STATEHOUSE (Feb. 12, 2025) – The Indiana House of Representatives Tuesday unanimously advanced State Rep. Doug Miller's (R-Elkhart) legislation and House Republican priority bill to expand access to housing in Indiana communities.
House Bill 1005 builds on previous legislative efforts by bolstering the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program, which is a revolving loan fund designed to help local governments pursue infrastructure projects that support housing development.
Miller said housing continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing Hoosiers. According to a 2023 US Census Bureau survey, just under half of all home renters in Indiana are cost burdened, and of these cost burdened households, over 46 percent of them have children. Miller said that without affordable housing it becomes harder to find workers, grow businesses and attract new investments for future growth.
"Indiana communities continue to grow and we need to make sure we have the housing available to meet demand," Miller said. "Expanding housing access will alleviate pressure in the market and help more Hoosiers become homeowners. Over the past two years, this program has seen tremendous success, helping communities invest in housing to support Hoosier families."
Communities can apply for loans through the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program to help pay for costly infrastructure projects like water distribution and sanitary sewer systems and electric or gas distribution lines that housing projects rely on. Miller said $82 million in funding during the first two rounds of the program helped Hoosier communities add over 3,000 housing units.
House Bill 1005 would also streamline the permitting process by allowing third-party qualified inspectors to perform plan reviews or inspections. Miller said local units would be required to notify applicants within three business days if a submitted application is complete or incomplete, a notice on whether the unit is able to conduct a plan review within seven business days and a notice on whether they can conduct an inspection within two business days.
According to a National Association of Home Builders study, regulations account for nearly 25% of the cost of a single-family home and more than 40% of the cost of a typical apartment development.
"By streamlining the sluggish permitting process, we can speed up housing development and reduce costs for Hoosiers," Miller said.
Under the new legislation, participants in the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program would receive priority if they also support and prioritize affordable, pro-housing policies.
Representatives from the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association, Indiana Builders Association, Association of Indiana Counties, Indiana Chamber, Indiana Association of REALTORs and the Indiana Apartment Association testified in support of the bill.
House Bill 1005 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committee meetings live, 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.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) presents his legislation to increase housing stock in Indiana on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in the House Chamber at the Statehouse. House Bill 1005 builds on previous legislation efforts by adding funds to the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program to assist local communities in building new housing.
