Bill

S 3397

ECCHO Act

119th Congress Introduced by Marsha Blackburn and 16 co-sponsors

Establishes a framework to mobilize faith-based groups to convert underused property into affordable housing, with incentives, financing help, and planning support.

Introduced in Senate

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · S 3397

Summary — S.3397 (Print 3397B): "Faith‑Based Affordable Housing Act"

Purpose

S.3397, titled the "Faith‑Based Affordable Housing Act," would establish a statutory framework to encourage and facilitate the use of faith‑based organization property and capacity to expand affordable housing. The bill’s stated intent (based on its title and legislative context) is to remove barriers and provide incentives for houses of worship and other faith‑based entities to create or support affordable housing opportunities.

Note: The official bill text was not available in the materials provided (PDF stream content was unreadable). The description below summarizes available legislative metadata and outlines the kinds of provisions typically found in bills with this title. For authoritative legal language, consult the enacted text or the Assembly companion (A.3647).

Status and procedural history

Introduced: January 27, 2025 (referred the same day to the Senate Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development)
March 3, 2025: Print number 3397A; amended and recommitted to the committee
May 22, 2025: Print number 3397B; amended and recommitted to the committee
Current status: PRINT NUMBER 3397B; pending further committee action

Companion and related legislation

Assembly companion: A.3647
Prior‑session related: S.7791

Likely key provisions (based on bill title and common policy approaches)

Because the bill text was not accessible, the following items are illustrative of typical elements in a "faith‑based affordable housing" measure and may reflect what S.3397 seeks to do:
- Authorization of grants, low‑interest loans, or tax incentives to faith‑based organizations that convert or lease underused property for affordable housing.
- Technical assistance and planning support from state housing agencies to help religious institutions navigate permitting, financing, and compliance.
- Zoning or permitting streamlining (e.g., expedited review) for conversions of religious property to affordable housing, while preserving applicable constitutional protections for religious exercise.
- Liability, insurance, or legal protections for faith organizations engaging in housing development or tenant services.
- Program eligibility criteria and reporting requirements aimed at targeting low‑ and moderate‑income households.

Who would be affected

Faith‑based organizations and houses of worship owning underutilized property
Low‑ and moderate‑income households seeking affordable units
Local governments and planning/zoning boards
Nonprofit and for‑profit affordable housing developers partnering with religious institutions
State housing agencies administering any new programs or incentives

Potential impacts

Could increase supply of affordable housing by enabling conversions of existing properties
May reduce development timelines and costs for projects initiated by or in partnership with faith groups
Would require administrative capacity and possible state funding to implement incentives and oversee compliance

What to watch / next steps

Obtain and review the official S.3397B bill text and fiscal note for precise provisions, eligibility rules, and funding amounts
Monitor committee hearings and any further amendments in the Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee
Track companion A.3647 for parallel action in the Assembly

If you’d like, I can obtain the full bill text (S.3397B) and produce a line‑by‑line summary once it’s available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.