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Priority LevelPolicy Category:Bill:Title:Description:Status:Engagement:Sponsors:Comments:
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**OtherSB2064RELATING TO GOVERNMENTEstablishes the Office of the State Architect within DAGS. The state architect will have general charge and oversight of the design review of all state construction projects.
The state architect is directed to:
1. Review all plans, drawings, specifications, and any other documents necessary for state construction projects;
2. Ensure conformance with all applicable building codes and county, national, or international prescriptive construction standards, including construction, electrical, energy conservation, plumbing, and sidewalk standards;
3. Issue design approvals for traditional design-bid-build state construction projects awarded by competitive sealed bidding before the projects commence. No design approvals will be required for design-build project and public-private partnership projects; and
4. Assign an inspector to each state construction project for the purpose of observing the work of construction.
Introduced: Sen Chang
Referred to GOV and WAM
2/5 - The committee(s) on GVO deferred the measure until 02-12-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference.

Bill has been deferred 3x.
HHF will support AIA positionCOMMENTS - support the intent

Adding to state budget
What is the goal

Check if OR has a state architect
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1OtherSB2543 / HB2514RELATING TO GOVERNMENTNotwithstanding any other law to the contrary, state construction projects shall be exempt from county building permit, inspection, and certificate of occupancy requirements if the projects comply with applicable building codes or county, national, or international prescriptive construction standards, including construction, electrical, energy conservation, plumbing, and sidewalk standards, as applicable, as determined by the state construction manager pursuant to chapter.
(b) Nothing in this section shall relieve any state construction project from the laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the State or a county, or any departments, boards, or other agencies thereof, with respect to:
(1) The construction, operation, and maintenance of the state construction project;
(2) Compliance with master plans or zoning laws or regulations; and
(3) Compliance with building and health codes and other laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of a similar nature applicable to the state construction project.
In addition, this measure establishes within the department of accounting and general services the office of the state construction manager, which shall be headed by a full-time state construction manager to organize, manage, and oversee the design review of all state construction projects and issue design approvals before any state construction project commences.
The state construction manager may employ or contract with qualified architects and engineers as necessary, to carry out the duties of the office.
Introduced: Sen Hashimoto
2/3 - The committee(s) on GVO/EIG has scheduled a public hearing on 02-10-26 3:05PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference

2/10 - Committee passed with amendments
2/20 - GVO/EIG passed second reading as amended (SD1)
HHF will support AIA positionCOMMENTS - oppose design review language
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1Building CodeSB2339 / HB1712RELATING TO SBCCMakes both the representative of the Building Industry Association of Hawaiʻi and the representative of the General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi permanent standing members of the State Building Code Council, instead of members who alternate terms every 4 years.Introduced: Sen Hashimoto, Rep Miyake
1/30 - Re-Referred to PSM/GVO, WAM.
2/12 - WAL Passed with amendments
2/18 - PSM passed with amendments
2/20 - Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
OPPOSE
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1OtherHB1968 / SB2908RELATING TO PERMITTING.Implements certain recommendations of the SPEED Task Force. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop a statewide permitting intake platform. Appropriates funds for the development of the platform, subject to a matching funds requirement from the counties.Introducer(s): KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY, AMATO, BELATTI, EVSLIN, ILAGAN, KAHALOA, KAPELA, KILA, KUSCH, LOWEN, MARTEN, MATAYOSHI, MIYAKE, MORIKAWA, OLDS, SAYAMA, TAKENOUCHI, TAM, TARNAS, TEMPLO

2/11 - passed second reading, amended HD1
How would this work??
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1OtherHB1721RELATING TO HOUSINGClarifies insurance, indemnification, and certain certificate of occupancy requirements for purposes of expedited permits.
For a licensed professional who submits a permit, the county must have on record a statement that indemnifies and holds harmless the State, its officers, agents, and employees 8 and the county, its officers, agents, and employees from and against claims, damages, losses, and expenses, including attorney’s fees, arising out of or resulting from the negligent acts, errors, or omissions of the licensed professional.
Introduced: Rep Evslin
2/4 - The committee on HSG recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS
2/10 - Passed second reading as HD1
2/18 - Passed CPC unamended
Ask insurers for comment

