Capitol Hill · Federal5 Bills Tracked
Capitol Hill: health credits, housing law, funding deadline, farm and permitting bills
What it means for youHealth premiums, housing costs and federal funding are all in play. The next government funding deadline is Dec. 11, after the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
ACA Subsidy ExtensionPassed House
Could lower marketplace premiums; Senate has not passed it.
21st Century ROAD to Housing ActIn Effect
Aims to add homes and ease costs for renters and buyers.
Stopgap Funding BillPassed Congress
Avoids a shutdown now; another deadline comes December 11.
Farm, Food, and National Security ActPassed House
Still needs full Senate approval before reaching the president.
Permitting Reform Bill (S.5653)Upcoming
Could change how quickly federal projects get approved; vote not expected before midterms.
Capitol Hill: health credits, housing law, funding deadline, farm and permitting bills
- This tracker follows five federal measures: health credits, housing, government funding, the farm bill and permitting reform.
- Congress funded the government through Dec. 11, so another funding deadline arrives after the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
- The housing act became law in July without the president's signature. Its limit on large investors buying homes starts Jan. 7, 2027.
- Senate leaders said the permitting bill will not get a vote before the midterms. The farm bill still needs full Senate action.
The bills
- ACA Subsidy Extension (Passed House): Would extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that expired in 2025; House approved three years, 230-196. Bill page
- 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (In Effect): Streamlines home building rules and bars investors owning 350+ single-family homes from buying more, starting January 7, 2027. Bill page
- Stopgap Funding Bill (Passed Congress): Keeps federal agencies funded at current levels through December 11, pushing the spending fight past the midterm elections. Bill page
- Farm, Food, and National Security Act (Passed House): Farm and food legislation; House passed it 224-200 on April 30; Senate Agriculture Committee advanced a bill Sept. 16. Bill page
- Permitting Reform Bill (S.5653) (Upcoming): Speeds federal environmental reviews and project approvals; Tribal groups object to provisions on sacred places. Bill page
Source: Holland & Knight
National · United KingdomUpcoming
UK Autumn Budget lands on 28 October: what to watch
What it means for youChancellor John Healey sets out tax and spending plans on 28 October. Rates of income tax, employee National Insurance and VAT are not due to rise, so other taxes could change.
UK Autumn Budget lands on 28 October: what to watch
- Chancellor John Healey delivers the Autumn Budget on 28 October, and the government says rates of income tax, employee National Insurance and VAT will not rise.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to remove VAT from household electricity bills from 1 October, which is expected to save around 45 pounds a year.
- Healey says fiscal discipline comes first and that the government will meet its fiscal rules.
- Analyst Sarah Coles of Hargreaves Lansdown has called the freeze on tax thresholds an effective stealth tax, because more people move into higher bands as wages rise.
Source: Civil Service World
National · CanadaUpcoming
Canada's federal budget arrives November 5 amid trade war and deficits
What it means for youFinance Minister Champagne tables the budget on 5 November. It lands as U.S. tariffs and a widening deficit shape jobs, prices and what Ottawa can spend.
From WashingtonThe U.S. put 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods in August, and Canada's counter-tariffs remain in effect after trade talks collapsed.
Canada's federal budget arrives November 5 amid trade war and deficits
- Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne announced on 20 October that the budget will be tabled on 5 November, the second under Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- The Parliamentary Budget Officer says new spending has used up higher oil revenue, making deficits about 3 billion dollars a year deeper than projected in June.
- The government says it will balance only day-to-day operating spending while borrowing for infrastructure, and it is aiming to attract 1 trillion dollars in investment.
- The Parliamentary Budget Officer projects the operating balance will come a year later than the government's target, and The Hub notes the approach raises headline deficits.
Source: BNN Bloomberg
National · NigeriaDeveloping
Nigeria: no fuel subsidy return, petrol near ₦1,400 before January vote
What it means for youPetrol costs about ₦1,400 a litre after the 2023 subsidy ended, and the president says it will not return. The government says a fuel tax will follow once the economy has stabilised.
From WashingtonA U.S. proclamation in force since 1 January 2026 limits new visas for Nigerians, and a permanent visa bond of up to 20,000 dollars can apply to some visitor applicants.
Nigeria: no fuel subsidy return, petrol near ₦1,400 before January vote
- On 19 October President Bola Tinubu ruled out bringing back the fuel subsidy he ended in May 2023.
- Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele says reversing it would hurt investor confidence and could weaken the naira sharply, pushing petrol prices higher.
- The opposition ADC says the five per cent fuel tax in the Nigeria Tax Act could lift petrol to about ₦1,522 a litre.
