, remains affordable for low-income families, and includes various types of housing constructions and uses, including support services like childcare operated by nonprofit organizations.
• Faith Land: Refers to real estate owned by a house of worship either before January 1, 2023, or for at least five years, which qualifies for development under this bill.
• House of Worship: Includes churches and their organizations recognized under specific tax codes.

Rights and Responsibilities

Under the bill, owners of faith land will have the authority to construct or significantly rehabilitate affordable housing on their properties, following some conditions:

• They must notify the relevant state or local zoning authority of their intent to use the land for affordable housing.
• The development must be consistent with interstate commerce or involve federal assistance.
• Local authorities can still inspect the construction to ensure it meets safety and building requirements.

Additionally, if local laws conflict with these provisions, the bill ensures that the local regulations are preempted, except for those specifically designed to prevent site-specific hazards (like floods or wildfires).

Legal Actions and Costs

The bill allows individuals to bring legal claims if they believe their rights under this act have been violated. Furthermore, it provides for the recovery of attorney fees for successful claims related to violations of the Act.

Applicable Restrictions

The Act will not apply unless the owner of the faith land submits a written notice indicating their intent to invoke the provisions detailed within.

Relevant Companies

None found