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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 10171 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                               H. R. 10171

   To encourage local government reform of zoning and permitting to 
   enhance housing affordability and economic growth, and for other 
                               purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           November 19, 2024

   Mr. Smith of Washington introduced the following bill; which was 
referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the 
Committees on Ways and Means, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a 
 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 
                          committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
   To encourage local government reform of zoning and permitting to 
   enhance housing affordability and economic growth, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

                 TITLE I--ZONING AND PERMITTING REFORM

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Prefabricated Housing and Zoning 
Enhancement Act of 2024''.

SEC. 2. ZONING AND PERMITTING REFORM INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Congressional Findings.--The Congress finds that--
            (1) restrictive zoning and permitting processes contribute 
        to housing shortages and inflated housing costs, and hinder 
        economic development; and
            (2) encouraging local governments to reform zoning and 
        permitting practices can increase housing supply, improve 
        affordability, and stimulate local economies.
    (b) Establishment.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 
shall, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
section, establish and carry out a grant program to provide financial 
incentives to units of local government that implement zoning reforms 
and permitting reforms.
    (c) Eligibility.--
            (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        this section, a unit of local government shall--
                    (A) enact zoning and permitting reforms during the 
                18-month period before the date of application; and
                    (B) submit an application at such time and in such 
                manner as the Secretary may reasonably require that 
                includes a description of--
                            (i) any zoning and permitting reforms 
                        enacted by such unit of local government in the 
                        previous 18 months;
                            (ii) how such reforms are expected to 
                        increase housing supply and make the housing 
                        supply more affordable; and
                            (iii) how the unit of local government 
                        intends to monitor the impacts of such zoning 
                        and permitting reforms.
            (2) Approval by secretary.--The Secretary may only award 
        grants under this section to a unit of local government with 
        zoning and permitting reforms that the Secretary determines 
        will actively increase housing supply and make the housing 
        supply more affordable.
    (d) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority to applicants 
based on the extent to which--
            (1) the zoning and permitting reforms adopted by an 
        applicant--
                    (A) significantly increase the potential for 
                development of affordable housing and housing for 
                middle-income households;
                    (B) reduce barriers to the conversion of non-
                residential buildings to residential use;
                    (C) implement expedited permitting processes for 
                housing developments; and
                    (D) encourage mixed-use development and higher-
                density zoning near transportation hubs; and
            (2) the applicant has--
                    (A) established partnerships with community land 
                trusts;
                    (B) provided funding, land, or other support for 
                community land trust initiatives; and
                    (C) used innovative methods to integrate community 
                land trust models into housing and community 
                development strategies, including inclusionary zoning 
                policies that facilitate community land trust projects 
                and tax incentives for land donations to community land 
                trusts.
    (e) Use of Grant Amounts.--Amounts from a grant under the program 
under this section may be used by a unit of local government only for--
            (1) infrastructure improvements related to increased 
        housing development;
            (2) technical assistance and capacity building for local 
        planning and development agencies; and
            (3) establishing or enhancing community engagement and 
        consultation processes related to zoning and permitting 
        reforms.
    (f) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide technical 
assistance to units of local government awarded grants under this 
section to assist such units of local government in--
            (1) fostering successful partnerships with community land 
        trusts;
            (2) developing projects; and
            (3) engaging with the community.
    (g) Supplemental Community Land Trust Amounts.--
            (1) In general.--Each unit of local government awarded a 
        grant under this section shall be eligible to receive 
        additional amounts from the Secretary to be used by the unit of 
        local government to support the establishment and expansion of 
        community land trusts.
            (2) Use of amounts.--Supplemental amounts provided under 
        this subsection may only be used for--
                    (A) local capacity building activities of a local 
                community land trust;
                    (B) land acquisition by a local community land 
                trust;
                    (C) project development by local community land 
                trust; or
                    (D) other operation needs of a local community land 
                trust.
            (3) Priority.--When providing supplemental amounts under 
        this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to units of 
        local government that can demonstrate a history of supporting 
        and collaborating with community land trusts.
            (4) Authorization of appropriations.--
                    (A) In general.--There is authorized to be 
                appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are 
                necessary to provide supplemental amounts under this 
                subsection.
                    (B) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts 
                appropriated pursuant to this paragraph shall remain 
                available until expended.
    (h) Reports.--
            (1) In general.--Each unit of local government that 
        receives a grant under this section shall, each year, submit a 
        report to the Secretary that includes such information as the 
        Secretary determines necessary to evaluate the impacts of the 
        zoning and permitting reforms enacted by the unit of local 
        government.
            (2) Additional requirement.--Each unit of local government 
        that receives supplemental amounts under subsection (g) shall 
        include, in the annual report required under this section, 
        information about the efforts of such unit of local government 
        to promote and collaborate with community land trusts, the 
        outcomes of such efforts, and any barriers encountered by such 
        unit of local government.
            (3) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall compile the 
        reports submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) and submit a 
        compilation of such reports to the Congress each year that 
        includes--
                    (A) an evaluation of efforts of community land 
                trust initiatives supported with amounts provided under 
                subsection (g) and how such efforts promote long-term 
                affordable housing and sustainable community 
                development; and
                    (B) any recommendations the Secretary may have for 
                further legislative or administrative action to 
                encourage zoning and permitting reform.
    (i) Best Practices.--The Secretary shall disseminate best practices 
and guidelines to units of local government that receive grants under 
this section relating to the integration of community land trust models 
into local housing strategies, including mechanisms for ensuring long-
term affordability and community stewardship of land.
    (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated for 
        grants under this section $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 
        and each fiscal year thereafter.
            (2) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts appropriated 
        pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until 
        expended.
    (k) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the following 
definitions shall apply:
            (1) Community land trust.--The term ``community land 
        trust'' means a nonprofit organization that--
                    (A) acquires and holds land for the benefit of the 
                community and operates under community governance to 
                ensure long-term stewardship of land; and
                    (B) provides affordable housing opportunities 
                through long-term ground leases, which are subject to 
                community accountability measures and deed restrictions 
                to maintain affordability and compliance with community 
                objectives.
            (2) Permitting reform.-- The term ``permitting reform'' 
        means a modification of permit-related processes that has the 
        effect of significantly decreasing the amount of time 
        associated with obtaining construction or development approvals 
        from a unit of local government.
            (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Housing and Urban Development.
            (4) Unit of local government.-- The term ``unit of local 
        government'' means any city, county, town, township, parish, 
        village, or other general purpose subdivision of a State.
            (5) Zoning reform.--The term ``zoning reform'' means a 
        modification to local land use regulations that has the effect 
        of increasing housing capacity and diversity of housing 
        ownership.