- Oyedele says fuel taxes will come only when the economy has stabilised, with the money going to roads and fuel reserves.
Source: allAfrica
National · JamaicaDeveloping
Jamaica's Melissa recovery: rebuilding authority and slow insurance payouts
What it means for youNearly a year after Hurricane Melissa, homes and roofs are still being rebuilt. Many insurance claims remain unsettled, and the prime minister says the government could use legislation to speed payments.
From WashingtonA U.S.-Jamaica agreement signed in June lets the U.S. send up to 25 non-Jamaican deportees every two weeks through Kingston, and the first 22 arrived on 13 October.
Jamaica's Melissa recovery: rebuilding authority and slow insurance payouts
- In his 19 October Heroes Day address, Prime Minister Andrew Holness named the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority as central to repairing homes, roofs and infrastructure.
- A World Bank estimate puts physical damage at 12.2 billion US dollars, equal to 41 percent of Jamaica's 2024 GDP.
- The hotel association says claims are paid slowly and short; insurers say each claim needs individual assessment and may involve overseas reinsurers.
- Finance Minister Fayval Williams says recovery is under way and the deficit is J$2.5 billion wider than planned, though not everyone has recovered.
Source: Jamaica Observer
National · Washington & YouIn Effect
Washington's remittance tax, Africa trade and tariff rules: what changes abroad
What it means for youSending cash from the U.S. costs 1% more, while bank and card transfers are exempt. AGOA trade preferences for African exporters now run through 2028.
Washington's remittance tax, Africa trade and tariff rules: what changes abroad
- Since Jan. 1, 2026, a 1% federal tax applies to remittances sent abroad with cash, a money order or a cashier's check.
- Proposed Treasury rules exclude transfers paid from a bank account or a U.S. debit or credit card, and transfers of $15 or less.
- President Trump signed a law extending AGOA duty-free access through 2028. South Africa had pushed for a 15-year extension.
- Other tariffs still apply: Angola, Nigeria and South Africa face 12.5%, and motor vehicles face a 25% tariff.
Source: IRS
State House · AlabamaSigned
Alabama makes nursing home and hospital Medicaid taxes permanent
What it means for youTwo 2026 laws keep Alabama's nursing home and hospital provider taxes in place for good, which helps pay for Medicaid. Alabama still has not expanded Medicaid to low-income adults.
Alabama makes nursing home and hospital Medicaid taxes permanent
- SB 143 removes the expiration date on fees tied to nursing facility beds.
- SB 145 does the same for a tax that private hospitals pay to the Alabama Medicaid Agency.
- Both bills were sponsored by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore. Alabama Arise, an advocacy group, says the laws protect Medicaid funding.
- Alabama Arise also notes that the governor and Legislature have not expanded Medicaid to cover adults with low incomes.
Source: Alabama Arise
State House · AlaskaIn Effect
Alaska sets 2026 dividend at $1,000 plus $200 energy payment
What it means for youEligible Alaskans are getting $1,200 total starting October 1: a $1,000 dividend plus a $200 energy relief payment, with the amount set in budget bill HB 263.
Alaska sets 2026 dividend at $1,000 plus $200 energy payment
- Nearly 600,000 Alaskans began receiving payments October 1. Another round is scheduled for October 22.
- Applicants generally must have been Alaska residents for all of 2025. Some people sentenced or incarcerated for a felony that year may be ineligible.
- The House minority caucus argued for the statutory dividend formula, which estimates put near $3,800 per person.
- The multipartisan House majority coalition favored putting more money toward state services, such as schools, Medicaid rates and heating assistance.
Source: Alaska Department of Revenue
State House · ArizonaSigned
Arizona budget adds $6,000 senior deduction and tighter Medicaid checks
What it means for youGov. Hobbs signed an $18.3 billion budget, SB 1847, with $1.4 billion in tax cuts. Seniors get a new $6,000 deduction, and Medicaid and SNAP eligibility checks are stronger.
Arizona budget adds $6,000 senior deduction and tighter Medicaid checks
- The tax package ends taxes on tips and overtime, raises the standard deduction and adds the new senior deduction.
- It also adds a child care expense deduction, a larger child tax credit and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.
- Senate Republicans say stronger Medicaid and SNAP verification reduces waste and protects taxpayer money.
- Democrats pushed back on the checks. The budget funds extra staff so about 40,000 Arizonans can remain on the state Medicaid plan.
Source: Arizona Capitol Times
State House · ArkansasSigned
Arkansas raises homestead property tax credit to $675
What it means for youHB 1103 lifts the credit that lowers property taxes on your main home from $600 to $675 per parcel. It applies to assessment year 2026, with taxes due in 2027.
