New Kentucky bill could let religious organizations develop affordable housing: What to know

Posted by Fox56 News, January 8, 2025

A bill introduced to the Senate on Wednesday could, if passed, allow religious organizations in Kentucky to develop affordable housing in commercial as well as residential zones.

Senate Bill 59 was introduced on Wednesday by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, according to a news release. The legislation reportedly seeks to remove regulatory barriers and let religious organizations across the Commonwealth develop affordable housing on their properties.

The entire story can be read on the Fox56 website.

Versions of this story also ran in KentuckyToday.com, and in the Nelson County Gazette on Jan 14.

The Loretto Community announced the news internally as follows:

Loretto is pleased to share this news release (below) from Kentucky State Sen. Jimmy Higdon announcing a bill he recently introduced in the Kentucky State Senate’s 2025 legislative session that would expand affordable housing in the state.

In his announcement, Jimmy credits Joy Jensen SL as the inspiration for his bill. This bill came up as part of a discussion at a recent Political Concerns Work Group meeting of Loretto LINK, where Joy brought up a similar bill Sherrod Brown had introduced and brought to Jimmy’s attention. Jimmy came to the Loretto Motherhouse to talk about the housing initiative and met with Joy, who has a doctorate in public policy and administration and has done housing work in St. Louis. He has invited her to the first hearing on his bill. Such a credit to her, and to all of Loretto!

SEN. JIMMY HIGDON INTRODUCES BILL TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN KENTUCKY

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 7, 2025)—On Wednesday Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, introduced a faith-based initiative to help address Kentucky’s affordable housing challenges through small-government solutions. The bill, SB59 filed during the second day of the 2025 Legislative Session, stems from conversations with constituents and the recommendations of the 2024 Affordable Housing Task Force, co-chaired by Senate Majority Chair Robby Mills, R-Henderson. Higdon served as a task force member.

If the Senate approves the bill, Rep. Michael ‘Sarge’ Pollock, R-Campbellsville, will carry it in the House. 

This legislation seeks to remove regulatory barriers and allow religious institutions to utilize their properties for affordable housing development. By partnering with local governments, churches and faith-based organizations—which have long supported vulnerable populations—can develop affordable housing units while maintaining local oversight. If passed, this bill would designate affordable housing projects developed by religious organizations as permitted uses in all residential and commercial zones within areas with planning and zoning. These projects would be exempt from planning unit permitting or review if they are on property owned by the religious institution, approved by the local legislative body, exclusively contain affordable housing, and comply with all other legal requirements, including building permits. 

“This proposal reflects the voices of my constituents and the shared work of the Affordable Housing Task Force,” said Higdon. “Churches have always been beacons of hope and service in our communities, and this bill empowers them to do even more to help address the housing crisis in Kentucky. It’s one piece of the housing puzzle our state and many others face.”

Senate Bill 59 reflects similar measures introduced at the federal level and in states like Virginia, where legislation was proposed to allow faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on their properties. These proposals aim to streamline housing development and remove unnecessary government regulatory hurdles, enabling communities to address housing shortages more flexibly.

Faith leaders, including the Sisters of Loretto and other community organizations dedicated to serving Kentucky’s most vulnerable, have already backed the bill. Sister Joy Jensen of the Sisters of Loretto inspired the legislation.