          TITLE II--PREFABRICATED HOUSING INCENTIVES PROGRAMS

SEC. 201. GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 
shall, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
title, establish a grant program to provide financial assistance to 
eligible entities.
    (b) Eligible Entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' in this section 
means--
            (1) a company that manufactures modular housing, panelized 
        housing, or manufactured housing components;
            (2) a developer utilizing prefabricated housing in their 
        projects; or
            (3) an organization supporting the prefabricated housing 
        supply chain.
    (c) Use of Amounts.--Amounts awarded under this section shall be 
used by an eligible entity for 1 or more projects that will--
            (1) demonstrate the potential to increase affordable 
        housing stock;
            (2) utilize sustainable building practices;
            (3) create jobs in the prefabricated housing sector; and
            (4) contribute to the advancement of prefabrication 
        technologies.
    (d) Application Process.--
            (1) Submission.--To be eligible to receive amounts under 
        this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to 
        the Secretary, at such a time and in such a manner as the 
        Secretary may reasonably require, that describes the scope, 
        objectives, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes of the 
        project for which such eligible entity shall use any amounts 
        provided under this section.
            (2) Review and approval.--Each application received by the 
        Secretary shall be reviewed by a panel of experts, to be 
        selected by the Secretary, who shall evaluate such applications 
        on criteria including--
                    (A) innovation;
                    (B) feasibility;
                    (C) impact on affordable housing; and
                    (D) alignment with the goals of the programs under 
                this title.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Secretary $30,000,000,000 for grants under this section.
            (2) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts appropriated 
        pursuant to this subsection shall remain available for a period 
        of 10 years.
    (f) Reporting and Accountability.--
            (1) Progress reports.--Each eligible entity that receives 
        amounts under this section shall submit quarterly progress 
        reports to the Secretary detailing the--
                    (A) use of funds;
                    (B) project developments; and
                    (C) any challenges encountered.
            (2) Audits.--The Secretary shall conduct regular audits to 
        ensure compliance with grant terms and the effective use of 
        funds.

