Reported in Senate — S. 2651

Calendar No. 143

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 2651

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

August 1, 2025

Mr. Scott of South Carolina, from the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, reported the following original bill; which was read twice and placed on the calendar

A BILL

To increase the supply of affordable housing in America.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025 or the ROAD to Housing Act of 2025.

Sec. 2. Table of contents

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Title I Improving Financial Literacy

Sec. 101. Reforms to housing counseling and financial literacy programs

(a) In general

Section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)(4)(C), by striking adequate distribution and all that follows through foreclosure rates and inserting that the recipients are geographically diverse and include organizations that serve urban or rural areas;

(2)

in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:

(6) Performance review
The Secretary—
(A)
may conduct periodic on-site reviews; and
(B)
shall conduct performance reviews of all participating agencies that—
(i)
consists of a review of the participating agency’s compliance with all program requirements; and
(ii)
may take into account the agency’s aggregate counselor performance under paragraph (7)(B).
(7) Considerations
(A) Covered mortgage loan defined
In this paragraph, the term covered mortgage loan means any loan which is secured by a first or subordinate lien on residential real property (including individual units of condominiums and cooperatives) designed principally for the occupancy of between 1 and 4 families that is—
(i)
insured by the Federal Housing Administration under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.); or
(ii)
guaranteed under section 184 or 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1715z–13a, 1715z–13b).
(B) Comparison
For each counselor employed by an organization receiving assistance under this section for pre-purchase housing counseling, the Secretary may consider the performance of the counselor compared to the default rate of all counseled borrowers of a covered mortgage loan in comparable markets and such other factors as the Secretary determines appropriate to further the purposes of this section.
(8) Certification
If, based on the comparison required under paragraph (7)(B), the Secretary determines that a counselor lacks competence to provide counseling in the areas described in subsection (e)(2) and such action will not create a significant loss of capacity for housing counseling services in the service area, the Secretary may—
(A)
require continued education coupled with successful completion of a probationary period;
(B)
require retesting if the counselor continues to demonstrate a lack of competence under paragraph (7)(B); and
(C)
permanently suspend an individual certification if a counselor fails to demonstrate competence after not fewer than 2 retesting opportunities under subparagraph (B).;

(3)

in subsection (i)—

(A)

by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and

(B)

by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:

(3) Termination of assistance
(A) In general
The Secretary may deny renewal of covered assistance to an organization or entity receiving covered assistance if the Secretary determines that the organization or entity, or the individual through which the organization or entity provides counseling, is not in compliance with program requirements—
(i)
based on the performance review described in subsection (e)(6); and
(ii)
in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary.
(B) Notice
The Secretary shall give an organization or entity receiving covered assistance not less than 60 days prior written notice of any denial of renewal under this paragraph, and the determination of renewal shall not be finalized until the end of that notice period.
(C) Informal conference
If requested in writing by the organization or entity within the notice period described in subparagraph (B), the organization or entity shall be entitled to an informal conference with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Housing Counseling on behalf of the Secretary at which the organization or entity may present for consideration of specific factors that the organization or entity believes were beyond the control of the organization or entity and that caused the failure to comply with program requirements, such as a lack of lender or servicer coordination or communication with housing counseling agencies and individual counselors.; and

(4)

by adding at the end the following:

(j) Offering foreclosure mitigation counseling
(1) Covered mortgage loan defined
In this subsection, the term covered mortgage loan means any loan which is secured by a first or subordinate lien on residential real property (including individual units of condominiums) or stock or membership in a cooperative ownership housing corporation designed principally for the occupancy of between 1 and 4 families that is—
(A)
insured by the Federal Housing Administration under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.);
(B)
guaranteed under section 184 or 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1715z–13a, 1715z–13b);
(C)
made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs; or
(D)
made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Agriculture.
(2) Opportunity for borrowers
A borrower with respect to a covered mortgage loan who is 30 days or more delinquent on payments for the covered mortgage loan shall be given an opportunity to participate in available housing counseling.
(3) Cost
If the requirements of sections 202(a)(3) and 205(f) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(a)(3), 1711(f)) are met, the fair market rate cost of counseling for delinquent borrowers described in paragraph (2) with respect to a covered mortgage loan described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be paid for by the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, as authorized under section 203(r)(4) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(r)(4)).

Title II Building More in America

Sec. 201. Rental assistance demonstration program

The language under the heading Rental Assistance Demonstration in the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112–55; 125 Stat. 673) is amended—

(1)

in the second proviso, by striking until September 30, 2029 and inserting for fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter;

(2)

by striking the fourth proviso;

(3)

in the twentieth proviso, as so designated before the date of enactment of this Act, by striking or other means: and inserting or other means, including the adoption of a mandatory tenant lease and management plan addendum for a property with assistance converted, if not otherwise covered by another program, under this demonstration:

(4)

by striking the twenty-second proviso, as so designated before the date of enactment of this Act;

(5)

in the twenty-seventh, thirtieth, thirty-first, thirty-second, thirty-third, and thirty-forth provisos, as so designated before the date of enactment of this Act, by striking Second Component each place the term appears and inserting First Component; and

(6)

by striking vouchers to project-based vouchers. and inserting vouchers to project-based vouchers: Provided further, That the Secretary shall annually assess and publish findings regarding the impact of the conversion of assistance under the First Component of the demonstration with respect to the preservation and improvement of public housing, the amount of private sector leveraging resulting from such conversion transactions, the prevalence of pre-conversion residents remaining in or returning to the property following conversion, and the effect of such conversion on tenants, including the impact of such conversion on the rights maintained by tenants as enumerated in regulations and other documents conferring rights upon tenants as developed by the Secretary, and other matters the Secretary may determine appropriate: Provided further, That the Secretary may take remediative action or impose civil money penalties or other administrative sanctions for material violations of a requirement under the demonstration: Provided further, That nothing in the matter under this heading shall be construed to diminish, impair, or otherwise affect the rights of property owners or tenants as enumerated in current law and regulations: Provided further, That all property owner rights, including those related to ownership, management, and contractual obligations, shall continue to apply and be respected following a Rental Assistance Demonstration Program conversion: Provided further, That all tenant protections and rights established in current law and regulations shall remain fully in effect for properties converted under the Rental Assistance Demonstration Program..

Sec. 202. Increasing housing in opportunity zones

(a) Covered grant defined

In this section, the term covered grant means any competitive grant relating to the construction, modification, rehabilitation, or preservation of housing, as determined by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(b) Priority

When awarding a covered grant, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may give additional weight to applicants located in, or that primarily serve, a community that has been designated as a qualified opportunity zone under section 1400Z–1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Sec. 203. Housing Supply Frameworks Act

(a) Findings

Congress finds the following:

(1)

The United States is facing a housing supply shortage. This housing supply shortage has resulted in a record number of cost-burdened households across regions and spanning the large and small cities, towns, and coastal and rural communities of the United States.

(2)

Several factors contribute to the undersupply of housing in the United States, particularly workforce housing, including rising costs of construction, a shortage of labor, supply chain disruptions, and a lack of reliable funding sources.

(3)

Regulatory barriers at the State and local levels, such as zoning and land use regulations, also inhibit the creation of new housing to meet local and regional housing needs.

