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Republicans say eviction-reform bills stalled as rent-control proposals advance
Summary
House and Senate Republican members at a press availability criticized the Legislature's housing agenda, saying eviction-reform bills did not advance and that rent-stabilization measures could worsen supply; they cited one long-running supply bill that later moved out of committee but stalled on appropriations.
Republican members of the House and Senate criticized the Legislature’s approach to housing policy during a Republican media availability, saying eviction-reform measures favored by some stakeholders did not advance while rent-stabilization proposals gained attention.
"We did not advance any policy or any legislation with regards to eviction reform," Representative Andrew Barkus said, adding that the housing committee instead focused on "supply-side" measures he described as counterproductive. Barkus and others said only a small number of eviction-related bills moved out of committee.
Speakers criticized rent-stabilization proposals as potentially "anti-supply," and cited proposed ownership limits discussed during the session (examples mentioned include proposals to limit individuals or corporations to 25 homes or cap manufactured-home group ownership). Barkus said one major supply bill he described as the result of three years’ work passed out of the housing committee but ran into fiscal hurdles in appropriations before returning to committee and ultimately moving forward.
Senate Republican Leader John Braun and other GOP members said the pattern of committee choices left Republicans disappointed that bills they see as directly addressing eviction and housing-access problems were not prioritized. "It just seemed very counterintuitive," one Republican said of the committee’s agenda.
Reporters pressed Republicans on why the housing agenda went in this direction; GOP leaders suggested the majority’s priorities and a focus on rent stabilization were the cause. The availability did not include Democratic responses; reporters were told to consult committee records and future hearings for additional detail.
The Republican leaders emphasized that they will continue to press for policies they say will increase supply and address eviction concerns as the session continues.