SECTION 202. MANUFACTURED HOUSING TAX CREDIT.

    (a) In General.--Subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 
of subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by 
inserting after section 48E the following new section:

``SEC. 48F. MANUFACTURED HOUSING CREDIT.

    ``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 46, the manufactured 
housing credit for any taxable year is an amount equal to 20 percent of 
the qualified investment for such taxable year with respect to any 
qualified manufactured housing project of the taxpayer.
    ``(b) Qualified Investment.--
            ``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a), the term 
        `qualified investment' means--
                    ``(A) with respect to a project described in 
                subsection (c)(1)(A), the basis of any qualified 
                property placed in service by the taxpayer during such 
                taxable year which is part of a qualified housing 
                manufacturing facility, and
                    ``(B) with respect to a project described in 
                subsection (c)(2)(A), the sum of the following amounts 
                which are paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the 
                taxable year in carrying on any trade or business of 
                the taxpayer with respect to qualified research and 
                development:
                            ``(i) in-house research expenses (as 
                        defined in section 41(b)(2)), and
                            ``(ii) contract research expenses (as 
                        defined in section 41(b)(3)).
            ``(2) Certain qualified progress expenditure rules made 
        applicable.--Rules similar to the rules of subsections (c)(4) 
        and (d) of section 46 (as in effect on the day before the 
        enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990) shall 
        apply for purposes of this section.
            ``(3) Limitation.--The amount which is treated as the 
        qualified investment for all taxable years with respect to any 
        qualified housing manufacturing facility or qualified research 
        and development shall not exceed the amount designated by the 
        Secretary as eligible for the credit under this section.
    ``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
            ``(1) Qualified manufactured housing project.--The term 
        `qualified manufactured housing project' means a project, any 
        portion of the qualified investment of which is certified by 
        the Secretary under subsection (e) as eligible for a credit 
        under this section--
                    ``(A) which equips, expands, or establishes a 
                qualified housing manufacturing facility, or
                    ``(B) which facilitates qualified research and 
                development.
            ``(2) Qualified property.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified property' 
                means property--
                            ``(i) which is tangible property,
                            ``(ii) which is--
                                    ``(I) constructed, reconstructed, 
                                or erected by the taxpayer, or
                                    ``(II) acquired by the taxpayer if 
                                the original use of such property 
                                commences with the taxpayer, and
                            ``(iii) which is integral to the operation 
                        of the qualified housing manufacturing 
                        facility.
                    ``(B) Buildings and structural components.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term `qualified 
                        property' includes any building or its 
                        structural components which otherwise satisfy 
                        the requirements under subparagraph (A).
                            ``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not 
                        apply with respect to a building or portion of 
                        a building used for offices, administrative 
                        services, or other functions unrelated to 
                        manufacturing.
            ``(3) Qualified housing manufacturing facility.--The term 
        `qualified housing manufacturing facility' means a facility the 
        primary purpose of which is the manufacturing of--
                    ``(A) manufactured housing,
                    ``(B) modular housing,
                    ``(C) panelized housing, or
                    ``(D) prefabricated housing.
            ``(4) Manufactured housing, modular housing, panelized 
        housing, prefabricated housing.--The terms `manufactured 
        housing', `modular housing', `panelized housing', and 
        `prefabricated housing' have the respective meanings given such 
        terms in section 207 of the `Prefabricated Housing and Zoning 
        Enhancement Act of 2024'.
            ``(5) Qualified research and development.--The term 
        `qualified research and development' means research and 
        development activities relating to--
                    ``(A) new methods or materials for prefabricated 
                housing, manufactured housing, modular housing, or 
                panelized housing, which enhance durability, 
                efficiency, or cost-effectiveness in manufacturing,
                    ``(B) sustainable building practices and materials 
                which reduce the environmental impact of such housing, 