(4)

State and local governments are proactively exploring solutions for reforming regulatory barriers, but additional resources, data, and models can help adequately address these challenges.

(5)

While land use regulation is the responsibility of State and local governments, there is Federal support for necessary reforms, and there is an opportunity for the Federal Government to provide support and assistance to State and local governments that wish to undertake necessary reforms in a manner that fits their communities’ needs.

(6)

Therefore, zoning ordinances or systems of land use regulation that have the intent or effect of restricting housing opportunities based on economic status or income without interests that are substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory and that outweigh the regional need for housing are contrary to the regional and national interest.

(b) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Affordable housing

The term affordable housing means housing for which the monthly payment is not more than 30 percent of the monthly income of the household.

(2) Assistant Secretary

The term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(3) Local zoning framework

The term local zoning framework means the local zoning codes and other ordinances, procedures, and policies governing zoning and land-use at the local level.

(4) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(5) State zoning framework

The term State zoning framework means the State legislation or State agency and department procedures, or such legislation or procedures in an insular area of the United States, enabling local planning and zoning authorities and establishing and guiding related policies and programs.

(c) Guidelines on State and local zoning frameworks

(1) Establishment

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall publish documents outlining guidelines and best practices to support production of adequate housing to meet the needs of communities and provide housing opportunities for individuals at every income level across communities with respect to—

(A)

State zoning frameworks; and

(B)

local zoning frameworks.

(2) Consultation; public comment

During the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, in developing the guidelines and best practices required under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary shall—

(A)

publish draft guidelines in the Federal Register for public comment; and

(B)

establish a task force for the purpose of providing consultation to draft guidelines published under subparagraph (A), the members of which shall include—

(i)

planners and architects;

(ii)

housing developers, including affordable and market-rate housing developers, manufactured housing developers, and other business interests;

(iii)

community engagement experts and community members impacted by zoning decisions;

(iv)

public housing authorities and transit authorities;

(v)

members of local zoning and planning boards and local and regional transportation planning organizations;

(vi)

State officials responsible for housing or land use, including members of State zoning boards of appeals;

(vii)

academic researchers; and

(viii)

home builders.

(3) Contents

The guidelines and best practices required under paragraph (1) shall—

(A)

with respect to State zoning frameworks, outline potential models for updated State enabling legislation or State agency and department procedures;

(B)

include recommendations regarding—

(i)

the reduction or elimination of parking minimums;

(ii)

the increase in maximum floor area ratio requirements and maximum building heights and the reduction in minimum lot sizes and set-back requirements;

(iii)

the elimination of restrictions against accessory dwelling units;

(iv)

increasing by-right uses, including duplex, triplex, or quadplex buildings, across cities or metropolitan areas;

(v)

mechanisms, including proximity to transit, to determine the appropriate scope for rezoning and ensure development that does not disproportionately burden residents of economically distressed areas;

(vi)

provisions regarding review of by-right development proposals to streamline review and reduce uncertainty, including—

(I)

nondiscretionary, ministerial review; and

(II)

entitlement and design review processes;

(vii)

the reduction of obstacles, regulatory or otherwise, to a range of housing types at all levels of affordability, including manufactured and modular housing;

(viii)

State model zoning regulations for directing local reforms, including mechanisms to encourage adoption;

(ix)

provisions to encourage transit-oriented development, including increased permissible units per structure and reduced minimum lot sizes near existing or planned public transit stations;

(x)

potential reforms to strengthen the public engagement process;

(xi)

reforms to protest petition statutes;

(xii)

the standardization, reduction, or elimination of impact fees;

(xiii)

cost effective and appropriate building codes;

(xiv)

models for community benefit agreements;

(xv)

mechanisms to preserve affordability, limit disruption of low-income communities, and prevent displacement of existing residents;

(xvi)

with respect to State zoning frameworks—

(I)

State model codes for directing local reforms, including mechanisms to encourage adoption;

(II)

a model for a State zoning appeals process, which would—

(aa)

create a process for developers or builders requesting a variance, conditional use, special permit, zoning district change, similar discretionary permit, or otherwise petitioning a local zoning or planning board for a project including a State-defined amount of affordable housing to appeal a rejection to a State body or regional body empowered by the State; and

(bb)

establish qualifications for communities to be exempted from the appeals process based on their available stock of affordable housing; and

(III)

streamlining of State environmental review policies;

(xvii)

with respect to local zoning frameworks—

(I)

the simplification and standardization of existing zoning codes;

(II)

maximum review timelines;

(III)

best practices for the disposition of land owned by local governments for affordable housing development;

(IV)

differentiations between best practices for rural, suburban, and urban communities, and communities with different levels of density or population distribution; and

(V)

streamlining of local environmental review policies; and

(xviii)

other land use measures that promote access to new housing opportunities identified by the Secretary; and

(C)

consider—

(i)

the effects of adopting any recommendation on eligibility for Federal discretionary grants and tax credits for the purpose of housing or community development;

(ii)

coordination between infrastructure investments and housing planning;

(iii)

local housing needs, including ways to set and measure housing goals and targets;

(iv)

a range of affordability for rental units, with a prioritization of units attainable to extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income residents;

(v)

a range of affordability for homeownership;

(vi)

accountability measures;

(vii)

the long-term cost to residents and businesses if more housing is not constructed;

(viii)

barriers to individuals seeking to access affordable housing in growing communities and communities with economic opportunity;

(ix)

with respect to State zoning frameworks—

(I)

distinctions between States providing constitutional or statutory home rule authority to municipalities and States operating under the Dillon Rule, as articulated in Hunter v. Pittsburgh, 207 U.S. 161 (1907); and

(II)

Statewide mechanisms to preserve existing affordability over the long term, including support for land banks and community land trusts;

(x)

public comments elicited under paragraph (2)(A); and

(xi)

other considerations, as identified by the Secretary.

(d) Abolishment of the regulatory barriers clearinghouse

(1) In general

The Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse established pursuant to section 1205 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d) is abolished.

(2) Repeal

Section 1205 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d) is repealed.

(e) Reporting

(1) Initial report

Not later than 5 years after the date on which the Assistant Secretary publishes the guidelines and best practices for State and local zoning frameworks, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing—

(A)

the States that have adopted recommendations from the guidelines and best practices, pursuant to subsection (c);

(B)

a summary of the localities that have adopted recommendations from the guidelines and best practices, pursuant to subsection (c);

(C)

a list of States that adopted a State zoning framework;

(D)

a summary of the modifications that each State has made in their State zoning framework;

(E)

a general summary of the types of updates localities have made to their local zoning framework;

(F)

of the States that have adopted a State zoning framework or recommendations from the guidelines and best practices, the effect of such adoptions; and

(G)

a summary of recommendations that were routinely not adopted by States or by localities.

(2) Monitoring

Two years after the date which the Assistant Secretary submits to Congress the initial report required under paragraph (1), and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall—

(A)

publish a report that—

(i)

provides the latest information regarding the information described in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of that paragraph;

(ii)

identifies, to the greatest extent practicable, the adoption rates by States and localities of each guideline and best practice established under subsection (c);

(iii)

requests and establishes a public comment period on the guidelines and best practices established under subsection (c) that are routinely not adopted or adopted at significantly lower rates by States and localities; and

(iv)

includes other relevant information and criteria, as determined by the Secretary; and

(B)

review and consider all public feedback to the report required under subparagraph (A) for the purpose of improving the guidelines or best practices under subsection (c) to further achieve the zoning goals stated in subsection (a).