ACEC is in support, this fixes some language from Act 295
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB1721_TESTIMONY_HSG_02-04-26_.PDF
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1Building CodeHB1725RELATING TO BUILDING CODESPart I: Fixes the applicable building codes, standards, and county amendments for the life of a building permit, subject to limited life-safety exceptions and ordinary permit expiration rules, as of the date a county accepts a complete building permit application or issues an authorization to proceed with construction.

Part II: Specifies the applicability of the International Residential Code, as adopted and amended by the State Building Code Council. Authorizes a county to adopt amendments to the Hawaiʻi state building code that are more stringent or less stringent than a corresponding state-adopted code provision, under certain circumstances, and repeals the counties' existing authority to amend or adopt the buildings code without council approval. Beginning on the effective date of the next statewide adoption of the International Code Council suite of applicable codes as the Hawaiʻi state building code, changes the adoption of the Hawaiʻi state building code from a two-year cycle to a six-year cycle.

Part III: Appropriates funds for one staff position and necessary consultant services to carry out statewide code adoption, economic and hazard analyses, and administrative support.
Introduced: Rep Evslin
2/3 - Bill scheduled to be heard by HSG/WAL on Friday, 02-06-26 8:45AM in House conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2/6 - PASSED HSG/WAL
Passed 2/12
2/17 - Passed second reading as amended in HD1, referred to FIN
AIA testimony 2/4 - support w/ commentsSUPPORT - with comments
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1Building CodeHB2215 / SB3048RELATING TO SBCCEstablishes one permanent full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) permanent position for the State Building Code Council to support statewide building code coordination, permitting transparency, and modernization initiatives. Requires county reporting on building permitting performance. Requires the State Building Code Council to develop a standardized statewide permitting data system or public dashboard. Requires the development of a state building code modernization and transparency initiative. Requires the State Building Code Council to develop standardized credentials and training requirements for permitting officials. Requires a report. Appropriates funds.Introduced: Rep Todd
1/30 - Referred to WAL, FIN, referral sheet 5
SUPPORT
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1HousingHB2606RELATING TO OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION.Implements certain recommendations of the SPEED Task Force. Establishes and appropriates funds for a working group within the State Building Code Council to develop proposals for an off-site construction program.Introduced: KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY, AMATO, COCHRAN, EVSLIN, HARTSFIELD, HUSSEY, KAHALOA, KILA, LOWEN, MARTEN, MORIKAWA, OLDS, TAKAYAMA, TAM, TARNAS
2/3 - Bill scheduled to be heard by HSG on Friday, 02-06-26 9:30AM in House conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2/11 - Passed second reading as amended in HD1
2/13 - Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Thursday, 02-19-26 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2/19 - Passed WAL w/ amendments
SUPPORT - with comments
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1Building CodeHB1964RELATING TO THE STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCILImplements certain recommendations of the SPEED Task Force. Requires the State Building Code Council to provide annual training to state and county permitting agency employees. Appropriates funds for the training, subject to a matching funds requirement from the counties.Introducers: KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY, AMATO, BELATTI, EVSLIN, GRANDINETTI, ILAGAN, KAHALOA, KUSCH, LOWEN, MARTEN, MATAYOSHI, MIYAKE, MORIKAWA, OLDS, SAYAMA, TAKAYAMA, TAKENOUCHI, TAM, TARNAS, TEMPLO