                and
                    ``(C) the use of advanced technologies, including 
                automation, robotics, and smart home systems, in the 
                manufacturing process.
    ``(d) Special Rules.--
            ``(1) Denial of double benefit.--A credit shall not be 
        allowed under this section for any qualified investment for 
        which a credit is allowed under section 41 or 48D.
            ``(2) Coordination with rehabilitation credit.--The 
        qualified investment with respect to any advanced manufacturing 
        facility for any taxable year shall not include that portion of 
        the basis of any property which is attributable to qualified 
        rehabilitation expenditures (as defined in section 47(c)(2)).
    ``(e) Qualified Manufactured Housing Investment Program.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 365 days after 
                the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary 
                shall establish a qualified manufactured housing 
                investment program to consider and award certifications 
                for qualified investments eligible for credits under 
                this section.
                    ``(B) Limitation.--The total amount of credits that 
                may be allocated under the program shall not exceed 
                $3,000,000,000.
            ``(2) Certification.--
                    ``(A) Application period.--Each applicant for 
                certification under this paragraph shall submit an 
                application containing such information as the 
                Secretary may require during the 1-year period 
                beginning on the date the Secretary establishes the 
                program under paragraph (1).
                    ``(B) Time to meet criteria for certification.--
                Each applicant for certification shall have 1 year from 
                the date of acceptance by the Secretary of the 
                application during which to provide to the Secretary 
                evidence that the requirements of the certification 
                have been met.
                    ``(C) Period of issuance.--An applicant which 
                receives a certification shall have 3 years from the 
                date of issuance of the certification in order to place 
                the project in service and if such project is not 
                placed in service by that time period, then the 
                certification shall no longer be valid.
            ``(3) Selection criteria.--In determining which projects to 
        certify under this section, the Secretary shall--
                    ``(A) take into consideration only those projects 
                where there is a reasonable expectation of commercial 
                viability, and
                    ``(B) prioritize projects that--
                            ``(i) increase affordable housing stock, 
                        particularly for low- and moderate-income 
                        families,
                            ``(ii) incorporate advanced manufacturing 
                        technologies and innovations that improve 
                        efficiency, reduce costs, or increase the 
                        quality of manufactured housing,
                            ``(iii) align with local efforts to 
                        streamline zoning and permitting processes or 
                        those that comply with new local zoning 
                        reforms,
                            ``(iv) demonstrate the ability to make use 
                        of additional private or public funding,
                            ``(v) are ready to begin construction or 
                        implementation within a short time frame, and
                            ``(vi) use replicable, scalable 
                        construction methods that can align with 
                        varying regional building code requirements.
            ``(4) Review and redistribution.--
                    ``(A) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
                of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
                review the credits allocated under this section as of 
                such date.
                    ``(B) Redistribution and reallocation.--Rules 
                similar to the rules of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of 
                section 48C(d)(4) shall apply.
            ``(5) Disclosure of allocations.--The Secretary shall, upon 
        making a certification under this subsection, publicly disclose 
        the identity of the applicant and the amount of the credit with 
        respect to such applicant.
    ``(f) Regulations and Guidance.--The Secretary shall issue such 
regulations or other guidance as may be necessary or appropriate to 
carry out the purposes of this section.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Section 46 of such Code is amended in paragraph (6) by 
        striking ``and'' at the end, in paragraph (7) by striking the 
        period at the end and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the 
        end the following new paragraph:
            ``(8) the manufactured housing credit.''.
            (2) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of 
        subchapter A of chapter 1 of subtitle A of such Code is amended 
        by adding at the end the following new item:

``Sec. 48F. Manufactured housing credit.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 203. INNOVATION CENTERS.