(f) GAO report on housing supply

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that investigates barriers to housing supply, which shall include an assessment of—

(1)

the current state of—

(A)

the rental and homeowner housing supply shortage;

(B)

geographic patterns of that shortage;

(C)

shortages in housing at various levels of affordability; and

(D)

shortages in housing appropriate for seniors, families with children, and people with disabilities;

(2)

the key drivers of the shortages described in paragraph (1);

(3)

regulatory, administrative, or procedural barriers that exist in Federal housing programs that inhibit housing development, and policy actions that can be taken to address those barriers;

(4)

the extent to which jurisdictions have successfully implemented zoning or other policy reforms to increase housing production and supply; and

(5)

opportunities for increasing coordination between the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Treasury, and other agencies to address housing supply.

(g) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

(h) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section may be construed to permit the Department of Housing and Urban Development to take an adverse action against or fail to provide otherwise offered actions or services for any State or locality if the State or locality declines to adopt a guideline or best practice under subsection (c).

Sec. 204. Whole-Home Repairs Act

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Affordable unit

The term affordable unit means a unit for which the monthly rental payment is not more than 30 percent of the gross income of an individual earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income, as defined by the Secretary.

(2) Assisted unit

The term assisted unit means a unit that undergoes repair or rehabilitation work through a whole-home repairs program administered by an implementing organization under this section.

(3) Eligible homeowner

The term eligible homeowner means a homeowner—

(A)

with a household income that—

(i)

is not more than 80 percent of the area median income; or

(ii)

meets the income eligibility requirements for receiving assistance or benefits under a specified program, as defined in paragraph (11); and

(B)

who is—

(i)

an owner of record as evidenced by a publicly recorded deed and occupies the home on which repairs are to be conducted as their principal residence;

(ii)

an owner-occupant of the manufactured home on which repairs are to be conducted; or

(iii)

an owner who can demonstrate an ownership interest in the property on which repairs are to be conducted, including a person who has inherited an interest in that property.

(4) Eligible landlord

The term eligible landlord means an individual—

(A)

who owns, as determined by the relevant implementing organization, fewer than 10 eligible rental properties, with a majority of affordable units and not more than 50 total units, operated as primary residences in which a majority ownership interest is held by the individual, the spouse of the individual, or the dependent children of the individual, or any closely held legal entity controlled by the individual, the spouse of the individual, or the dependent children of the individual, either individually or collectively; and

(B)

who agrees to the provisions described in subsection (b)(3).

(5) Eligible rental property

The term eligible rental property means a residential property that—

(A)

is leased, or offered exclusively for lease, as a primary residence by an eligible landlord; and

(B)

includes affordable units.

(6) Forgivable loan

The term forgivable loan means a loan—

(A)

made to an eligible landlord;

(B)

that is secured by a lien recorded against a residential property; and

(C)

that may be forgiven by the implementing organization not later than the date that is 3 years after the completion of the repairs if the eligible landlord has maintained compliance with the loan agreement described in subsection (b)(3).

(7) Implementing organization

The term implementing organization—

(A)

means a unit of general local government or a State that—

(i)

will administer a whole-home repairs program through an agency, department, or other entity; or

(ii)

enter into agreements with 1 or more local governments, municipal authorities, other governmental authorities, including a tribally designated housing entity, or qualified nonprofit organizations, to administer a whole-home repairs program as a subrecipient; and

(B)

does not include a redundant entity in a jurisdiction already served by a grantee under subsection (b).

(8) Indian Tribe

The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).

(9) Qualified nonprofit

The term qualified nonprofit means a nonprofit organization that—

(A)

has received funding, as a recipient or subrecipient, through—

(i)

the Community Development Block Grant program under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.);

(ii)

the HOME Investment Partnerships program under subtitle A of title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12741 et seq.);

(iii)

the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program under section 1011 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4852) or a grant under the Healthy Homes Initiative administered by the Secretary pursuant to sections 501 and 502 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 (12 U.S.C. 1701z–1, 1701z–2);

(iv)

the Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity program authorized under section 11 of the Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 12805 note);

(v)

a rural housing program under title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.); or

(vi)

the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation established under the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act (42 U.S.C. 8101 et seq.);

(B)

has coordinated, performed, or otherwise been engaged in weatherization, lead remediation, or home-repair work for not less than 2 years;

(C)

has been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, or by a State authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency to administer a certification program, as—

(i)

eligible to carry out activities under the lead renovation, repair and painting program; or

(ii)

a Home Certification Organization under the Energy Star program established by section 324A of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6294a) or the WaterSense program under section 324B of that Act (42 U.S.C. 6294b), or recognized or otherwise approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Home Certification Organization under either of those programs; or

(D)

is a community development financial institution, as defined in section 103 of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4702).

(10) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(11) Specified program

For purposes of paragraph (3)(A)(ii), the term specified program means any of the following:

(A)

The Medicaid program established under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).

(B)

The State Children's Health Insurance Program established under title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.).

(C)

The supplemental security income benefits program established under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.).

(D)

The supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).

(E)

The temporary assistance for needy families program established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).

(12) State

The term State means—

(A)

each State of the United States;

(B)

the District of Columbia;

(C)

the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;

(D)

any territory or possession of the United States; and

(E)

an Indian tribe.

(13) Tribally designated housing entity

The term tribally designated housing entity has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).

(14) Whole-home repairs

The term whole-home repairs means modifications, repairs, or updates to homeowner or renter-occupied units to address—

(A)

physical and sensory accessibility for individuals with disabilities and older adults, such as bathroom and kitchen modifications, installation of grab bars and handrails, guards and guardrails, lifting devices, ramp additions or repairs, sidewalk addition or repair, or doorway or hallway widening;

(B)

habitability and safety concerns, such as repairs needed to ensure residential units are fit for human habitation and free from defective conditions or health and safety hazards; or

(C)

energy and water efficiency, resilience, and weatherization.

(b) Pilot program

(1) Establishment

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program to provide grants to implementing organizations to administer a whole-home repairs program for eligible homeowners and eligible landlords.

