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Committee reviews substitute to expand affordable housing incentives for projects on religious‑organization land
Summary
Committee staff briefed a proposed substitute to House Bill 18‑59 that would raise the affordable‑unit requirement to qualify for a density bonus and introduce a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying affordable housing projects on land owned by religious organizations; members had clarifying questions but the bill was not finally acted on in
Committee staff summarized a proposed substitute to House Bill 18‑59, a measure addressing incentives for affordable housing projects on property owned or leased by religious organizations.
The proposed substitute would change the underlying bill’s terms by increasing the share of affordable units required to qualify for a density bonus from 20% (proposal) to 50% of units, removing the earlier sales‑tax deferral language and instead creating a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying projects. The exemption in the proposed substitute applies if at least 50% of units are affordable to low‑income households for a stated duration; one amendment would extend the land‑use affordability requirement from 10 to 50 years. Another amendment would restore current law language so a city or county may rather than must develop implementing policies.
Why it matters: The bill uses tax and density incentives to encourage affordable development on land owned by religious organizations and by entities leasing religious property. Members asked clarifying questions about differences between a deferral and an exemption, the income threshold for qualifying units and whether local governments would be required to adopt implementing policies.
Staff briefing and clarifications: Serena Dolly summarized the substitute and the two amendments. Representative Dufo asked staff to repeat the substitute changes and pressed for clarification about how the previous deferral compares to the exemption in the substitute; Dolly explained the deferral required 10% affordable units under the original bill and the proposed substitute raises the threshold and converts the deferral to an exemption, eliminating repayment provisions. Committee members asked follow‑up questions about the duration of affordability and whether the income threshold changed.
Outcome: The committee received the briefing and discussed proposed amendments but did not take a final committee vote on House Bill 18‑59 at this meeting; staff and members indicated further review would occur as the bill moves through the process.
Next steps: The substitute and the amendments will be available for future committee consideration and possible floor action.
