Local government regulations of certain residential developments by religious organizations restricted, civil remedies provided, and money appropriated.

HF 3156 restricts local governments from blocking affordable housing developments by religious organizations on their own land. It requires cities to permit such projects as a "permitted use" in specific zones: up to three units on most residential lots, up to eight units outside single-family districts, and up to 12 units in mixed-use or commercial areas. The bill defines "affordable housing" as developments where 20-40% of units are for households earning ≤50-60% of area median income, and sets minimum density requirements (e.g., 1.25x existing density). This directly affects religious organizations seeking to build housing, cities with zoning codes that previously restricted such projects, and low-income residents in communities where these developments may be constructed.