Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act of 2026
A bill to require all newly constructed, federally assisted, single-family houses and town houses to meet minimum standards of visitability for persons with disabilities.
This bill, SB5125, proposes to mandate that all newly constructed, federally funded, single-family homes and townhouses meet certain accessibility standards. These standards, known as "visitability," are designed to make homes easier for individuals with disabilities to access and navigate.
If passed, the bill would impact home builders and developers who receive federal funding. They would need to ensure that their new constructions are accessible to people with disabilities, potentially requiring modifications such as wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and ramps. This change aims to make homes more inclusive and easier for everyone to visit.
As of the latest update, the bill was introduced on July 23, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for further consideration. The bill is currently in its initial stages of review.