WAL - 2/5, passed with amendments
2/13 - recommend passage on second reading and referral to FIN
2/19 - Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Monday, 02-23-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
SUPPORT
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1SB2662RELATING TO GOVT ACCOUNTABILITYRequires each purchasing agency to provide justification for hiring external consultants. Caps the amount each agency can spend on external consultants. Requires each agency to seek approval from the Legislature for consulting contracts exceeding a certain dollar amount. Requires each agency to disclose new contracts with external consultants. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Requires the Compliance Audit Unit within the Office of the Auditor to conduct regular audits of agency consultant contracts to assess cost-effectiveness and compliance. Establishes exceptions. Requires each chief procurement officer to ensure that inherent government functions are not delegated to a contractor.
2/10 - Committee on GVO recommends passed with amendments
2/20 - Passed GVO second reading as amended (SD1)
ACEC Opposed
AIA testimony 2/10 - opposed
OPPOSE or COMMENT: Call out technical/niche expertise

SB 1 includes a line to exclude: (1) Technical or specialized expertise unavailable in the department; and
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1OtherHB2151 / SB2178RELATING TO BUILDING MATERIALSRecognizes hempcrete as an allowable non-structural building material under state law. Clarifies that no state or county building code shall prohibit the use of hempcrete. Provides the authority for building officials to approve hempcrete construction that meets applicable safety and performance standards.Introduced: Rep Kahaloa
2/6 - Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Tuesday, 02-10-26 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.

Introduced: Sen Richards
2/3 - Measure heard by AEN/EDU/HWN, passed with amendments.
Referred to WAM/JDC
2/13 - Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1, referred to JHA
2/20 - Passed AEN/EDU/HWN second reading as amended (SD1), referred to WAM/JDC.
Ask Energy Office for their thoughtsSUPPORT
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1HousingSB2423/HB1734RELATING TO ZONINGProhibits the counties from imposing certain lot requirements and dwelling specifications for parcels of land located within the urban district for purposes of subdivision, development, or the issuance of a building permit, with certain exemptions. Allows the counties to establish a petition process for neighborhoods, subdivisions, or other geographically contiguous areas to establish or retain certain requirements or specifications.Introducer: Sen Chang
2/10 - Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1
2/17 - WLA/HOU passed with amendments
2/20 - Passed WLA/HOU second reading as amended (SD1), referred to JDC
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2SB2341 / HB1710RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATIONAuthorizes the State Historic Preservation Department (SHPD) to conduct a phased review of a proposed project on private property under certain circumstances
The department shall provide written concurrence or non-concurrence within ninety days, or within thirty calendar days if no historical properties are impacted by the proposed project, after the filing of a request with the department.
If the department fails to provide a written concurrence or nonconcurrence with a project effect determination within ninety days, or within thirty calendar days if no historic properties are to be affected, of receiving a true and complete submittal for a project, the lead agency may assume the department's concurrence and the project may move to the next step in the compliance process.
Introduced: Sen Hashimoto
2/4 - The committee(s) on WLA deferred the measure until 02-13-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
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2Housing
SB2188 / HB484
RELATING TO GOVERNMENTEstablishes the Department of Housing.
In addition, it places the Hawaii Community Development Authority, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and Hawaii Public Housing Authority within the Department of Housing for administrative purposes.
The department of housing shall:
(1) be responsible for
(A) All aspects of policy and planning relating to the development, redevelopment, preservation, maintenance, and improvement of housing for individuals and families at all income levels;
(B) All aspects of coastal zone management and special management area permits, land use, climate change, sustainability, environmental review, geographic information systems and mapping, economic resilience, and other statewide policy interests as they pertain to the development of housing for individuals and families at all income levels; and
(C) All aspects of planning, infrastructure, and community building and mixed-use development of housing for individuals and families at all income levels;

