OregonState housing funds require access features in subsidized rentals
Starting January 1, 2027, state housing officials may fund new subsidized rental homes only if each home and certain shared spaces meet access standards.
What it does
State housing officials may fund new subsidized rental homes only if each home has specified access features, such as a step-free route and reachable controls. Larger developments or those with a shared community room must also provide an accessible shared bathroom.
Argument forPeople with mobility impairments could enter and use more parts of subsidized rental homes, including a shared bathroom in larger developments.
Argument againstBuilders may need to add access features to each home and shared areas, which could make some subsidized rental projects harder to design.
More detail
The Housing and Community Services Department may not fund development of new subsidized rental housing unless the homes and development meet the listed access standards. The rule covers new rental housing receiving specified development subsidies from the Housing and Community Services Department, such as certain housing tax credits, loans, and grants. Exceptions in ORS 456.513 also apply. A multistory building without an elevator must meet these requirements only for ground-floor homes. Farm-based agricultural workforce housing is exempt. A development with a shared community room or at least 20 contiguous units must have an accessible bathroom for tenants and guests. These requirements become operative January 1, 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 6Effective date, June 5, 2026.Latest
- Apr 6Chapter 95, 2026 Laws.
- Mar 31Governor Tina Kotek signed.Became Law
- Mar 5Speaker signed.Major
- Mar 5President signed.Major
- Mar 3Third reading. Carried by Andersen. Passed.Passed House
- Vote recorded Third reading. Carried by Andersen. Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 27Second reading.Minor
- Feb 27Recommendation: Do pass.Minor
- Feb 26Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 24Public Hearing held.
- Feb 20Referred to Housing and Homelessness.Minor
- Feb 19First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.Minor
- Vote recorded Third reading. Carried by Patterson. Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 19Third reading. Carried by Patterson. Passed.Passed Senate
- Feb 18Carried over to 02-19 by virtue of adjournment.
- Feb 17Carried over to 02-18 by unanimous consent.
- Feb 16Second reading.Minor
- Feb 13Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)Minor
- Feb 10Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out with Amendments. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 5Public Hearing held.
- Feb 2Referred to Housing and Development.Minor
- Feb 2Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.Introduced
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