STATEHOUSE (Jan. 28, 2026) – State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) recently authored a House Republican priority bill to increase housing affordability across the state.
Miller said House Bill 1001 delivers housing affordability by limiting local mandates and regulatory barriers that impede development and drive up the cost of homes. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average age of a first-time home buyer has risen to 40 years old as home prices have increased.
"We want to help more Hoosiers and families achieve the American Dream of owning a home," Miller said. "We want to support our growing communities and make it easier and affordable to build a life in Indiana."
Miller said the legislation limits local mandates, eliminates unnecessary design requirements, reforms impact and development fees to reflect actual costs, and reduces pass-through costs to renters and homebuyers.
It also increases transparency and accountability by requiring local governments to report various housing development metrics to identify and address bottlenecks.
He said the bill also makes it easier to convert commercial buildings into housing and modernizes building standards that unnecessarily increase construction costs. The goal of HB 1001 is to reduce bureaucratic delays and hurdles to help get more housing to the market, increasing supply and driving down costs for Hoosiers.
HB 1001 passed the House with bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate for consideration. To learn more and watch session and committee meetings, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
