What does Preamble of Freedom to Build Act do?

This bill would require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a Freedom to Build designation for certain localities.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Freedom to Build Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Freedom to Build Act.

What does FREEDOM TO BUILD DESIGNATION. of Freedom to Build Act do?

This section establishes a "Freedom to Build" designation for eligible localities that voluntarily qualify. Localities can qualify by adopting a specified number of reforms, identified through rulemaking, across three categories: unleashing construction innovation, fast-tracking the approval process, and defending property rights and family freedom. Alternatively, localities can qualify by demonstrating sustained housing supply growth meeting an affordability-adjusted target established by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The Secretary will maintain and publish a list of designated localities, updated at least annually. A Freedom to Build designation is effective for five years and renewable. The Secretary may revoke a designation if a locality reverses qualifying reforms or fails to meet the housing supply target.

What does PRIORITIZATION OF FREEDOM TO BUILD DESIGNATED LOCALITIES IN of Freedom to Build Act do?

This section establishes a prioritization of communities with a 'Freedom to Build' designation (established under section 2) for competitive grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The prioritization applies to grants related to housing development, community development, or construction, modification, rehabilitation, or preservation of housing. Congress finds that local regulatory barriers contribute to housing supply constraints and rising costs. Federal investments are more effective when the regulatory environment supports housing construction. Federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, EPA, and USDA, should consider the 'Freedom to Build' designation as a positive factor when evaluating grant applications where housing supply or community development is relevant. An adequate housing supply is deemed important for expanding homeownership and protecting affordability.

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Freedom to Build Act

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2026

Author: Bill Hagerty (R-TN)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill creates a 'Freedom to Build' designation for localities that adopt specific housing-related reforms or demonstrate significant housing supply growth.
Localities receiving the 'Freedom to Build' designation will be prioritized for competitive grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and considered favorably by other federal agencies.
The bill encourages federal agencies to recognize 'Freedom to Build' designations as a positive factor when evaluating grant applications related to housing and community development.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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