(2) Use of funds

An implementing organization that receives a grant under this subsection—

(A)

shall provide grants to eligible homeowners to implement whole-home repairs not covered by other Federal home repair programs and up to a maximum amount per unit, which maximum amount should—

(i)

reflect local construction costs and the level of repairs needed in each unit; and

(ii)

be calculated and approved by the Secretary;

(B)

shall provide loans, which may be forgivable, to eligible landlords to implement whole-home repairs not covered by other Federal home repair programs for individual affordable units, public and common use areas within the property, and common structural elements up to a maximum amount per unit, area, or element, as applicable, which maximum amount should—

(i)

reflect local construction costs; and

(ii)

be calculated and approved by the Secretary;

(C)

shall evaluate, or provide assistance to eligible homeowners and eligible landlords to evaluate, whole-home repair program funds provided under this subsection with Federal, State, and local home repair programs to provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of eligible landlords and eligible homeowners and avoid duplication of benefits and redundancies;

(D)

shall ensure that—

(i)

all repairs funded or facilitated through an award under this subsection have been completed;

(ii)

if repairs are not completed and the plan for whole-home repairs is not updated to reflect the new scope of work, that the loan or grant is repaid on a prorated basis based on completed work; and

(iii)

any unused grant or loan balance is returned to the implementing organization, and is reused by the implementing organization for a new whole-home repair grant or loan under this subsection;

(E)

may use not more than 5 percent of the awarded funds to carry out related functions, including workforce training for home repair professions, which shall be related to efforts to increase the number of home repairs performed and approved by the Secretary;

(F)

may use not more than 10 percent of the awarded funds for administrative expenses; and

(G)

shall comply with Federal accessibility requirements and standards under applicable Federal fair housing and civil rights laws and regulations, including section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794).

(3) Loan agreement

In a loan agreement with an eligible landlord under this subsection, an implementing organization shall include provisions establishing that the eligible landlord shall, for each eligible rental property for which a loan is used to fund repairs under this subsection—

(A)

comply with Federal accessibility requirements and standards under applicable Federal fair housing and civil rights laws and regulations, including section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794); and

(B)

(i)

if the landlord is renting the assisted units available in the eligible rental property to tenants receiving tenant-based rental assistance under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)), under another tenant-based rental assistance program administered by the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture, or under a tenant-based rental subsidy provided by a State or local government, comply with the program requirements under the relevant tenant-based rental assistance program; or

(ii)

if the eligible landlord is not renting to tenants receiving rental-based assistance as described in clause (i)—

(I)

(aa)

offer to extend the lease of current tenants on current terms, other than the terms described in subclause (iv) for not less than 3 years beginning after the completion of the repairs, unless the lease is terminated due to failure to pay rent, performance of an illegal act within the rental unit, or a violation of an obligation of tenancy that the tenants failed to correct after notice; and

(bb)

if the tenant of an assisted unit moves out of the assisted unit at any point in the 3-year period following the loan agreement, maintain the unit as an affordable unit for the remainder of the 3-year period;

(II)

provide documentation verifying that the property, upon completion of approved renovations, has met all applicable State and local housing and building codes;

(III)

attest that the landlord has no known serious violations of renter protections that have resulted in fines, penalties, or judgments during the preceding 10 years; and

(IV)

cap annual rent increases for each assisted unit at 5 percent of base rent or inflation, whichever is lower, for not less than 3 years beginning after the completion of the repairs.

(4) Application

(A) In general

An implementing organization desiring an award under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application that includes—

(i)

the geographic scope of the whole-home repairs program to be administered by the implementing organization, including the plan to address need in any rural, suburban, or urban area within a jurisdiction;

(ii)

a plan for selecting subrecipients, if applicable;

(iii)

how the implementing organization plans to execute the coordination of Federal, State, and local home repair programs, including programs administered by the Department of Energy or the Department of Agriculture, to increase efficiency and reduce redundancy;

(iv)

available data on the need for affordable and quality housing within the geographic scope of the whole-home repairs program, and any plans to preserve affordability through the term of the award;

(v)

how the implementing organization plans to process and verify applications for grants from eligible homeowners and applications for loans from eligible landlords; and

(vi)

such other information as the Secretary requires to determine the ability of an applicant to carry out a program under this subsection.

(B) Considerations

In making awards under this subsection, the Secretary shall—

(i)

with respect to applications submitted by States other than the District of Columbia and the territories of the United States, prioritize those applications with a demonstrated plan to—

(I)

make a good faith effort to implement the pilot program in every jurisdiction; and

(II)

provide non-metropolitan areas, or subrecipients serving non-metropolitan areas if applicable, with a share of total funds commensurate to their population;

(ii)

aim to select applicants so that the awardees collectively span diverse geographies, with an intent to understand the impact of the pilot program under this subsection in urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal settings; and

(iii)

not disqualify implementing organizations that were awarded grants under the pilot program in prior application cycles.

(5) Program information

The Secretary shall make available to grant recipients under this subsection information regarding existing Federal programs for which grant recipients may coordinate or provide assistance in coordinating applications for those programs in accordance with paragraph (2)(C).

(6) Grant number

In each year in which an award is made under this subsection, the Secretary shall award assistance to—

(A)

not less than 2, and not more than 10, implementing organizations, as application numbers and funding permit; and

(B)

not more than 1 implementing organization in any State.

(7) Loans that are not forgiven

If a loan made by an implementing organization under paragraph (2)(B) is not forgiven, the loan repayment funds shall be reused by the implementing organization for a new whole-home repair grant or loan under this subsection.

(8) Supplement, not supplant

Amounts awarded under this subsection to implementing organizations shall supplement, not supplant, other Federal, State, and local funds made available to those entities.

(9) Streamlining program delivery and ensuring efficiency

To the extent possible, in carrying out the pilot program under this subsection, the Secretary shall—

(A)

endeavor to improve efficiency of service delivery, as well as the experience of and impact on the taxpayer, by encouraging programmatic collaboration and information sharing across Federal, State, and local programs for home repair or improvement, including programs administered by the Department of the Agriculture; and

(B)

enhance collaboration and cross-agency streamlining efforts that reduce the burdens of multiple income verification processes and applications on the eligible homeowner, the eligible landlord, the implementing organization, and the Federal Government, including by establishing assistance application procedures for income eligibility under this subsection that recognize income eligibility determinations for assistance using any of the criteria under subsection (a)(3)(A) that have been used for assistance applications during the 1-year period preceding the date on which an eligible homeowner or eligible landlord applies for assistance under this subsection.

(10) Reporting requirements

(A) Annual report

An implementing organization that receives a grant under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an annual report on initial funding that includes—

(i)

the number of units served, including reporting on both homeownership and rental units, as well as accessible units;

(ii)

the average cost per unit for modifications or repairs and the nature of those modifications or repairs, including reporting on accessibility and both homeownership and rental units;

(iii)

the number of applications received, served, denied, or not completed, disaggregated by geographic area;

(iv)

the aggregated demographic data of grant recipients, which may include data on income range, urban, suburban, and rural residency, age, and racial and ethnic identity;

(v)

the aggregated demographic data of loan recipients, which may include data on income range, urban, suburban, and rural residency, age, and racial and ethnic identity;

(vi)

an affirmation that the implementation organization has complied with the applicable regulations, including compliance with Federal accessibility requirements;

(vii)

in the first year of receiving a grant, and as certified in subsequent reports, a comprehensive plan to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in the administration of the pilot program, which shall include, at a minimum—

(I)

a policy enacted and enforced by the implementing organization to monitor ongoing expenditures under this subsection and ensure compliance with applicable regulations;

(II)

a policy enacted and enforced by the implementing organization to detect and deter fraudulent activity, including fraud occurring in individual projects and patterns of fraud by parties involved in the expenditure of funds under this subsection;

(III)

a statement setting forth any violations detected by the implementing organization during the previous calendar year, including details about steps taken to achieve compliance and any remedial measures; and

(IV)

a certification by the chief executive or most senior compliance officer of the organization that the organization maintains sufficient staff and resources to effectively carry out the above-mentioned policies; and

(viii)

such other information as the Secretary may require.

