Big Idea

• Representatives Kaiser and Chávez introduced legislation to improve housing supply
• It was also intended to address homelessness statewide
• The legislation met with a great deal of resistance
• Now, the amendment establishes a study committee to consider the issue and propose solutions
• Read more...

Representative Kaiser Amends Legislation to Enhance Housing Supply

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – State Representative Steve Kaiser announced today he will offer a strike-everything amendment to HB 2674 during Monday’s meeting of the House Appropriations Committee. The bipartisan legislation originally sponsored by Representatives Kaiser and César Chávez seeks to improve housing supply and address homelessness statewide.

“The amendment establishes a study committee to assess housing supply and access in our state, consider potential legislative solutions, and solicit ideas and opinions from the community,” said Representative Kaiser. “It reflects continuing conversations Representative Chávez and I have had with constituents and stakeholders. It’s clear to us that more input is necessary and that’s what we intend to achieve through this revised proposal. I want to thank my constituents for reaching out and I remain fully committed to the goal of increasing supply of housing for Arizona families.”

The study committee will be required to submit a final report by December 31, 2022, presenting findings and recommendations of legislative priorities that will foster a positive housing supply in the state. An independent third party will be commissioned by the Arizona Department of Housing to assess the state’s housing supply and to help augment the study committee’s recommendations.

Steve Kaiser is a small business owner, veteran, and a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 15, which includes the north Phoenix area.

Here is the new proposed legislation:

PROPOSED

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AMENDMENTS TO H.B. 2674

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"Section 1. Housing supply study committee; membership; duties; report; delayed repeal

A. The housing supply study committee is established consisting of the following members:

1. Two members of the senate who are appointed by the president of the senate and who are of different political parties. The president of the senate shall designate one of these members to serve as cochairperson of the committee.

2. Two members of the house of representatives who are appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and who are of different political parties. The speaker of the house of representatives shall designate one of these members to serve as cochairperson of the committee.

3. The director of the Arizona department of housing or the director's designee.

4. Two representatives of the building industry who are appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

5. Two representatives from a city or town or a statewide organization that represents cities and towns who are appointed by the president of the senate.

6. One public member who is appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

B. The committee shall:

1. Meet as often as the chairpersons deem necessary.

2. Review data on the scope of housing supply and access.

3. Commission an independent entity to assess housing supply throughout this state.

4. Compile an overview of potential legislation.

5. Solicit ideas and opinions of industry experts and the community on additional legislation.

6. On or before December 31, 2022, submit a final report regarding the committee's findings and recommendations of legislative priorities that will foster a positive housing supply in this state to the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate and provide a copy of this report to the director of the Arizona department of housing.

C. This section is repealed from and after June 30, 2023.

Sec. 2. Appropriation; housing supply study committee

The sum of $300,000 is appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2022-2023 to the housing supply study committee for the purposes of this act.

Sec. 3. Emergency

This act is an emergency measure that is necessary to preserve the public peace, health or safety and is operative immediately as provided by law."