Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act
Sponsored By: Senator Mike Rounds
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create streamlined NEPA reviews for HUD housing projects by reclassifying many HUD housing activities into exemptions and categorical exclusions to speed reviews. It defines an “infill project” and sets clear size and scope limits while requiring annual reports on review times and administrative costs with emphasis on affordable housing.
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- Families and renters would likely get quicker access to affordable units and emergency homeowner or renter assistance, and voluntary buyouts for flood-prone properties are included. Some reclassified categories cover projects up to 15 units.
- Developers, nonprofits, and local governments would face fewer full NEPA reviews for activities like rehabilitation, small-scale new construction, conversions, and pre-development work. Infill projects must be on previously disturbed sites generally 5 acres or less and scattered-site limits range from 1–15 units depending on the category.
- HUD would be required to reclassify activities to match exemptions and categorical exclusions as in effect on January 1, 2025, and to submit annual reports for five years beginning two years after enactment summarizing changes in review times, administrative costs, and recommendations for CFR revisions.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster reviews for small housing projects
If enacted, HUD would treat many small and medium housing projects as excluded from full NEPA review. The reclassification would match NEPA exclusions in HUD rules as of January 1, 2025. Covered work would include repairs or rehab of 1–4 unit homes and related infrastructure, non-building public improvements with up to a 20 percent size or capacity change, and new or demolition work on scattered sites of up to 4 units per site. It would also cover conversions and projects of 5–15 units (subject to Secretary-set limits), infill projects on up to 5 acres, and voluntary buyouts in flood-prone areas. These changes would apply only when projects do not materially change the environment or exceed their original scope.
Quicker NEPA reviews for housing aid
If enacted, HUD would treat many non-physical housing activities as exempt from full NEPA review. This would include tenant-based rental assistance (Section 8), supportive services like health care and short-term rent or utility payments, operating costs, and homebuyer help such as closing cost or down-payment assistance. It would also cover affordable housing pre-development costs that have no physical impact, approval of supplemental insurance or guarantees for previously approved projects, and emergency help for HVAC or hot water needs required by law.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Mike Rounds
SD • R
Cosponsors
Andy Kim
NJ • D
Sponsored 7/23/2025
Catherine Cortez Masto
NV • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Ruben Gallego
AZ • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Ted Budd
NC • R
Sponsored 2/26/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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