(B) Reporting requirement alignment

To limit the costs of implementing the pilot program under this subsection, the Secretary shall endeavor, to the extent possible, to structure reporting requirements such that they align with the data reporting requirements in place for funding streams that implementing organizations are likely to use in partnership with funding from this subsection, including the reporting requirements under—

(i)

the Community Development Block Grant program under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.);

(ii)

the HOME Investment Partnerships program under subtitle A of title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12741 et seq.);

(iii)

the Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income persons established under part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq.); and

(iv)

the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.).

(C) Pilot program period reports

Not less frequently than twice during the period in which the pilot program established under this subsection operates, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development shall complete an assessment of the implementation of measures to ensure the fair and legitimate use of the pilot program.

(D) Summary to Congress

The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives an annual report providing a summary of the data provided under subparagraphs (A) and (C) during the 1-year period preceding the report and all data previously provided under those subparagraphs.

(11) Funding

The Secretary—

(A)

is authorized to use up to $30,000,000 of funds made available as provided in appropriations Acts for programs administered by the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes to carry out the pilot program under this subsection; and

(B)

shall submit to the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on the appropriations accounts from which the Secretary will derive the funding under subparagraph (A).

(12) Environmental review

A grant under this subsection shall be—

(A)

treated as assistance for a special project for purposes of section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3547); and

(B)

subject to the regulations promulgated by the Secretary to implement such section.

(13) Termination

The pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on October 1, 2031.

Sec. 205. Community Investment and Prosperity Act

(a) Revised Statutes

The paragraph designated as the Eleventh of section 5136 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (12 U.S.C. 24) is amended, in the fifth sentence, by striking 15 each place the term appears and inserting 20.

(b) Federal Reserve Act

Section 9(23) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 338a) is amended, in the fifth sentence, by striking 15 each place the term appears and inserting 20.

Sec. 206. Build Now Act

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Covered recipient

The term covered recipient means a metropolitan city or urban county, as those terms are defined in section 102 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302), that receives funds under section 106.

(2) Current annual growth rate

The term current annual growth rate, with respect to an eligible recipient and a fiscal year, means the average annual percentage increase in the number of housing units in the jurisdiction of the eligible recipient, as calculated by the Secretary, during the period—

(A)

beginning with the third quarter of the sixth preceding fiscal year; and

(B)

ending with the third quarter of the preceding fiscal year.

(3) Eligible recipient

The term eligible recipient means any covered recipient unless—

(A)

(i)

the median Small Area Fair Market Rent in the jurisdiction of the covered recipient is at or below the 60th percentile of median Small Area Fair Market Rents in the jurisdictions of all covered recipients; and

(ii)

the median home value in the jurisdiction of the covered recipient is below the median home value for the United States;

(B)

the annual natural rental vacancy rate in the jurisdiction of the covered recipient is greater than the national annual natural rental vacancy rate for the most recent year available, as published by the Bureau of the Census;

(C)

during the 1-year period preceding the date on which the Secretary allocates funds under section 106, the jurisdiction of the covered recipient has been the subject of a major disaster or emergency declaration under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170, 5191); or

(D)

the covered recipient lacks the legal authority to enact or update zoning and permitting ordinances.

(4) Extremely high-growth recipient

The term extremely high-growth recipient means an eligible recipient for which the current annual growth rate is at or above 4 percent.

(5) Housing growth improvement rate

The term housing growth improvement rate, with respect to an eligible recipient and a fiscal year, means the quotient of—

(A)

the current annual growth rate of the eligible recipient; and

(B)

the prior annual growth rate of the eligible recipient.

(6) Prior annual growth rate

The term prior annual growth rate, with respect to an eligible recipient and a fiscal year, means the average annual percentage increase in the number of housing units in the jurisdiction of the eligible recipient, as calculated by the Secretary, during the period—

(A)

beginning with the third quarter of the 11th preceding fiscal year; and

(B)

ending with the third quarter of the sixth preceding fiscal year.

(7) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(8) Section 106

The term section 106 means section 106 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5306).

(b) Adjustments to community development block grant allocations

(1) In general

In allocating amounts to an eligible recipient under section 106 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall adjust the allocation based on the housing growth improvement rate of the eligible recipient, in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(2) Adjustments

(A) Housing growth improvement rate at or above median; extremely high-growth recipients

(i) In general

If, with respect to a fiscal year for which the allocation under section 106 is being determined, the housing growth improvement rate for an eligible recipient is at or above the median housing growth improvement rate for all eligible recipients other than extremely high-growth recipients, or if an eligible recipient is an extremely high-growth recipient, the Secretary shall allocate to the eligible recipient for that fiscal year, in addition to the amount that would otherwise be allocated to the eligible recipient under section 106, a bonus amount, as determined under clause (ii) of this subparagraph.

(ii) Bonus amount

For purposes of clause (i), the bonus amount for an eligible recipient for a fiscal year shall be equal to the product of—

(I)

the aggregate amount by which allocations to eligible recipients are decreased under subparagraph (B) for that fiscal year; and

(II)

the quotient of—

(aa)

the number of housing units, as of the third quarter of the preceding fiscal year, in the jurisdiction of the eligible recipient, as calculated by the Secretary; and

(bb)

the number of housing units, as of the third quarter of the preceding fiscal year, in the jurisdictions of all eligible recipients that receive a bonus amount under this paragraph, as calculated by the Secretary.

(B) Housing growth improvement rate below median

If, with respect to a fiscal year for which the allocation under section 106 is being determined, the housing growth improvement rate for an eligible recipient is below the median housing growth improvement rate for all eligible recipients other than high-growth outliers, the Secretary shall decrease the amount that would otherwise be allocated to the eligible recipient under section 106 for that fiscal year by 10 percent.

(c) Calculation of housing units

(1) Housing and Urban Development requirements

In calculating the number of housing units in the jurisdiction of an eligible recipient under any provision of this section, the Secretary shall—

(A)

use the Current Address Count Listing Files and other data products, as needed, of the Bureau of the Census tabulated from the Master Address File; and

(B)

make calculations at the block level, using boundaries that reflect the most current boundaries.

(2) Census Bureau and Postal Service requirements

The Bureau of the Census and the United States Postal Service shall provide any relevant data to the Secretary upon request to assist the Secretary in making a calculation described in paragraph (1).

(3) Adjustment of calculation periods

The Secretary may adjust the calculation periods under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(2), subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(6), and items (aa) and (bb) of subsection (b)(2)(A)(ii)(II) by not more than 2 months to achieve alignment with the data provided by the Bureau of the Census.

(d) Annual report on housing growth improvement rate

Before allocating funds under section 106 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall publish a report that—

(1)

includes the housing growth improvement rate for each eligible recipient; and

(2)

lists, for the most recent fiscal year for which allocations were made under section 106—

(A)

the eligible recipients that received a bonus amount under subsection (b)(2)(A); and

(B)

the eligible recipients for which the allocation under section 106 was decreased under subsection (b)(2)(B) of this section.

(e) Notification; implementation dates

(1) Notification

(A) In general

Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify each eligible recipient of the recipient’s housing growth improvement rate and whether that housing growth improvement rate is above, at, or below the median housing growth improvement rate for all eligible recipients other than extremely high-growth recipients.