    (a) Innovation Centers.--The Secretary, in coordination with 
relevant partners as determined by the Secretary, shall establish a 
network of National Prefabricated Housing Technology Centers (hereafter 
referred to as ``Centers'') to promote research and development in 
prefabrication technologies, materials, and processes.
    (b) Goals of the Centers.--The goals of the Centers shall include 
the following:
            (1) Developing and refining new methods and materials for 
        prefabricated housing to enhance durability, efficiency, and 
        cost-effectiveness.
            (2) Researching sustainable building practices and 
        materials to reduce the environmental impact of prefabricated 
        housing.
            (3) Investigating and implementing advanced technologies 
        like automation, robotics, and smart home systems in the 
        prefabricated housing manufacturing process.
            (4) Providing training programs and certifications for 
        builders, architects, and engineers in prefabricated housing 
        techniques and technologies.
            (5) Educating the public on the benefits and options 
        available in prefabricated housing to increase acceptance and 
        adoption.
            (6) Funding vocational training programs and partnerships 
        with community colleges to create a skilled workforce 
        proficient in prefabricated and modular construction methods, 
        including--
                    (A) coursework on modern construction techniques;
                    (B) improving safety practices; and
                    (C) the use of advanced manufacturing equipment.
            (7) Fostering partnerships with construction companies, 
        manufacturers, academic institutions, and government agencies 
        to drive innovation and share knowledge.
            (8) Working with policymakers to develop and promote 
        regulations and incentives that support the growth of the 
        prefabricated housing industry.
            (9) Developing and promoting industry standards and best 
        practices to ensure high-quality, safe, and reliable 
        prefabricated housing products.
            (10) Establishing testing and certification programs to 
        guarantee that prefabricated housing units meet or exceed 
        regulatory and industry standards.
            (11) Promoting prefabricated housing as a viable solution 
        for affordable housing that addresses the housing shortage in 
        various communities.
            (12) Supporting job creation within the prefabricated 
        housing sector through training and development programs.
            (13) Creating a central database of research, case studies, 
        and best practices, to be accessible to industry stakeholders 
        and the public.
            (14) Supporting startups and small businesses in the 
        prefabricated housing sector by providing resources, 
        mentorship, and funding opportunities.
            (15) Regularly assessing, benchmarking, and comparing the 
        activities the center engages in with global standards to 
        ensure it remains at the forefront of the industry.
            (16) Supporting the use of sustainable materials and 
        energy-efficient designs in prefabricated housing.
            (17) Supporting the integration of resilient construction 
        practices to ensure that prefabricated housing can withstand 
        natural disasters and other challenges.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary $1,000,000,000 to carry out this section.

