Biasiucci Sponsors ‘Starter Homes Act’ to Address Home Affordability

Despite bipartisan support, the Arizona Starter Homes Act, sponsored by Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci (R-30), is meeting stiff opposition. The combined House and Senate bills (“The Act”) address Arizona’s housing shortage and resultant affordability crisis, yet have proven unexpectedly controversial this session.

At its core, the initiative seeks to reduce regulatory barriers to constructing smaller, more affordable single-family homes, commonly referred to as “starter homes.” Key provisions include softening existing regulations on minimum lot sizes, municipal imposition of design and aesthetic requirements, and reducing minimum setback distances. The net effect, as stated, is more efficient land use, increased building density, and reduced cost barriers currently preventing developers from meeting Arizona’s population explosion. You can read the text of the two-part Act here: HB2371 and SB1229.

Proponents argue that the Act would alleviate the housing shortage by enabling the construction of more affordable homes, thus assisting first-time homebuyers.

Leader Biasiucci emphasized the need for legislative action to address rising home prices, stating, “Bottom line, we have to do something this year. We have to. This is something we need to get signed by the governor. We need to get everyone on board.”

Democrats on the House Commerce Committee also expressed conditional support for the Act if it ensures housing affordability. Their concerns center on whether the legislation will actually lower housing costs for Arizonans.

Opponents, including the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, express concerns that the bill undermines local zoning authority and may not guarantee affordability. The League cautioned that reducing lot sizes does not necessarily translate to affordability, noting that a 5,000-square-foot lot in certain areas can carry a price tag of $350K-$400K.

The League issued a press release, stating, “Janeen Connolly (D-8) will introduce a Strike Everything Amendment, also known as a striker bill. This amendment aims to replace a competing bill, SB1229. The striker bill specifically supports working families, first-time homebuyers, and middle-income earners—groups that are most affected by the shortage of affordable housing options.”

Unexpectedly, some farther-right Republicans, such as former District 29 Representative Austin Smith, also strongly oppose the Arizona Starter Homes Act, expressing concerns similar to those of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. These concerns include potential infringement upon local zoning authority and the possibility that the Act may result in unintended consequences. Their resistance has led to unexpected alliances.

At the grassroots level, precinct committee members have mobilized opposition campaigns to fight against the Act. Their efforts underscore a commitment to local governance and skepticism toward state-level mandates that could override community preferences.

Conversely, the Arizona Republican Party (AZ GOP) posted an endorsement from Vice President JD Vance, who articulated support for the Act’s objectives. Vance emphasized the importance of reducing regulatory barriers to facilitate the construction of affordable starter homes, aligning with the Act’s intent to make homeownership more accessible.

Tyler Bowyer, former Republican National Committeeman for Arizona and Chief Operating Officer of Turning Point Action, has publicly opposed the Arizona Republican Party’s (AZGOP) endorsement of the Starter Homes Act. His disagreements with AZ GOP Chairwoman Gina Swoboda have intensified in recent months.

Misusing @JDVance to promote ghetto tiny homes is not the American dream.

The American dream is Life, Liberty and LAND.

Policies that encourage less land ownership and more landlords when we have sprawling fed controlled land masses is brainless, lobbyist filth. https://t.co/BZXp3K22pp

— Tyler Bowyer (@tylerbowyer) March 18, 2025

The House Commerce Committee issued a “Do Pass” on the bills. However, given the unusual coalitions forming on both sides of the issue, it’s unclear what the outcome will be and whether Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs will support the final version of the Act.