Huynh Passes Bill to Expand Access to Affordable Housing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Residents across the state will have better access to quality affordable housing under legislation passed by state Rep. Hoan Huynh, D-Chicago.

“Throughout the pandemic, we saw the sincere need for expanded protections for renters and homeowners. The need for affordable housing options remains even as emergency orders end,” Huynh said. “Access to housing is a fundamental right, and I will continue to fight to pass legislation like this that addresses the most pressing needs of those living our community.”

Huynh’s Senate Bill 1476 strengthens the state’s housing laws to reflect the true costs renters and homeowners face, and expand access to high-quality affordable options. The bill expands the criteria used to define affordable housing to also consider the costs of parking, maintenance, and any landlord-imposed fees.

Under this broader definition, cities and villages must also ensure a larger percentage of overall housing qualifies as “affordable.” Currently, a municipality can only block construction of new affordable housing if they can show 10% of current housing options meet affordability standards. Huynh’s bill would increase this percentage to 15%, ensuring broader access to quality housing.

“For far too long, low-income families have been forced to live in less-than-ideal situations because of a lack of options and concerted efforts to prevent new construction,” Huynh said. “Quality, affordable housing in every community not only strengthens those neighborhoods, it is also a boost for businesses when employees can live near where they work. We can pass policy that simultaneously helps our working families and helps business become as successful as possible.”