SEC. 204. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall, not later than 1 year after 
the date of the enactment of this title, establish a grant program to 
provide financial assistance to eligible entities.
    (b) Eligible Entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' in this section 
means a--
            (1) university;
            (2) private company;
            (3) government agency; or
            (4) collaborative partnership.
    (c) Use of Amounts.--Amounts awarded under this section shall be 
used by an eligible entity for a project that will focus on the 
development of--
            (1) new prefabrication technologies;
            (2) sustainable materials; or
            (3) advanced manufacturing techniques that enhance the 
        quality, affordability, and environmental performance of 
        prefabricated housing.
    (d) Application Process.--
            (1) Submission.--To be eligible to receive amounts under 
        this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to 
        the Secretary, at such a time and in such a manner as the 
        Secretary may reasonably require, that describes the scope, 
        objectives, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes of the 
        project for which such eligible entity shall use any amounts 
        provided under this section.
            (2) Review and approval.--Each application received by the 
        Secretary shall be reviewed by a panel of experts, to be 
        selected by the Secretary, who shall evaluate such applications 
        on criteria including--
                    (A) innovation;
                    (B) feasibility;
                    (C) impact on affordable housing; and
                    (D) alignment with the goals of the programs under 
                this title.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Secretary $1,000,000,000 for grants under this section.
            (2) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts appropriated 
        pursuant to this section shall remain available for a period of 
        10 years.
    (f) Reporting and Accountability.--
            (1) Progress reports.--Each eligible entity that receives 
        amounts under this section shall submit quarterly progress 
        reports to the Secretary detailing the--
                    (A) use of funds;
                    (B) project developments; and
                    (C) any challenges encountered.
            (2) Audits.--The Secretary shall conduct regular audits to 
        ensure compliance with grant terms and the effective use of 
        funds.

SEC. 205. TECHNICAL SUPPORT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide technical assistance 
to State and local governments with respect to--
            (1) streamlining the permitting process for prefabricated 
        and modular housing projects;
            (2) reducing bureaucratic hurdles; and
            (3) accelerating project timelines.
    (b) Development of Model Codes and Processes.--The Secretary shall, 
not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, 
convene a panel of expert to develop and provide technical assistance 
on--
            (1) a model permitting process for construction using 
        prefabricated construction methods; and
            (2) a model building codes that support the use of 
        prefabricated construction methods.

SEC. 206. COMMUNITY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall, not later than 1 year after 
the date of the enactment of this title, establish a grant program to 
provide financial assistance to eligible entities.
    (b) Eligible Entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' in this section 
means a--
            (1) nonprofit organization;
            (2) local government;
            (3) housing authority; or
            (4) developer.
    (c) Use of Funds.--Amounts awarded under this section shall be used 
by an eligible entity on projects that--
            (1) serve low-income and moderate-income households;
            (2) address specific community needs;
            (3) utilize prefabricated and modular constructions 
        methods; and
            (4) involve communities in planning and development 
        processes, ensuring that prefabricated housing projects meet 
        local needs and preferences, including through conducting--
                    (A) public meetings for community members to voice 
                opinions, ask questions, and provide feedback on 
                proposed affordable housing developments;
                    (B) surveys, in multiple languages, to gather 
                opinions and suggestions from community members about 
                planning and development processes; and
                    (C) neighborhood walkthroughs and site visits to 
                allow community members to see potential housing 
                development sites and discuss concerns and suggestions.
    (d) Priority.-- The Secretary shall give grant priority to projects 
that demonstrate the potential to--
            (1) increase affordable housing stock;
            (2) utilize sustainable building practices; and
            (3) create community benefits.
    (e) Application Process.--
            (1) Submission.--To be eligible to receive amounts under 
        this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to 
        the Secretary, at such a time and in such a manner as the 
        Secretary may reasonably require, that describes the scope, 
        objectives, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes of the 
        project for which such eligible entity shall use any amounts 
        provided under this section.
            (2) Review and approval.--Each application received by the 
        Secretary shall be reviewed by a panel of experts, to be 
        selected by the Secretary, who shall evaluate such applications 
        on criteria including--
                    (A) innovation;
                    (B) feasibility;
                    (C) impact on affordable housing; and
                    (D) alignment with the goals of the programs under 
                this title.
    (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Secretary $15,000,000,000 for grants under this section.
            (2) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts appropriated 
        pursuant to this subsection shall remain available for a period 
        of 10 years.
    (g) Reporting and Accountability.--
            (1) Progress reports.--Each eligible entity that receives 
        amounts under this section shall submit quarterly progress 
        reports to the Secretary detailing the--
                    (A) use of funds;
                    (B) research developments; and
                    (C) any challenges encountered.
            (2) Audits.--The Secretary shall conduct regular audits to 
        ensure compliance with grant terms and the effective use of 
        funds.