(B) Guidance

As part of the notification under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall share guidance, including resources developed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, on best practices and recommendations on policies to reduce regulatory barriers to housing and increase housing supply.

(2) Implementation dates

Subsection (b) shall take effect beginning with the second full fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act and remain in effect through fiscal year 2042.

Sec. 207. Better Use of Intergovernmental and Local Development (BUILD) Housing Act

(a) Designation of environmental review procedure

The Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3531 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 12 (42 U.S.C. 3537a) the following:

13. Designation of environmental review procedure
(a) In general
Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary may, for purposes of environmental review, decision making, and action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and other provisions of law that further the purposes of such Act, designate the treatment of assistance administered by the Secretary as funds for a special project for purposes of section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3547).
(b) Exception
The designation described in subsection (a) shall not apply to assistance for which a procedure for carrying out the responsibilities of the Secretary under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and other provisions of law that further the purposes of such Act, is otherwise specified in law.

(b) Tribal assumption of environmental review obligations

Section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3547) is amended—

(1)

by striking State or unit of general local government each place it appears and inserting State, Indian tribe, or unit of general local government;

(2)

in paragraph (1)(C), in the heading, by striking State or unit of general local government and inserting State, Indian tribe, or unit of general local government; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(5) Definition of Indian tribe
For purposes of this subsection, the term Indian tribe means a federally recognized tribe, as defined in section 4(13)(B) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103(13)(B)).

Sec. 208. Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Infill project

The term infill project means a project that—

(A)

occurs within the geographic limits of a municipality;

(B)

is adequately served by existing utilities and public services as required under applicable law;

(C)

is located on a site of previously disturbed land of not more than 5 acres and substantially surrounded by residential or commercial development;

(D)

will repurpose a vacant or underutilized parcel of land, or a dilapidated or abandoned structure; and

(E)

will serve a residential or commercial purpose.

(2) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(b) NEPA streamlining for HUD housing-related activities

(1) In general

The Secretary shall, in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, and section 103 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4333), expand and reclassify housing-related activities under the necessary administrative regulations as follows:

(A)

The following housing-related activities shall be subject to regulations equivalent or substantially similar to the regulations entitled exempt activities as set forth in section 58.34 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2025:

(i)

Tenant-based rental assistance.

(ii)

Supportive services, including health care, housing services, permanent housing placement, day care, nutritional services, short-term payments for rent, mortgage, or utility costs, and assistance in gaining access to Federal Government and State and local government benefits and services.

(iii)

Operating costs, including maintenance, security, operation, utilities, furnishings, equipment, supplies, staff training, and recruitment and other incidental costs.

(iv)

Economic development activities, including equipment purchases, inventory financing, interest subsidies, operating expenses, and similar costs not associated with construction or expansion of existing operations.

(v)

Activities to assist homebuyers to purchase existing dwelling units or dwelling units under construction, including closing costs and down payment assistance, interest rate buydowns, and similar activities that result in the transfer of title.

(vi)

Affordable housing pre-development costs related to obtaining site options, project financing, administrative costs and fees for loan commitment, zoning approvals, and other related activities that do not have a physical impact.

(vii)

Approval of supplemental assistance, including insurance or guarantee, to a project previously approved by the Secretary.

(viii)

Emergency homeowner or renter assistance for HVAC, hot water heaters, and other necessary uses of existing utilities required under applicable law.

(B)

The following housing-related activities shall be subject to regulations equivalent or substantially similar to the regulations entitled, (i) categorical exclusions not subject to section 58.5 and (ii) categorical exclusions not subject to the Federal laws and authorities cited in sections 50.4 in section 58.35(b) and section 50.19, respectively of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2025, if such activities do not materially alter environmental conditions and do not materially exceed the original scope of the project:

(i)

Acquisition, repair, improvement, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of public facilities and improvements (other than buildings) if the facilities and improvements are in place and will be retained in the same use without change in size or capacity of more than 20 percent, including replacement of water or sewer lines, reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks, and repaving of streets.

(ii)

Rehabilitation of 1-to-4 unit residential buildings, and existing housing-related infrastructure, such as repairs or rehabilitation of existing wells, septics, or utility lines that connect to that housing.

(iii)

New construction, development, demolition, acquisition, or disposition on up to 4 scattered site existing dwelling units where there is a maximum of 4 units on any 1 site.

(iv)

Acquisitions (including leasing) or disposition of, or equity loans on an existing structure, or acquisition (including leasing) of vacant land if the structure or land acquired, financed, or disposed of will be retained for the same use.

(C)

The following housing-related activities shall be subject to regulations equivalent or substantially similar to the regulations entitled, (i) categorical exclusions subject to section 58.5 and (ii) categorical exclusions subject to the Federal laws and authorities cited in sections 50.4 in section 58.35(a) and section 50.20, respectively, of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2025, if such activities do not materially alter environmental conditions and do not materially exceed the original scope of the project:

(i)

Acquisitions of open space or residential property, where such property will be retained for the same use or will be converted to open space to help residents relocate out of an area designated as a high-risk area by the Secretary.

(ii)

Conversion of existing office buildings into residential development, subject to—

(I)

a maximum number of units to be determined by the Secretary; and

(II)

a limitation on the change in building size of not more than 20 percent.

(iii)

New construction, development, demolition, acquisition, or disposition on 5 to 15 dwelling units where there is a maximum of fifteen units on any 1 site. The units can be 15 1-unit buildings or 1 15-unit building, or any combination in between.

(iv)

New construction, development, demolition, acquisition, or disposition on 15 or more housing units developed on scattered sites when there are not more than 15 housing units on any 1 site, and the sites are more than a set number of feet apart as determined by the Secretary.

(v)

Rehabilitation of buildings and improvements in the case of a building for residential use with 5 to 15 units, if the density is not increased beyond 15 units and the land use is not changed.

(vi)

Infill projects consisting of new construction, rehabilitation, or development of residential housing units.

(vii)

The voluntary acquisition of properties—

(I)

located in a—

(aa)

floodway;

(bb)

floodplain; or

(cc)

other area, clearly delineated by the grantee; and

(II)

that have been impacted by a predictable environmental threat to the safety and well-being of program beneficiaries caused or exacerbated by a federally declared disaster.

(c) Report

The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives an annual report during the 5-year period beginning on the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act that provides a summary of findings of reductions in review times and administrative cost reduction, with a particular focus on the affordable housing sector, as a result of the actions set forth in this section, and any recommendations of the Secretary for future congressional action with respect to revising categorical exclusions or exemptions under title 24, Code of Federal Regulations.

Sec. 209. Innovation Fund

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Attainable housing

The term attainable housing means housing that—

(A)

serves—

(i)

a majority of households with income not greater than 80 percent of area median income; and

(ii)

households with income not greater than 100 percent of area median income; or

(B)

serves—

(i)

a majority of households with income not greater than 60 percent of area median income; and

(ii)

households with income not greater than 120 percent of area median income.

