Bills · S 2720
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2720Low- and moderate-income housingState and local government operations
Yes in God's Backyard Act
INTRO SEP 4· LAST ACTION SEP 4
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
5
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because affordable housing is a critical issue across the country, with many people struggling to find safe, stable, and affordable places to live. If passed, it could tap into a largely underutilized resource – land owned by religious groups and colleges – to help increase the supply of housing that people can actually afford. By providing both guidance and financial incentives, the bill aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and empower community-based organizations to contribute to solving the housing crisis.
Without this bill, these organizations might continue to face difficulties and lack the knowledge or resources to develop their land for affordable housing. If it becomes law, it could lead to more affordable rental units being built in various communities, potentially easing housing shortages and reducing homelessness for vulnerable populations. It specifically targets areas of opportunity and diverse needs, addressing more than just the sheer number of units but also where they are located and who they serve.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a technical assistance program to help faith-based organizations, colleges, and local governments understand how to develop their property into affordable rental housing.
This program provides crucial knowledge and resources, making it easier for these groups to navigate the complex process of housing development.
PROVISION 02
Creates a Challenge Grant program that offers competitive funding to local and state governments that remove barriers to building affordable housing on land owned by faith-based groups and colleges.
These grants incentivize local governments to streamline regulations and policies, directly accelerating affordable housing projects.
PROVISION 03
Defines 'affordable rental housing' as housing where rent is no more than 30% of a covered household's income, with covered households earning up to 100% of the area median income.
This definition ensures that the housing created truly serves those for whom it is intended, preventing properties from being labeled 'affordable' when they are not.
PROVISION 04
Directs the technical assistance to cover housing for various populations, including those at or below 60% of area median income, homeless individuals, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and intergenerational families.
This ensures the program addresses the specific and diverse housing needs of the most vulnerable and underserved communities.
PROVISION 05
Authorizes $25 million for the technical assistance program in fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
This provision allocates specific federal funding to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 5
D· Virginia
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
59
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 5 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 4
Introduced in Senate
SEP 4
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2720
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 4, 2025
Last actionSep 4, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 4, 2025
Senate BillS 2720Low- and moderate-income housingState and local government operations
Yes in God's Backyard Act
INTRODUCED SEP 4, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 4, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
5
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