SEC. 207. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
     (a) Affordable Housing.--The term ``affordable housing'' has the 
meaning of the term section 215 of title 2 in the Cranston-Gonzalez 
National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12745).
    (b) Manufactured Housing.--The term ``manufactured housing'' means 
housing that is built entirely in a factory, transported to a site, and 
installed on a permanent chassis.
    (c) Modular Housing.--The term ``modular housing'' means housing 
that is built in sections in a factory setting and then transported to 
the construction site for assembly.
    (d) Panelized Housing.--The term ``panelized housing'' means to 
housing where panels, such as walls and floors, are prebuilt in a 
factory and then assembled on-site.
    (e) Prefabricated Housing.--The term ``prefabricated housing'' 
means housing that is manufactured offsite, in advance, usually in 
standard sections, that can be easily shipped and assembled, and 
includes--
            (1) modular housing;
            (2) panelized housing; and
            (3) manufactured housing.
    (f) National Prefabricated Housing Technology Center.--The term 
``National Prefabricated Housing Technology Center'' means a 
comprehensive, multidisciplinary institution dedicated to advancing the 
technology, innovation, and adoption of prefabricated housing, serving 
as a central hub for research, development, education, and 
collaboration in the prefabricated housing industry.
    (g) The Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
Housing and Urban Development.

        TITLE III--NATIONAL BUILDING CODE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

SEC. 1. THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE.

    (a) Authority.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 
(hereafter referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall, in consultation 
with relevant Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies not later than 
3 years after date of the enactment of this section, develop a National 
Building Code for Affordable Housing (hereafter referred to as the 
``Code'').
    (b) Objectives.--The Code to be developed under subsection (a) 
shall do the following:
            (1) Streamline the building approval process to reduce 
        delays and costs associated with housing construction.
            (2) Promote the use of modern construction techniques and 
        materials that enhance affordability, durability, and energy 
        efficiency.
            (3) Standardize building codes across States to minimize 
        regulatory discrepancies and facilitate interstate housing 
        development.
            (4) Ensure that the building code supports the development 
        of a diverse range of housing types, including single-family 
        housing, multi-family units, and manufactured housing.
    (c) Stakeholder Input.--The Secretary shall, when developing the 
code under subsection (a), solicit feedback from stakeholders, 
including--
            (1) State, local, and Tribal government officials;
            (2) private-sector stakeholders, such as developers, 
        homebuilders, creditors, real estate professionals, 
        manufacturers, and academic researchers; and
            (3) renters, advocates, and homeowners.

SEC. 2. GRANT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall, on the date that the Code is 
developed under section 1, establish a grant program to incentivize the 
adoption of the Code by units of State and local government.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Secretary $10,000,000,000 for grants under this section.
            (2) Availability of amounts.--Any amounts appropriated 
        pursuant to this subsection shall remain available for a period 
        of 10 years.

SEC. 3. REPORTING AND EVALUATION.

    (a) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall submit an annual report to 
Congress on the implementation and impact of the Code, including--
            (1) the number of States and localities that have adopted 
        the code;
            (2) the impact of the Code on housing affordability and 
        supply; and
            (3) recommendations for further improvements to the Code.
    (b) Evaluation.--Not later than 5 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit a report to Congress on the effectiveness of the Code in 
reducing housing costs and increasing housing supply.

                        TITLE IV--OTHER MATTERS

SEC. 101. EFFECTIVE DATES.

    (a) Title I.--Title I shall take effect on the date of the 
enactment of this Act.
    (b) Title II.--Title II shall take effect 90 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act.
    (c) Title III.--Title III shall take effect on the date of the 
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 102. COMPLIANCE WITH THE DAVIS-BACON ACT.

    All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and 
subcontractors in the performance of construction work financed in 
whole or in part by amounts provided under this Act shall be paid wages 
at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character 
similar in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in 
accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States 
Code.
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