(2) Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means—

(A)

a metropolitan city or urban county, as those terms are defined in section 102 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302), that has demonstrated an objective improvement in housing supply growth, as determined by the Secretary, whose methodology for determining such growth is published in the Federal Register to allow for public comment not less than 90 days before date on which the notice of funding opportunity is made available; or

(B)

a unit of general local government or Indian tribe, as those terms are defined in section 102 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302), that has demonstrated an objective improvement in housing supply growth, as determined by the Secretary, whose methodology for determining such improvement is published in the Federal Register to allow for public comment not less than 90 days before the date on which the notice of funding opportunity is made available.

(3) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(b) Establishment of a grant program

(1) Establishment

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities that have increased their local housing supply.

(2) List of eligible entities

The Secretary shall make a list of eligible entities publicly available on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(3) Eligible purposes

An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use funds to—

(A)

carry out any of the activities described in section 105 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305);

(B)

carry out any of the activities permitted under the Local and Regional Project Assistance Program established under section 6702 of title 49, United States Code;

(C)

serve as matching funds under a State revolving fund program related to a clean water or drinking water program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency in which the eligible entity is the grantee under that program, unless otherwise determined by the Secretary; and

(D)

carry out initiatives of the eligible entity that facilitate the expansion of the supply of attainable housing and that supplement initiatives the eligible entity has carried out, or is in the process of carrying out, as specified in the application submitted under paragraph (4).

(4) Application

(A) In general

An eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application that provides—

(i)

a description of each purpose for which the eligible entity will use the grant, and an attestation that the grant will be used only for 1 or more eligible purposes described in paragraph (3);

(ii)

data on characteristics of increased housing supply during the 3-year period ending on the date on which the application is submitted, which may include whether such housing—

(I)

serves households at a range of income levels; and

(II)

has improved the quality and affordability of housing in the jurisdiction of the eligible entity;

(iii)

a description of how each eligible purpose described in clause (i) may address a community need or advance an objective, or an aspect of an objective, included in the comprehensive housing affordability strategy and community development plan of the eligible entity under part 91 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation (commonly referred to as a consolidated plan); and

(iv)

a description of how the eligible entity has carried out, or is in the process of carrying out, initiatives that facilitate the expansion of the supply of housing.

(B) Initiatives

Initiatives that meet the criteria described in paragraph (3)(D) include—

(i)

increasing by-right uses, including duplex, triplex, quadplex, and multifamily buildings, in areas of opportunity;

(ii)

revising or eliminating off-street parking requirements to reduce the cost of housing production;

(iii)

revising minimum lot size requirements, floor area ratio requirements, set-back requirements, building heights, and bans or limits on construction to allow for denser and more affordable development;

(iv)

instituting incentives to promote dense development;

(v)

passing zoning overlays or other ordinances that enable the development of mixed-income housing;

(vi)

streamlining regulatory requirements and shortening processes, increasing code enforcement and permitting capacity, reforming zoning codes, or other initiatives that reduce barriers to increasing housing supply and affordability;

(vii)

eliminating restrictions against accessory dwelling units and expanding their by-right use;

(viii)

using local tax incentives or public financing to promote development of attainable housing;

(ix)

streamlining environmental regulations;

(x)

eliminating unnecessary manufactured-housing regulations and restrictions;

(xi)

minimizing the impact of overburdensome energy and water efficiency standards on housing costs; and

(xii)

other activities that reduce cost of construction, as determined by the Secretary.

(5) Grants

(A) In general

The Secretary shall make not fewer than 25 grants on an annual basis (unless amounts appropriated to provide grant amounts consistent with subsection (b) are insufficient, in which case fewer grants may be awarded), with strong consideration of different geographical areas and a relatively even spread of rural, suburban, and urban communities.

(B) Limitations on awards

No grant awarded under this paragraph may be—

(i)

more than $10,000,000; or

(ii)

less than $250,000.

(C) Priority

When awarding grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity that has—

(i)

demonstrated the use of innovative policies, interventions, or programs for increasing housing supply, including adoption of any of the frameworks developed under section 203; and

(ii)

demonstrated a marked improvement in housing supply growth.

(c) Rules of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed—

(1)

to authorize the Secretary to mandate, supersede, or preempt any local zoning or land use policy; or

(2)

to affect the requirements of section 105(c)(1) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12705(c)(1)).

(d) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

(2) Adjustment

The amount authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1) shall be adjusted for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index.

Sec. 210. Accelerating Home Building Act

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Affordable housing

The term affordable housing means housing for which the total monthly housing cost payment is not more than 30 percent of the monthly household income for a household earning not more than 80 percent of the area median income.

(2) Covered structure

The term covered structure means—

(A)

a low-rise or mid-rise structure with not more than 25 dwelling units; and

(B)

includes—

(i)

an accessory dwelling unit;

(ii)

infill development;

(iii)

a duplex;

(iv)

a triplex;

(v)

a fourplex;

(vi)

a cottage court;

(vii)

a courtyard building;

(viii)

a townhouse;

(ix)

a multiplex; and

(x)

any other structure with not less than 2 dwelling units that the Secretary considers appropriate.

(3) Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means—

(A)

a unit of general local government, as defined in section 102(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a));

(B)

a municipal membership organization; and

(C)

an Indian tribe, as defined in section 102(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a)).

(4) High opportunity area

The term high opportunity area has the meaning given the term in section 1282.1 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.

(5) Infill development

The term infill development means residential development on small parcels in previously established areas for replacement by new or refurbished housing that utilizes existing utilities and infrastructure.

(6) Mixed-income housing

The term mixed-income housing means a housing development that is comprised of housing units that promote differing levels of affordability in the community.

(7) Pre-reviewed designs

The term pre-reviewed designs, also known as pattern books, means sets of construction plans that are assessed and approved by localities for compliance with local building and permitting standards to streamline and expedite approval pathways for housing construction.

(8) Rural area

The term rural area means any area other than a city or town that has a population of less than 50,000 inhabitants.

(9) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(b) Authority

The Secretary may award grants to eligible entities to select pre-reviewed designs of covered structures of mixed-income housing for use in the jurisdiction of the eligible entity.

(c) Considerations

In reviewing applications submitted by eligible entities for a grant under this section, the Secretary shall consider—

(1)

the need for affordable housing by the eligible entity;

(2)

the presence of high opportunity areas in the jurisdiction of the eligible entity;

(3)

coordination between the eligible entity and a State agency; and

(4)

coordination between the eligible entity and State, local, and regional transportation planning authorities.

(d) Set-aside for rural areas

Of the amount made available in each fiscal year for grants under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that not less than 10 percent shall be used for grants to eligible entities that are located in rural areas.

(e) Reports

The Secretary shall require eligible entities receiving grants under this section to report on—

(1)

the impacts of the activities carried out using the grant amounts in improving the production and supply of affordable housing;

(2)

the pre-reviewed designs selected using the grant amounts in their communities;

(3)

the number of permits issued for housing development utilizing pre-reviewed designs; and

(4)

the number of housing units produced in developments utilizing the pre-reviewed designs.

(f) Availability of information

The Secretary shall—

(1)

to the extent possible, encourage localities to make publicly available through a website information on the pre-reviewed designs selected and submitted to the Secretary by eligible entities receiving grants under this section, including information on the benefits of use of those designs; and

(2)

collect, identify, and disseminate best practices regarding such designs and make such information publicly available on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(g) Design adoption and repayment

The Secretary may require an eligible entity to return to the Secretary any grant funds received under this section if the selected pre-reviewed designs submitted under this section have not been adopted during the 5-year period following receipt of the grant, unless that period is extended by the Secretary.