Arkansas raises homestead property tax credit to $675
- Rep. Bart Schulz, R-Cave City, sponsored HB 1103. It passed both chambers with no votes against, and the governor's office announced the signing May 1.
- Homeowners must register with their county assessor and show proof of eligibility. Each homeowner gets one credit per year.
- A statewide half-cent sales tax pays counties back for the credits. The state estimates $39.8 million in added credits in 2027.
- Gov. Sanders says the state's tax cuts deliver savings to Arkansans. Sen. Fred Love, D-Little Rock, said a separate income tax cut gives the average person about $50.
Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
State House · CaliforniaUpcoming
California minimum wage rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027
What it means for youThe statewide minimum wage goes from $16.90 to $17.40 an hour in January. A new law also sets a $19.75 hourly floor for certain farmworkers starting in 2027.
California minimum wage rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027
- Gov. Newsom announced July 31, 2026, that the statewide minimum wage will increase to $17.40 an hour on January 1, 2027.
- The current statewide minimum is $16.90. The governor's office also cites $20 an hour for fast-food workers and $25 for health care workers.
- AB 2646, signed September 30, sets a $19.75 hourly floor for some farmworkers hired through programs like H-2A starting in 2027.
- California residents doing the same or similar work for the same employer, in the same county and period, also qualify.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
State House · ColoradoIn Effect
Colorado funds senior property tax break for 2026 tax year
What it means for youIf you are 65 or older and have owned and lived in your home for 10 years, the state can exempt up to half of the first $200,000 of its value.
State House · ConnecticutSigned
Connecticut's housing law H.B. 8002 requires towns to plan for growth
What it means for youTowns must now plan for more housing, small projects face fewer parking rules, and fair rent commissions expand. That can affect rent disputes and housing choices near you.
Connecticut's housing law H.B. 8002 requires towns to plan for growth
Source: CT Mirror
State House · DelawareSigned
Delaware's Housing for Every Delawarean Act sets affordable housing goals
What it means for youLarger towns and counties must plan for affordable homes, with a goal of making 20% of homes affordable, and zoning-compliant residential projects get by-right review.
State House · District of ColumbiaApproved
DC budget restores Healthcare Alliance coverage and protects housing vouchers
What it means for youFor one year starting Oct. 1, the DC Healthcare Alliance again covers full medical services, including dental and vision, for adults 21 and older not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.
DC budget restores Healthcare Alliance coverage and protects housing vouchers
Source: Arent Fox Schiff
State House · FloridaUpcoming
Florida voters decide Amendment 3 on homestead property tax exemption
What it means for youOn Nov. 3, voters decide whether to raise the homestead exemption on non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. It needs 60% to pass.
Florida voters decide Amendment 3 on homestead property tax exemption
Source: Florida TaxWatch
State House · GeorgiaSigned
Georgia gives homestead owners a one-time $18,000 assessed-value cut
What it means for youIf you filed a homestead exemption by April 1 and owe property tax, your 2026 bill drops. It is a bill reduction, not a check.
State House · HawaiiSigned
Hawaii sets up program to buy and erase residents' medical debt
What it means for youQualifying residents may have medical debt wiped out without applying. They will get a notice if their debt is bought and canceled.
State House · IdahoSigned
Idaho drops proration of its homeowner's property tax exemption
What it means for youIdaho homeowners get the full homestead exemption regardless of when in the year they apply, as long as they file by the deadline.
Idaho drops proration of its homeowner's property tax exemption
Source: Idaho Legislature
State House · IllinoisSigned
Illinois homeowners keep leftover equity when homes sold for tax debt
What it means for youIf your home is sold over unpaid property taxes, you now keep the money left after the debt is paid. Owners also get more time to pay.
State House · IndianaSigned
Indiana's SB 1 adds homestead credits, with extra $150 for seniors
What it means for youHomeowners get a credit of 10% off their property tax bill, up to $300. Eligible owners 65 and older get $150 more.
State House · IowaSigned
Iowa's new property tax law caps city and county revenue growth
What it means for youHomeowners get a larger exemption on part of their home's value. Cities and counties face a 2% revenue cap, and existing senior and veteran exemptions stay.
Iowa's new property tax law caps city and county revenue growth
- Senate File 2472 gives homeowners an exemption equal to 10% of home value, at least $5,500 and at most $20,000.
- It caps most city and county revenue growth at 2% a year, with exceptions, and keeps existing senior and veteran exemptions.
- Supporters, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, say it will save homeowners $4.2 billion over six years.
