A bill for an act establishing an affordable housing task force.

HF 2659 creates an Iowa affordable housing task force to study how state and local regulations impact housing costs. The task force will examine zoning, building codes, permitting processes, and funding mechanisms affecting affordable housing development, specifically looking at whether regulations provide public benefits proportional to their cost impact. It requires a diverse membership including state agency representatives, housing developers, local officials from cities and counties of varying sizes, housing nonprofits, and legislative members. The task force must submit a report with recommendations to reduce regulatory barriers by December 1, 2026, while maintaining public health and safety standards.