In June, RLI members and leaders came to Washington, D.C., during NAR’s REALTORS® Legislative Meetings to advocate on behalf of landowners, land brokers, and the broader real estate industry.

This work in Washington — combined with RLI’s year-round advocacy efforts — helps advance policies that protect private property rights, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, support rural and land-based economies, and promote responsible growth.

RLI is involved in or closely monitoring several key issues this year:

21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: This bipartisan housing package is designed to help address the nation’s housing shortage by expanding supply, reducing barriers to development, streamlining certain federal processes, and supporting more efficient use of land and infrastructure. The bill has advanced with strong bipartisan support, and RLI continues to monitor its progress because of its potential impact on land development, housing inventory, and rural communities.

Waters of the United States: RLI and NAR continue to support a clear, consistent, and durable definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act. A predictable WOTUS rule is essential for landowners, farmers, ranchers, developers, and land real estate professionals who need to understand when federal permitting requirements apply. Federal agencies have proposed revisions intended to clarify jurisdiction in light of recent Supreme Court precedent, and RLI will continue monitoring the rulemaking process and its potential impact on private property rights and land use.

Farm Bill: The 2018 Farm Bill has been extended through September 30, 2026, allowing many critical agriculture, conservation, rural development, and land stewardship programs to continue while Congress works toward a long-term reauthorization. The House has passed a 2026 farm bill, and attention now turns to the Senate. RLI will continue to watch for provisions affecting landowners, agricultural producers, conservation programs, rural communities, and the land real estate marketplace.

Landowner Petition Before the Supreme Court: RLI and NAR have joined an amicus brief in support of landowners in Benedetti v. Marin County, California. In that case, the landowners are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a county requirement that conditions the construction of a single-family home on agriculturally zoned land on a perpetual obligation binding current and future owners to agricultural use. The case raises important questions about private property rights, land use restrictions, and the limits of government authority.

Advocacy is a core part of RLI’s mission. By engaging with lawmakers, regulators, coalition partners, and NAR, RLI helps ensure the voice of land real estate professionals is heard on the issues that matter most to landowners and the land industry.

To learn more about RLI’s formal positions on 15 land issues and view the latest advocacy updates, visit rliland.com/advocacy.