The Senate on June 28 passed House Bill 23 16, a bill that gives the Department of Administrative Services startup funding to identify and designate state-owned and locally nominated parcels within urban growth boundaries as Home Start Lands for affordable housing development.

Sponsor Senator Pham said the bill provides $859,000 from the general fund for Department of Administrative Services startup costs and authorizes DAS to facilitate the sale, transfer or lease of designated Home Start Lands to housing developers. The measure exempts Home Start Lands from certain land-use laws and property taxes for up to five years and creates a Home Start Lands fund to hold proceeds from property sales less program costs.

Why it matters: The measure aims to make state-owned land available and more easily usable for affordable housing development by reducing legal and tax barriers for a limited time and providing seed funds to support site preparation and developer assistance.

Floor debate and concerns: Senator Robinson said he would vote no, not because he opposed freeing land for housing, but because he objected to the focus on only subsidized affordable housing and the production choices it might encourage. Sponsor Pham and other supporters said the program aims to increase housing supply and urged the Senate to approve the bill.

Vote and outcome: The clerk called the roll and the presiding officer declared House Bill 23 16 passed after receiving a constitutional majority.

Less urgent details: The bill authorizes DAS to provide grants and loans to local developers and requires any proceeds from property sales to be deposited in the Home Start Lands fund net of administrative costs. The measure includes a five‑year tax and land-use exemption window for designated Home Start Lands.