Senate Bill 8 Summary

• Extends the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2030, continuing restrictions on local government land use regulations that limit housing development.

• Clarifies that "housing development project" includes projects with no discretionary approvals, projects with both discretionary and nondiscretionary approvals, and single dwelling unit proposals, effective for applications submitted before January 1, 2022.

• Increases the timeframe for affordable housing projects to commence construction from 2.5 years to 3.5 years before being subject to newly adopted local ordinances and policies.

• Limits relocation benefits and right of first refusal requirements to only lower-income occupants of protected units being demolished, with exemptions for short-term rentals under 30 days and certain affordable housing developments.

• Authorizes the Department of Housing and Community Development to update the list of affected cities and counties a second time on or after January 1, 2025, with determinations remaining valid until January 1, 2030.