(WASHINGTON) - The U.S. Senate has passed legislation from Indiana U.S. Senator Jim Banks aimed at converting vacant and underused buildings into housing.
The bill is known as the RESIDE Act.
It would create a pilot program to help communities repurpose abandoned structures into affordable homes.
Supporters say the bill could help address housing shortages by encouraging the reuse of existing buildings, such as old factories and empty strip malls.
The proposal would allow communities to apply for assistance in converting unused buildings into affordable housing units.
Banks says the bipartisan bill is intended to expand the housing supply without creating a new federal spending program.
Supporters say repurposing existing buildings could reduce development costs while giving communities new housing options and a way to revitalize unused commercial properties.
The RESIDE Act now moves forward in the federal legislative process, where it could be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives.