Senate Republicans Act to Cut Government Red Tape Driving Up Housing Costs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 2, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Senate Republicans are taking action to lower the cost of housing in Arizona, passing a pair of bills sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick aimed at removing government mandates and regulatory delays that are making homes more expensive to build and buy.
As many working-class families remain priced out of the market, outdated permitting systems, excessive local design rules, and duplicative licensing requirements have slowed construction and added thousands of dollars to the price of new homes.
SB 1431 helps reduce housing costs by creating clearer, more consistent standards for residential development while maintaining local health and safety protections. The measure limits certain non-safety design requirements that can add unnecessary expenses during construction, such as mandates for specific architectural features or shared amenities that increase upfront building costs and long-term homeowner fees. By keeping regulations focused on safety and infrastructure needs, the bill gives homebuyers greater flexibility while helping keep new housing more attainable.
SB 1670 removes duplicative local licensing requirements that limit the number of skilled workers able to participate in home construction. By ensuring state-licensed tradespeople are not forced to obtain additional city or county licenses, the legislation helps expand the construction workforce, reduce project delays, and lower labor costs tied to housing development.
"Housing affordability starts with getting government out of the way of responsible homebuilding," said Senator Bolick, Chair of the Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Committee. "When unnecessary regulations slow projects down, families end up paying the price. These reforms help Arizona build more homes faster and keep the dream of homeownership within reach."
Increasing housing supply is key to stabilizing prices and ensuring Arizona remains affordable for families and future generations. The legislation now moves to the House for consideration.
###
For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus