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GA HB400

GA HB400
Community Housing Options Increase Cost Efficiency (CHOICE) Act; enact

summary

Introduced
02/11/2025
In Committee
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/02/2026

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Titles 12, 32, and 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to conservation and natural resources, highways, bridges, and ferries, and state government, respectively, so as to provide for a system whereby certain local governments may seek certifications from the Department of Community Affairs upon the enactment of certain policies that can be used to receive priority in grant and loan applications submitted to state agencies; to provide that the Department of Natural Resources give priority to certified local governments in awarding grants under the federal recreational trails program; to provide that certain certified local governments are not required to provide matching funds when receiving grants under the local maintenance and improvement grant program; to provide that the Department of Community Affairs give priority to certified local governments in awarding grants and loans; to provide for the certification of local governments by the Department of Community Affairs upon the enactment of certain policies; to provide for the revocation of such certifications; to provide for the verification of such certifications by other state agencies; to provide for the determination of population size and median household income of local jurisdictions; to provide for statutory construction; to provide that the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority give priority to certified local governments when awarding grants and loans; to provide definitions; to provide exceptions; to provide for H. B. 400 (SUB) related matters; to provide a short title; to provide legislative findings; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the Community Housing Options Increase Cost Efficiency (CHOICE) Act, aims to address Georgia's housing crisis by incentivizing local governments to adopt policies that promote affordable housing construction. It establishes a certification system managed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) where local governments, defined as "qualified county or municipal corporations" based on population or median household income, can earn certifications like "workforce housing ready community," "workforce housing ready expert," or "workforce and home ownership leader" by enacting a specific number of "qualifying policies." These policies, categorized into tiers, include measures such as reducing minimum home size requirements, allowing duplexes or accessory dwelling units, permitting higher density housing, and streamlining permit processes. Certified local governments will then receive priority in grant and loan applications submitted to various state agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources for federal recreational trails program grants, the Department of Community Affairs for its own grant and loan programs, and the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority. Additionally, certified local governments designated as "workforce and home ownership leaders" will be exempt from providing matching funds for grants under the local maintenance and improvement grant program. The bill also outlines definitions for various housing types and policies, provides for the revocation of certifications if policies are no longer in effect, and mandates that state agencies verify certifications when reviewing applications, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (on 02/26/2026)

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