Bills · HR 7152
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7152Housing and Community Development
Yes in God's Backyard Act
INTRO JAN 20· LAST ACTION JAN 20
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
9
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to address the ongoing national shortage of affordable housing, a critical issue impacting millions of Americans. By leveraging underutilized land owned by faith-based organizations and universities, it proposes a new pathway to create housing without requiring the purchase of new land, which can be a significant barrier to development. This could lead to more homes in communities where land is scarce or expensive, including in desirable neighborhoods.
If this bill becomes law, it could make it easier and faster for local communities to build housing for vulnerable populations, potentially reducing homelessness and housing insecurity. If it doesn't pass, these organizations and local governments might continue to face the same barriers, leaving existing properties underused and the affordable housing crisis unresolved for many who struggle to find a safe, stable, and affordable place to live.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a technical assistance program to guide faith-based organizations, higher education institutions, and local governments on developing affordable rental housing.
This program provides essential knowledge and resources to groups that may own suitable land but lack the expertise to develop housing.
PROVISION 02
Creates a Challenge Grant program to offer competitive funding to eligible governments that remove barriers to affordable housing development on properties owned by faith-based organizations and universities.
These grants incentivize local policy changes, making it easier and faster to build affordable housing by addressing restrictive regulations.
PROVISION 03
Defines 'affordable rental housing' as housing where rent is no more than 30% of a covered household's income, and 'covered household' as earning up to 100% of the area median income.
This ensures that the new housing created truly serves those who are most in need of affordable options.
PROVISION 04
The technical assistance specifically addresses housing for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, those with disabilities, and other special needs populations.
This provision targets the most vulnerable populations, aiming to provide stable housing solutions for those facing the greatest challenges.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 9
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
41
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 9 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 20
Introduced in House
JAN 20
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7152
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 20, 2026
Last actionJan 20, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 20, 2026
House BillHR 7152Housing and Community Development
Yes in God's Backyard Act
INTRODUCED JAN 20, 2026· LAST ACTION JAN 20, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
9
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