(2) Strengthen and revitalize communities throughout the State by promoting affordable housing opportunities;
(3) Collaborate with local officials, public agencies, community groups, local housing authorities, and other housing developers to plan for and develop affordable housing units; and
(4) Ensure compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and financial assistance agreements for funded activities through long-term program compliance monitoring.
Introduced: Sen Chang
12/8 - Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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3HousingSB2177RELATING TO HOUSINGRequires HHFDC or a county to accept an application seeking certain exemptions within thirty days, and to process the application within one hundred twenty days before final approval by a county legislative body for certain housing projects.
If, after 120 days, the county has neither rejected nor approved the application, the application shall be considered automatically approved.
Introduced: Sen Richards
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3HousingHB1700RELATING TO HOUSINGAllow for expedited permitting for Housing projects for individuals with disabilities and individuals with access and functional needs. Effective 7/2/26Introduced: Rep Lee Loy
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3SB2233RELATING TO PROPERTYThis measure prohibits a county from issuing a building permit for a project that violates any private covenant or restrictive covenant that has been registered with the Bureau of Conveyances or Land CourtIntroduced: Sen Chang
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3SB2067RELATING TO HOUSINGExempts housing developments that have obtained financing commitments from the State or is located on state land from the requirement to obtain approval from the applicable county council.Introduced: Sen Chang
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**OtherSB2607RELATING TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTSAuthorizes the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to determine the appropriate educational, examination, and experience requirements for landscape architect licensure.Introducer(s): MORIWAKI, CHANG, HASHIMOTOASLA request supportSILENT
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** OtherHB2111 / SB2501RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.Repeals on 6/30/2026 the provision prohibiting counties from requiring the installation or retrofitting of automatic fire sprinklers or automatic fire sprinkler systems in certain new or existing detached residential one- and two-family dwelling units and non-residential agricultural and aquacultural buildings and structures.Introducer(s): NAKAMURA (Introduced by request of another party)
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** OtherSB2443RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.Amends the definition of "historic property" to require that the property meets the criteria for inclusion in the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places or has important value to Native Hawaiians or other ethnic groups of the State due to associations with cultural practices once carried out, or still carried out, at the property or associations with traditional beliefs, events, or oral accounts that are important to history, traditional practices, and cultural identity.Introducer(s): RHOADS, CHANG Hearing: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 1:00 PM
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** OtherHB1922RELATING TO HOUSING.Establishes the Pro-Housing Score Program to evaluate each county's performance in expanding housing opportunities and reducing regulatory barriers. Requires the counties to publish their respective pro-housing scores online and HHFDC to publish certain related information and data on a public dashboard. Establishes criteria for deeming a county noncompliant. Establishes builder's remedies for certain housing projects in transit-oriented development areas. Specifies that if a county is deemed noncompliant, the planning director or an equivalent county officer responsible for land use approvals are responsible for approving or denying certain affordable housing development applications. Establishes procedures for certain transit-oriented development housing project appeals. Appropriates funds.Introducer(s): EVSLIN, ILAGAN, KAHALOA, KILA, LEE, M., MATSUMOTO, SAYAMA, SOUZA, TARNAS, Reyes Oda
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** OtherSB2811RELATING TO STATE BUILDING PROJECTS.Establishes the State Building Process Task Force to evaluate the challenges, opportunities, and legislative actions necessary to establish a state building permit review office for state projects located on state-owned lands. Appropriates funds.Introducer(s): MORIWAKIACEC Reviews
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** OtherSB2536RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.Clarifies that residential projects involving ground disturbance in high-risk areas remains subject to review under the State Historic Preservation Program. Removes the historic review exemption for lands presumed nominally sensitive.Introducer(s): KOUCHI (Introduced by request of another party)
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** OtherHB2102RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.Clarifies that residential projects involving ground disturbance in high-risk areas remains subject to review under the State Historic Preservation Program. Removes the historic review exemption for lands presumed nominally sensitive.Introducer(s): NAKAMURA (Introduced by request of another party) Hearing: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 9:00 A.M.