- Critics, including city officials, say residents may see only small bill changes and could see reduced city services.
▶ Iowa PBS Iowa Press: House Speaker Pat Grassley on the property tax dealSource: Iowa Public Radio
State House · KansasVetoed
Kansas governor vetoes property tax cap on cities and counties
What it means for youNo major property tax relief became law this session. The vetoed bill would have let voters block local spending increases above a set cap.
Kansas governor vetoes property tax cap on cities and counties
- House Bill 2043 would have limited city and county spending increases to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever was smaller.
- Voters could have blocked a local decision to exceed the limit with a petition signed by 10% of voters from a past election.
- Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed it in April, calling it a 'false promise,' and lawmakers had already adjourned, so no override was possible.
- Supporters say the cap would slow rising local tax bills. Critics, including some in both parties, warned local governments could struggle to operate.
Source: Kansas Reflector
State House · KentuckyIn Effect
Kentucky law lets churches build small affordable housing projects
What it means for youFaith groups can build up to 24 affordable homes on land they own with less local zoning review. Units must stay affordable for 15 years.
Kentucky law lets churches build small affordable housing projects
- House Bill 333 was signed by Gov. Andy Beshear on April 7 and took effect July 15, 2026.
- Qualifying religious institutions, or developers working for them, can skip much of the local zoning review if they meet requirements.
- Housing must be reserved for households earning 80% or less of area median income, capped at 24 units, and stay affordable 15 years.
- Supporters say it cuts red tape in a housing shortage, and projects must still pass safety inspections.
Source: Spectrum News 1
State House · LouisianaSigned
Louisiana Medicaid must cover dental work needed before surgery
What it means for youMedicaid will pay for dental procedures a patient needs to be cleared for another covered treatment, such as surgery. The law's effective date was August 1, 2026.
Louisiana Medicaid must cover dental work needed before surgery
- House Bill 222, by Rep. Stephanie Berault, became Act 629 when the governor signed it on June 2, 2026.
- It requires Medicaid to cover a dental procedure when it is medically necessary to clear a patient for another Medicaid-covered procedure.
- Louisiana Medicaid adult dental coverage has mainly included exams, cleanings, dentures, and up to $200 for extractions.
- The health department must seek federal plan approval and write rules. The fiscal note lists about $784,370 in state costs.
Source: Louisiana Legislature
State House · MaineSigned
Maine creates first dedicated funding source for affordable housing
What it means for youA new Housing Production Fund at MaineHousing, paid for through real estate transfer tax changes, will help build affordable homes. First-time buyers in MaineHousing's program skip that tax.
Maine creates first dedicated funding source for affordable housing
- LD 2212 puts $37.5 million in new funding toward building affordable homes to buy or rent across Maine.
- It sets up a Housing Production Fund at MaineHousing, financed through changes to the real estate transfer tax.
- The state estimates $17 million in the first year, with the amount expected to grow with the real estate market.
- LD 210 also exempts participants in MaineHousing's First Time Homebuyer Program from the real estate transfer tax.
Source: Maine Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
State House · MarylandIn Effect
Maryland Medicaid work-rule changes start Jan. 1, with new state job database
What it means for youIf you're 19 to 64 on expanded Medicaid, you'll need 80 work, training or volunteer hours monthly from Jan. 1, 2027. A new state database lists job-training options.
Maryland Medicaid work-rule changes start Jan. 1, with new state job database
Source: WYPR
State House · MassachusettsPassed Senate
Massachusetts Senate passes optional senior property tax exemption bill, S.2902
What it means for youIf your town opts in, income-eligible longtime senior homeowners could get a property tax exemption. The bill passed the Senate in January; House action was not confirmed.
State House · MichiganUpcoming
Michigan minimum wage rises to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, 2027
What it means for youWorkers now at $13.73 an hour are scheduled to move to $15.00 on Jan. 1, 2027. The tipped cash wage rises to $6.30.
State House · MinnesotaSigned
Minnesota boosts 2025 homestead credit refunds by 14.88 percent, one time
What it means for youHomeowners who qualify for the 2025 Homestead Credit Refund get a refund nearly 15% larger. If you already filed, the state adjusts it for you.
State House · MississippiSigned
Mississippi's HB 1 phases income tax down to 3% by 2030
What it means for youThe state income tax rate is set to fall to 3% by 2030, with later cuts possible. The law also cuts the grocery sales tax to 5% and raises the gas tax.
State House · MissouriSigned
Missouri law will automatically clear some criminal records
What it means for youEligible misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies will be cleared automatically, without you filing anything, after set waiting periods. Violent crimes and offenses against children are excluded.
