The implementation of HB 9181 will significantly influence state laws concerning housing construction and accessibility standards. It positions the federal government as a key player in ensuring that new residential buildings cater to the needs of persons with disabilities. However, the bill explicitly states that it does not invalidate or limit any existing state laws that provide equivalent or greater rights regarding accessibility, thus allowing states with more robust protections to maintain their standards while establishing a federal baseline for visitability.
Summary
House Bill 9181, known as the 'Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act of 2024', mandates that all newly constructed, federally assisted single-family houses and townhouses comply with minimum visitability standards for individuals with disabilities. This legislation aims to ensure that new housing stock is accessible to all, allowing individuals with mobility limitations to have equal access to residential properties. The bill outlines specific designs and features that must be integrated into these homes, promoting a more inclusive living environment.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 9181 is the potential financial burden it could impose on builders and developers. Critics argue that the added requirements may increase construction costs, thus raising housing prices. Supporters of the bill counter that the increase in accessibility will lead to enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities and that long-term, it may reduce costs associated with retrofitting or modifying homes to accommodate these individuals post-construction. The debate highlights the balance between ensuring accessibility and maintaining economic feasibility in the housing market.
Barriers and Regulatory Obstacles Avoids Deployment of Broadband Access and Needs Deregulatory Leadership Act or the BROADBAND Leadership ActThis bill limits the authority of a state or locality to regulate the placement, construction, or modification of telecommunications service facilities.States and localities may not discriminate in such regulations among providers of telecommunications services, including based on the technology used to provide services. In addition, states and localities may not regulate in a manner that effectively prohibits the provision or improvement of interstate or intrastate telecommunications services.However, states and localities may charge reasonable, cost-based fees (1) to review requests to place, construct, or modify telecommunications service facilities; or (2) for the use of property owned or managed by the state or locality for the placement, construction, or modification of those facilities.States or localities must respond to requests to place, construct, or modify facilities and for other related actions by specified deadlines. Such deadlines may only be tolled by a mutual agreement between the applicant and the state or locality, or in the event that the application is incomplete and requires a supplemental submission. If a decision is not made by the deadline, the request is deemed to be approved. Further, denials of requests must be made in writing, supported by evidence, and promptly released to the public.A person adversely affected by an alleged violation of these provisions may petition the courts for expedited review of the actions of the state or locality.