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** OtherHB1846RELATING TO REGIONAL SHORELINE MITIGATION DISTRICTS.Authorizes the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to approve the establishment of regional shoreline mitigation districts to facilitate regional coordination by shoreline property owners to address coastal erosion. Requires the preparation of a regional coastal erosion and sediment management plan for each regional shoreline mitigation district. Establishes procedures for the review of state and county permits associated with regional shoreline mitigation districts. Establishes the support and integration of regional coastline erosion and sediment management planning as a policy under the coastal zone management program. Appropriates moneys and establishes 1.0 FTE temporary position.Introducer(s): HASHEM, ILAGAN, LOWEN, MARTEN, MATAYOSHI, MORIKAWA, QUINLAN
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** OtherSB3187RELATING TO OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION.Implements certain recommendations of the SPEED Task Force. Establishes and appropriates funds for a working group within the State Building Code Council to develop proposals for an off-site construction program.Introducer(s): WAKAI
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** OtherSB2908RELATING TO PERMITTING.Implements certain recommendations of the SPEED Task Force. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop a statewide permitting intake platform. Appropriates funds for the development of the platform, subject to a matching funds requirement from the counties.Introducer(s): WAKAI, CHANG, Keohokalole, Moriwaki, Richards, San Buenaventura
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** Building CodeSB2910RELATING TO THE STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL.Implements certain recommendations of the SPEED Task Force. Requires the State Building Code Council to provide annual training to state and county permitting agency employees. Appropriates funds for the training, subject to a matching funds requirement from the counties.Introducer(s): WAKAI, CHANG, FEVELLA, HASHIMOTO, INOUYE, MCKELVEY, MORIWAKI, SAN BUENAVENTURA, Keohokalole
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** Building CodeSB3048RELATING TO THE STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL.Establishes one permanent full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) permanent position for the State Building Code Council to support statewide building code coordination, permitting transparency, and modernization initiatives. Requires county reporting on building permitting performance. Requires the State Building Code Council to develop a standardized statewide permitting data system or public dashboard. Requires the development of a state building code modernization and transparency initiative. Requires the State Building Code Council to develop standardized credentials and training requirements for permitting officials. Requires a report. Appropriates funds.Introducer(s): KANUHA
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** FROM 2025 SESSIONOtherSB578 / HB533 HD1RELATING TO HISTORIC PROPERTY.Amends the definition of "historic property" under the State's historic preservation program to include only property that predates Statehood Day and, with respect to buildings and structures, is registered on the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places.Introducer(s): HASHIMOTO, CHANG, KIDANI, MORIWAKI, San Buenaventura, Wakai
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HousingSB2546RELATING TO THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACTAmends the definition of "development" as it pertains to coastal zone management to clarify that certain activities excluded from the definition of "development" are not subject to special management area permit requirements.Introduced: Sen Hashimoto, Sen Chang
1/28 - Referred to WLA, WAM.
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OtherSB2066RELATING TO COUNTY PERMITTING AND INSPECTIONThe State may exempt a state project from county building permit requirements when that project is compliant with applicable building codes or county, national, or international prescriptive construction standards, including construction, electrical, energy conservation, plumbing, and sidewalk standards, as applicable;
However that project cannot be located within a special flood hazard area as identified on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's current Flood Insurance Rate Maps
Introduced: Sen Chang
1/22 - Referred to EIG/GVO, WAM.
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Climate ActionSB2882RELATING TO STATE BUILDINGSRequires certain state buildings intended for use as emergency shelters and constructed on or after July 1, 2027, be designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes.Introduced: Sen Gabbard
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HousingSB2883RELATING TO BUILDING CODESRequires all single family residences and apartment buildings built after 1/1/2027 include a safe room that can withstand winds of two hundred miles per hour or higher. Requires singlefamily residences and apartment buildings built after 1/1/2027 be built to withstand Category 3 hurricanes when located in an area with winds of one hundred thirty miles per hour and a Category 5 hurricane when located in an area with winds of one hundred forty miles per hour or higher.Introduced: Sen Gabbard
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HB1919Prohibits minimum off-street parking for certain developments.
HHF Requesting support
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SB2981Prohibits minimum off-street parking for new developments in an urban district.
HHF Requesting support
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HB1701/SB2356:
Prohibits minimum off-street parking for new developments located in transit oriented development areas.
HHF Requesting support
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HB1726Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with other agencies, to study options for and coordinate the development of a shared statewide housing and infrastructure data platform.
HHF Requesting support
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