Subcommittee pauses HB 10 21 and asks JLARC to study affordability in assisted living
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Summary
HB 10 21 would let localities with affordable‑housing programs require affordable rental units in special‑use permits for assisted‑living facilities; the Virginia Assisted Living Association opposed zoning mandates for assisted living and the subcommittee carried the bill with a request to JLARC to include the issue in its study.
The subcommittee considered HB 10 21, which would allow localities that have adopted an affordable housing program to require affordable rental units be included in applications for special exemptions or special‑use permits for assisted‑living facilities. The chair framed the bill as targeting affordability in assisted living and sought testimony.
Julia Hammond, speaking for the Virginia Assisted Living Association, opposed addressing assisted‑living affordability through zoning mandates. "We are not traditional housing," she said, noting assisted living includes regulated services and payment structures with Department of Social Services requirements that make simple rent mandates unsuitable. Hammond suggested the issue be included in the JLARC study. Committee members moved to carry the bill over to the next year and requested a letter to JLARC to include the topic in its upcoming study; the motion carried by voice vote.
