Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act of 2026

The Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act of 2026 mandates that new single-family homes, townhouses, and small multi-unit buildings receiving federal assistance must include at least one level designed to be accessible for individuals with disabilities. To enforce this, builders must submit construction plans for approval to state or local agencies, which can withhold final occupancy permits if the designs do not meet specific accessibility standards. The law also establishes a legal framework allowing private citizens to sue developers for non-compliance, with potential remedies including damages and court orders to retrofit the property.