State House · MontanaIn Effect
Montana's homestead rate lowers property taxes on primary homes
What it means for youIf you own and live in your Montana home at least seven months a year, you can get a lower property tax rate. Second homes generally pay more.
State House · NebraskaSigned
Nebraska locks in retroactive Medicaid coverage under LB958
What it means for youIf you get care before applying for Medicaid, Nebraska must cover those bills up to the federal limit: two months, or one month for expansion enrollees.
State House · NevadaProposed
Nevada lawmakers plan to bring back a senior rent cap in 2027
What it means for youNevada lawmakers plan to reintroduce a 10% cap on rent increases for seniors in 2027. Gov. Joe Lombardo has vetoed earlier versions twice.
Nevada lawmakers plan to bring back a senior rent cap in 2027
Source: Nevada Current
State House · New HampshireSigned
New Hampshire sets Medicaid work rules starting January 2027
What it means for youAdults on Granite Advantage, the state's Medicaid expansion, must show proof of 80 hours a month of work or other approved activity, unless exempt.
New Hampshire sets Medicaid work rules starting January 2027
Source: InDepthNH.org
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City Hall · AtlantaApproved
Atlanta Council votes 8-7 to sell city jail to Fulton County
What it means for youThe council approved a $68 million sale of the city jail to Fulton County. Final terms, including operations and employee transitions, still must be negotiated.
City Hall · New York CityUpcoming
NYC Council to vote on raising senior rent-freeze income limit
What it means for youSeniors and people with disabilities earning up to $75,000 could qualify for rent freezes, up from $50,000. A Finance Committee vote is set for Oct. 22.
NYC Council to vote on raising senior rent-freeze income limit
Source: The Real Deal
City Hall · Los AngelesUpcoming
LA voters decide on half-cent sales tax for fire department
What it means for youOn Nov. 3, LA voters decide whether to add a half-cent to the city sales tax for the fire department, raising about $345 million a year.
City Hall · ChicagoProposed
Chicago mayor's 2027 budget meets council tax opposition
What it means for youChicago faces roughly an $880 million budget gap. The mayor is expected to propose business taxes, while 29 aldermen say they oppose a head tax or property tax increase.
Chicago mayor's 2027 budget meets council tax opposition
Source: NBC Chicago
City Hall · HoustonApproved
Houston Council keeps city property tax rate flat for 2026
What it means for youHouston's city tax rate stays at 51.9 cents per $100. A home with a $340,000 taxable value owes about $1,765 a year in city tax.
Houston Council keeps city property tax rate flat for 2026
Source: Community Impact
City Hall · PhiladelphiaDeveloping
Philadelphia weighs 20-year tax break for converting empty buildings into housing
What it means for youNo Council vote yet. Members are weighing a long property tax break for housing conversions, while city schools rely on property tax revenue.
Philadelphia weighs 20-year tax break for converting empty buildings into housing
Source: WHYY
City Hall · DetroitUnder Review
Detroit weighs $300 million tax incentive for Renaissance Center plan
What it means for youBedrock and GM want a $300 million tax incentive for a $2.2 billion RenCen redevelopment. Residents are negotiating community benefits before Detroit City Council votes.
Detroit weighs $300 million tax incentive for Renaissance Center plan
- Bedrock Detroit and General Motors seek a $300 million tax incentive package through a Transformational Brownfield Plan.
- A nine-member resident Neighborhood Advisory Council is negotiating a community benefits agreement under the city's Community Benefits Ordinance.
- Many residents who spoke opposed the plan, the process or both, and the Brownfield Authority vote was set for Oct. 14.
- Not everyone opposed it, and the incentive repays costs from future tax revenue; Council and the state must approve by March 31, 2027.
Source: Outlier Media
City Hall · Washington, DCApproved
DC Council approves $300 million for Stadium-Armory Metro upgrades
What it means for youCouncil approved emergency funding to upgrade Stadium-Armory Metro and plan a Gold Line bus route to the new stadium site. The bus line's total cost is not yet known.
DC Council approves $300 million for Stadium-Armory Metro upgrades
- On Oct. 6, the Council approved two emergency measures: up to $300 million for Stadium-Armory and $5 million to plan the Gold Line.
- The Gold Line would run buses down the middle of H Street and Benning Road between Union Station and the stadium.
- Councilmember Charles Allen, who chairs the transportation committee, says work must start now to be ready for the 2030 NFL season.
- Allen has argued another station is needed along Benning Road, while Metro says an expanded entrance and more game-day service are enough.
Source: WJLA 7News
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