Tennessee House Bill HB2955

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 3/11/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8 and Title 13, relative to affordable housing.

Impact

If enacted, HB2955 would establish a structured approach to understanding housing affordability and would require TACIR to compile data and make legislative recommendations aimed at enhancing affordable housing options. The report produced by TACIR is intended to be made available to each member of the General Assembly by January 1, 2025, and will serve as a foundation for potential future legislative actions aimed at addressing the state’s housing challenges.

Summary

House Bill 2955 aims to address the critical issue of affordable housing across Tennessee by mandating a comprehensive study by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR). The study will assess the availability of affordable housing in various local government jurisdictions within the state. By garnering input from entities such as the Department of Human Services and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, the bill seeks to provide a detailed overview of the housing landscape in Tennessee, reflecting various demographic factors including income, race, and employment status. The findings are expected to inform policymakers on how best to increase the affordability of housing moving forward.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB2955 appears to be largely positive among proponents who recognize the urgent necessity for affordable housing solutions in Tennessee. Advocates for the bill see it as a proactive measure to collect vital data that can guide effective housing policies. However, the bill may face scrutiny or contention from those concerned about the effectiveness of studies leading to actionable outcomes and ensuring the recommendations reflect the needs of a diverse population.

Contention

While HB2955 focuses on gathering information and recommendations, a point of contention may arise regarding the adequacy of implementing any proposed legislation that stems from the findings. Stakeholders may debate the types of policies that should be prioritized based on the report's conclusions. There is potential tension between local authorities and state-level directives on how best to address housing affordability, with concerns about whether enough emphasis will be placed on the specific needs of different communities within Tennessee.