Senate Resolution No. 168, introduced by Senator Barthelemy, establishes the Dream Starter Program Task Force to explore the creation of a unified statewide homeownership assistance program in Louisiana. The task force will assess various aspects of the program, including its design, funding strategies, eligibility criteria, and market feasibility. The resolution emphasizes the importance of expanding sustainable homeownership as a means to enhance workforce stability, local tax bases, and long-term household wealth, while addressing the structural barriers that prevent many income-qualified households from purchasing homes.

The task force will consist of a diverse group of members, including state officials, housing authority executives, and representatives from community organizations and financial institutions. It is tasked with proposing recommendations and legislative proposals by January 15, 2027, and will convene its first meeting by September 30, 2026. The resolution outlines the need for a cohesive program that balances fiscal responsibility with impactful outcomes, while also allowing for flexibility to adapt to regional housing conditions. The task force will operate without compensation, except for potential reimbursement of expenses, and will be supported by the staff of the Senate Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs.