HJ67: Affordable housing; Virginia Housing Commission to study the definition.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 67

Offered January 8, 2020
Prefiled January 7, 2020
Directing the Virginia Housing Commission to study the definition of "affordable housing" in the Commonwealth. Report.
Patron-- Orrock

Committee Referral Pending

WHEREAS, the availability of affordable housing is of great statewide importance; and

WHEREAS, political subdivisions throughout the Commonwealth have adopted different standards in determining what constitutes affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth and its citizens may benefit from an examination and understanding of what constitutes affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Housing Commission is best situated to lead the discussion and make recommendations with regard to a possible definition of affordable housing for use by the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Virginia Housing Commission be directed to study the definition of "affordable housing" in the Commonwealth.

In conducting its study, the Virginia Housing Commission shall examine the current usage of "affordable housing" in the Commonwealth and among its political subdivisions and the meaning or criteria associated with the phrase. The Commission shall make any recommendations regarding uniformity or statewide standards as appropriate.

Technical assistance shall be provided to the Virginia Housing Commission by the Division of Legislative Services. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Virginia Housing Commission for this study, upon request.

The Virginia Housing Commission shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2020, and the chairman shall submit to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems an executive summary of its findings and recommendations no later than the first day of the 2021 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall state whether the Virginia Housing Commission intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.