By Jakob Thorington | Arizona Capitol Times
Key Points:
- Housing was a priority for both parties at the start of the session
- Legislators and league have disagreed on bills to lower home prices for years
- Starter Homes bill in limbo as legislative focus shifts to budget
Leaders of both parties at the Arizona Legislature have stated that housing is a priority for them this session, but the only major housing bill appears to have stalled at the Capitol.
Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix, the sponsor of the “Arizona Starter Homes Act,” told the Arizona Capitol Times on April 30 that discussions for the measure have stopped since meeting with Gov. Katie Hobbs’ staff about a month ago when the bill was considered and passed by the House Commerce Committee.
House leadership has not yet scheduled the bill for a floor vote, as lawmakers are now focusing on the state budget.
Initially, there were two mirror versions of the bill, but House Bill 2371 also stalled in the House in February. Bolick said she wishes that both versions of the measure were still under consideration in the event of a veto, but Senate Bill 1229 may be the last opportunity lawmakers have this session to address housing.
