I chair the Community Development, Housing and Tribal Affairs Committee.  With the new Democratic majority in the Senate, we were able to pass several bills that will chip away at the housing affordability and homelessness crisis.  Surplus Public Property for Public Benefit (HB 2382): The high cost of  land is a major factor in shortage of housing units.  Even with funding,  buildable parcels are hard to find. HB 2382 which I introduced, is an innovative tool:  It requires certain agencies to identify surplus property that is suitable for affordable housing, and it allows agencies and local government to discount or donate surplus land for affordable housing public benefits.