AN ACT to direct the legislative research commission to study affordable housing in the state.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) shall study the availability of affordable housing in this State.

As part of its study, the LRC shall do all of the following:

(1)        Examine the current availability of affordable housing in metropolitan and rural areas of the State.

(2)        Identify existing federal, State, and local subsidies, grants, and other incentives and programs available to increase the availability of affordable housing, the extent to which the subsidies, grants, and other incentives and programs are utilized, and the successfulness of their usage in increasing the availability of affordable housing.

(3)        Examine the challenges facing those in need of affordable housing, including financial, social, and logistical challenges.

(4)        Assess the ability of local governments to leverage existing laws and resources, including partnering with nonprofit and for‑profit entities, to increase the availability of affordable housing.

(5)        Examine the best practices of other states in increasing the availability of affordable housing.

(6)        Examine any unique challenges faced by local governments across the State resulting from differences in economic prosperity and considering the differences between the metropolitan and rural areas of the State.

(7)        Evaluate the potential benefits, cost‑savings, and improved affordability from utilizing energy efficiency standards in housing.

(8)        Assess the feasibility and cost‑savings from partnerships between public utilities and private businesses in replacing aging housing in existing programs with newer modular and mobile home units.

(9)        Examine any costs that may be associated with government rules, regulations, and ordinances.

(10)      Any other matters the LRC deems relevant to its efforts.

SECTION 1.(b)  The LRC shall report its findings, together with any proposed legislation, to the 2022 Regular Session of the 2021 General Assembly upon its convening.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.