Summary of HR 2448: Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program Report

Bill Number: HR 2448

Introduced On: March 27, 2025

Status: Introduced in House

Primary Sponsor: Seth Magaziner

Purpose and Intent

HR 2448 aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to submit a comprehensive report to Congress regarding the National Park Service's (NPS) interpretation and application of the Standards for Rehabilitation as they pertain to the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program. The bill seeks to assess how these standards impact the development of affordable housing while ensuring the preservation of historic properties.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines specific requirements for the report, which must be submitted within one year of enactment. The report will include:

1. Data on Program Applications:

   • Average processing time for applications submitted to State Historic Preservation Offices.
   • Annual averages for:
     • Hold notices
     • Conditions placed on approvals
     • Denied applications
     • Approved projects
     • Withdrawn applications

2. Areas for Improvement:

   • Recommendations to enhance the Standards to facilitate affordable housing development.
   • Opportunities for the Secretary to provide guidance on:
     • Converting nonresidential buildings into housing
     • Remediating environmental and safety hazards
     • Integrating energy-efficient upgrades
     • Ensuring access for persons with disabilities
     • Addressing other barriers identified by users of the program

3. Service Actions and Stakeholder Feedback:

   • Steps taken by the NPS in the past decade to clarify the Standards.
   • Common issues raised by program users and stakeholders, along with the NPS's responses.
   • The process for updating guidance and whether resource limitations affect this process.

4. Recommendations for Updates:

   • Suggestions for improving the Standards to better align with affordable housing needs.
   • Strategies to protect historic properties from climate risks.
   • Considerations for economic and technical feasibility in implementing the Standards.

Impact

The bill is expected to impact various stakeholders, including:

• State Historic Preservation Offices: They will be involved in processing applications and may see changes in guidance and procedures.
• Developers and Housing Advocates: The report's findings could lead to improved access to tax incentives for affordable housing projects.
• Historic Preservation Community: The balance between preservation and development will be a focal point, potentially leading to new standards that accommodate both interests.

Procedural Aspects

• The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means on the same day it was introduced.
• The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with preparing the report within one year of the bill's enactment, ensuring timely assessment and recommendations.

In summary, HR 2448 seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program by addressing barriers to affordable housing development while maintaining the integrity of historic preservation standards.