SENATE PASSES HIGDON BILL
TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Senate Bill 59 heads to House
FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 11, 2025)—Numerous affordable housing proposals have been introduced as the Kentucky General Assembly nears the midway point of the 2025 Legislative Session. The first to gain approval from one of the two legislative chambers is Senate Bill (SB) 59, sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, who served as a 2024 Affordable Housing Task Force member.
The faith-based initiative aims to expand affordable housing by removing regulatory barriers that prevent churches and faith-based organizations from developing housing on their existing property. It enables religious institutions to collaborate with local governments on zoning regulations while maintaining local oversight. The initiative designates these housing projects as permitted uses in all residential and commercial zones with planning and zoning. Projects must receive local legislative approval, remain limited to affordable housing, and comply with all legal requirements, including building permits.
The Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee unanimously approved the bill last week with a minor amendment requiring that the religious institution must have purchased the property where the development is to be located before Jan. 1, 2025.
The bill moves to the House, where Rep. Michael ‘Sarge’ Pollock, R-Campbellsville, will carry the legislation forward.
SB 59 originates from a constituent proposal to Higdon and recommendations from the 2024 Affordable Housing Task Force, which Senate Majority Chair Robby Mills, R-Henderson, co-chairs.
“I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues in the Senate and for the faith leaders who inspired this effort, especially Joy Jensen and the Sisters of Loretto,” Higdon said. “This bill reflects the voices of Kentuckians who want practical, community-driven solutions to the housing crisis. Churches do awesome work to help people in need, and this legislation empowers them to play an even greater role in addressing housing needs. This bill isn’t the cure-all for the housing issue, but I do think it’s a piece of the bigger puzzle.”
Higdon expressed confidence in Pollock’s leadership in the House.
“I know this bill is in good hands with Rep. Pollock, and I hope the House will join the Senate in supporting the bill,” he added.
Similar measures to SB 59 have been introduced at the federal level and in states like Virginia. They aim to cut red tape and give communities more flexibility in addressing housing shortages. The bill has received strong backing from faith leaders and housing advocates across Kentucky.
Find the 2024 Housing Task Force final report HERE.
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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and oversees efforts to craft biennial road plans, advance Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, and improve public safety. He also serves as Senate co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board, focusing on stabilizing and strengthening Kentucky’s pension systems through reform and surplus investment. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Licensing and Occupations. During the 2024 interim, he served as a Kentucky Housing Task Force member.
Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate114.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Higdon.
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