Housing affordability has become a hot topic at the State Capitol during this session of the Georgia General Assembly, and this week a bipartisan package of legislation was introduced that is aimed at addressing affordability, expand housing supply, protect tenants and” encourage the development of affordable homes across the state.”
Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur, and Phil Olaleye, D-Atlanta, led the efforts and the announcement of the legislation.
“We know Georgians are struggling with housing costs, and lawmakers have a responsibility to respond,” said Oliver. “While we represent different regions and perspectives, we are united in our commitment to improving housing options and affordability for families across the state.”
The legislative package includes proposals focused on tax incentives, tenant protections, zoning reform and affordable housing development. The representatives emphasize that these newly filed bills, combined with housing legislation introduced during the 2025 legislative session, demonstrate broad and growing legislative interest in comprehensive housing reform.
“Work groups representing landlords and tenants, buyers and sellers are meeting together to develop a coordinated, balanced approach to housing legislation—one we believe can move forward cooperatively this session,” said Olaleye.
The following House Bills are included in the representatives’ legislative package. House Bills 1145, 1166, 1177 and 1221 have bipartisan support:
- House Bill 1145, sponsored by Rep. Miram Paris, D-Macon; state-wide homestead exemption for certain public service employees.
- House Bill 1153, sponsored by Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur; establishes a state income tax credit for newly constructed residences built by contractors or builders. Limits eligibility to home buyers earning no more than 80 percent of area median income. Takes effect January 1, 2027, for all taxable years beginning on or after that date.
- House Bill 1166, sponsored by Rep. Tangie Herring, D-Macon; says zoning decisions shall not affect or be required for certain residential dwellings of 400 square feet or fewer
- House Bill 1171, sponsored by Rep. Spencer Frye, D-Athens; establish minimum habitability standards consistent with recognized housing standards.
- House Bill 1177, sponsored by Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway; provides that certain affordable housing uses of property qualify as projects that may be undertaken by development authorities.
- House Bill 1221, sponsored by Rep. Saira Draper, D-Atlanta; related to homeowners associations – provides for written notice of certain sums; provides for a reasonable time to pay outstanding sums; provides for an itemized list of attorney’s fees claimed.
