HF 2312: Establishing an affordable housing task force

What it does

This bill establishes an affordable housing task force to study state and local regulations that contribute to the cost of affordable housing and to examine the corresponding public benefit of such regulations relative to their impact on housing costs. The bill requires the task force to examine zoning and land use regulations, state and local building codes, permitting and approval processes, and state and local funding mechanisms affecting the development and availability of affordable housing.

House subcommittee · named February 16, 2026

• Rep. Brett Barker (R) · brett.barker@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Brian K. Lohse (R) · brian.lohse@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Mary Lee Madison (D) · mary.madison@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 18 for, 1 against

For: AARP Iowa; Americans For Prosperity; Autism Speaks; Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity; Habitat for Humanity of Iowa; Home Builders Association of Iowa; Iowa ACEs 360; Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging; Iowa Association of Realtors; Iowa Catholic Conference; Iowa Chapter, American Institute of Architects; Iowa Homeless Coalition; and 6 more

Against: IBEW Iowa State Conference

In plain words

1. February 6, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Economic Growth and Technology committee
2. February 16, 2026House subcommittee named: Barker, Lohse and Madison
3. February 17, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes
4. February 18, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 18, 2026Committee vote: 20–0
6. February 20, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2659