FRAMER Act

Key Points

• This bill, introduced by Mr. Crank, would require states to pay homebuilders for the extra costs of meeting strict state energy rules compared to basic federal standards.
• The rule applies specifically to new homes built in "Opportunity Zones," which are areas designated by the government to encourage investment in struggling communities.
• States would have to calculate the cost difference for labor, supplies, and inspections and pay the builder within 30 days of the home being finished and inspected.
• If a state chooses not to make these payments, it would lose eligibility for certain federal housing and community development grants.
• Builders would be required to give the first buyer a document showing the cost of the energy rules and whether the state's payment helped lower the home's sale price.
• The program is designed to last for seven years to see if reducing the financial burden of regulations helps create more affordable housing in these neighborhoods.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.