The Idaho Senate has acted to promote affordable housing. The House should join us | Opinion

Idaho is at a crossroads. The State Senate took a step in the right direction by approving Senate Bill 1042, which prevents landlords from overcharging rental application fees and collecting revenue on unavailable units. This bill requires fees to reflect actual processing costs and limits landlords to charging two at a time.

S1042 is necessary for fairness in a competitive market, but it won’t dramatically improve affordability. Other legislation is needed. Senate Concurrent Resolution 103 is a commonsense step toward stable housing by creating a committee to study how regulations impact supply.

Idaho families already feel the strain of rising costs — we must act now to prevent a worsening crisis.

As a lifelong Idahoan from Canyon County, I’ve seen how unchecked shortages lead to rising evictions and homelessness. Once homelessness takes root, it’s difficult and expensive to solve. Idaho has an opportunity to prevent this crisis before it spirals out of control.

Through my work at Jesse Tree, a nonprofit focused on preventing homelessness, I see families struggling to keep up with rising rents. A job loss, medical emergency, or unexpected expense can leave them without options. Addressing housing costs will help families build stability instead of teetering on the brink.

Idaho’s housing shortage is the root problem. Families are priced out, workers struggle to live near jobs, and seniors on fixed incomes are displaced. The lack of housing fuels competition, drives up costs and forces people farther from jobs and schools. While some worry about overdevelopment, much of our new housing remains unaffordable. We need housing that matches our workforce’s needs.

This crisis isn’t inevitable — it stems from restrictive policies. Zoning laws prevent smaller, more affordable homes, excessive permitting adds costs, and long wait times delay projects. SCR 103 provides a chance to examine these barriers and find solutions that increase availability while maintaining community integrity.

Montana’s bipartisan Housing Task Force offers a model. Dubbed the “Montana Miracle,” it brought stakeholders together to create 23 policies addressing affordability. Idaho can learn from this approach by forming a committee to reduce costs and develop solutions.

SCR 103 directs the committee to review zoning codes, permitting, and city plans to reduce burdens. It will explore ways to speed up approvals and cut unnecessary costs. With affordability ranking as a top concern for Idahoans, this work is crucial for our future.

A mix of housing options — duplexes, townhomes, small apartments — allows more Idahoans to live where they work. Teachers, nurses, and service workers are essential, yet many struggle to find housing. Expanding options strengthens our workforce, supports businesses and fosters a thriving Idaho.

Opponents fear drastic changes, but SCR 103 is about making communities work for everyone. It gives local governments tools to support growth and family stability. Restrictive land-use policies contribute to the crisis. By supporting SCR 103, legislators can take a data-driven approach to improving affordability.

Housing is the foundation of opportunity. It allows families to put down roots, workers to build careers, and communities to flourish. The time to act is now. I urge Idaho’s legislators and Gov. Brad Little to support SCR 103 and ensure every Idahoan has access to an affordable home.