Lawler Introduces Legislation to Update Home Safety Design Features for HUD Housing

Washington, D.C. - 9/24/26… This week Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Home Accessibility Improvements Inclusion Act, legislation that directs the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to update its options for universal design features and to train appraisers on how to properly value universal-design and accessibility improvements, which can be financed through the FHA's 203(k) rehab mortgage program.

Universal design features include zero-step entrances, wider doorways and hallways, accessible bathrooms, lever-style handles, and walls reinforced for grab bars.

"We're making it easier for people to update their homes so they're safer, easier to move around in, and usable for everyone, senior people with disabilities, families with kids, or anyone who wants a home that works for them throughout their life. This legislation will not only create safety updates to home infrastructure, but it will make homes more accessible for years to come for Hudson Valley families," said Congressman Lawler.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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