(h) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

(2) Technical assistance

The Secretary may set aside not more than 5 percent of amounts appropriated under paragraph (1) in a fiscal year to provide technical assistance to grant recipients under this section and pre-grant technical assistance for prospective applicants.

Sec. 211. Build More Housing Near Transit Act

Section 5309 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and

(B)

by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:

(6) Pro-housing policy
The term pro-housing policy—
(A)
means any adopted State or local policy that will remove regulatory barriers to the construction or preservation of housing units, including affordable housing units; and
(B)
shall include any adopted State or local policy that—
(i)
reduces or eliminates parking minimums;
(ii)
establishes a by-right approval process for housing under which land use development approval is limited to determining that the development meets objective zoning and design standards that—
(I)
involve no subjective judgment by a public official;
(II)
are uniformly verifiable by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or criterion available to both the land use developer and the public official prior to submission; and
(III)
include only such standards as are published and adopted by ordinance or resolution by a jurisdiction before submission of a development application;
(iii)
reduces or eliminates minimum lot sizes;
(iv)
eliminates or raises residential property height limits or increases the number of dwelling units permitted to be constructed under a by-right approval process; or
(v)
carries out other policies as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.;

(2)

in subsection (g)(2), by adding at the end the following:

(D) Eligibility for adjustment of rating for project justification criteria for pro-housing policies; considerations
In evaluating and rating a project as a whole for project justification under subparagraph (A), the Secretary—
(i)
may increase 1 point on the 5-point scale (high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, or low) the rating of a project if the applicant submits documented evidence of pro-housing policies for areas accessible to transit facilities along the project route; and
(ii)
should consider whether the pro-housing policies documented by the applicant will result, through new production and preservation, in an amount of housing units, including housing units affordable below the area median income, that is appropriate to expected housing demand in the project area.
(E) Consultation
In developing the evaluation process that could lead to the increased rating described in subparagraph (D)(i), the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.;

(3)

in subsection (h)(6), by adding at the end the following:

(C) Eligibility for adjustment of rating for project justification criteria for pro-housing policies; considerations
In evaluating and rating the benefits of a project under subparagraph (A), the Secretary—
(i)
may increase the rating of a project if the applicant submits documented evidence of pro-housing policies for areas accessible to transit facilities along the project route; and
(ii)
should consider whether the pro-housing policies documented by the applicant will result, through new production and preservation, in an amount of housing units, including housing units affordable below the area median income, that is appropriate to expected housing demand in the project area.
(D) Consultation
In developing the evaluation process that could lead to the increased rating described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.; and

(4)

in subsection (o)—

(A)

in paragraph (1)—

(i)

in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end;

(ii)

in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(iii)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)
information concerning projects for which the applicant submitted pro-housing policies under subsection (g)(2)(D) or subsection (h)(6) and received an adjustment of rating for project justification.

Sec. 212. Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Attainable housing

The term attainable housing means housing that—

(A)

serves households earning not more than 100 percent of the area median income, if a majority of the housing units are affordable to households earning not more than 80 percent of the area median income; or

(B)

serves households earning not more than 120 percent of the area median income, if the majority of the housing units are affordable to households earning not more than 60 percent of the area median income.

(2) Converted housing unit

The term converted housing unit means a housing unit that is created using a covered grant.

(3) Covered grant

The term covered grant means a grant awarded under the Pilot Program.

(4) Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means a participating jurisdiction, as defined in section 104 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12704).

(5) HOME Investment Partnerships Program

The term HOME Investment Partnerships Program means the program under subtitle A of title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12741 et seq.).

(6) Pilot Program

The term Pilot Program means the Blighted Building to Housing Conversion Program carried out under subsection (b).

(7) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(8) Vacant and abandoned building

The term vacant and abandoned building means a property—

(A)

that was constructed for use as a warehouse, factory, mall, strip mall, or hotel, or for another industrial or commercial use; and

(B)

(i)

with respect to which—

(I)

a code enforcement inspection has determined that the property is not safe; and

(II)

not less than 90 days have elapsed since the owner was notified of the deficiencies in the property and the owner has taken no corrective action; or

(ii)

that is subject to a court-ordered receivership or nuisance abatement related to abandonment pursuant to State or local law or otherwise meets the definition of an abandoned property under State law.

(b) Grant program

For each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, if the amounts made available to carry out the HOME Investment Partnerships Program exceed $1,350,000,000, the Secretary may use not more than $100,000,000 of the excess amounts to carry out a pilot program, to be known as the Blighted Building to Housing Conversion Program, under which the Secretary awards grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities to convert vacant and abandoned buildings into attainable housing.

(c) Amount of grant

(1) In general

For any fiscal year for which $100,000,000 is available to carry out the Pilot Program pursuant to subsection (b), the amount of a covered grant shall be not less than $1,000,000 and not more than $10,000,000.

(2) Fiscal years with lower funding

For any fiscal year for which less than $100,000,000 is available to carry out the Pilot Program pursuant to subsection (b), the Secretary shall seek to maximize the number of covered grants awarded.

(d) Relation to HOME Investment Partnerships Program formula allocation

A covered grant awarded to an eligible entity shall be in addition to, and shall not affect, the formula allocation for the eligible entity under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

(e) Priority

In awarding covered grants, the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity that—

(1)

will use the covered grant in a community that is experiencing economic distress;

(2)

will use the covered grant in a qualified opportunity zone (as defined in section 1400Z–1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986);

(3)

will use the covered grant to construct housing that will serve a need identified in the comprehensive housing affordability strategy and community development plan of the eligible entity under part 91 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation (commonly referred to as a consolidated plan); or

(4)

has enacted ordinances to reduce regulatory barriers to conversion of vacant and abandoned buildings to housing, which shall not include any alteration of an ordinance that governs safety and habitability.

(f) Use of funds

An eligible entity may use a covered grant for—

(1)

property acquisition;

(2)

demolition;

(3)

health hazard remediation;

(4)

site preparation;

(5)

construction, renovation, or rehabilitation; or

(6)

the establishment, maintenance, or expansion of community land trusts.

(g) Applicability of HOME requirements

The requirements for rental, sale, and resale of housing under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program shall apply to rental, sale, and resale of converted housing units under the Pilot Program.

(h) Waiver authority

In administering covered grants, the Secretary may waive, or specify alternative requirements for, any statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with the obligation by the Secretary or the use by eligible entities of covered grant funds (except for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, or the environment) if the Secretary makes a public finding that good cause exists for the waiver or alternative requirement.

(i) Study; report

Not later than 180 days after the termination of the Pilot Program, the Secretary shall study and submit a report to Congress on the impact of the Pilot Program on—

(1)

improving the tax base of local communities;

(2)

increasing access to affordable housing, especially for elderly individuals, disabled individuals, and veterans;

(3)

increasing homeownership; and

(4)

removing blight.

Sec. 213. Housing Affordability Act

(a) Multifamily loan limit study

The Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, shall conduct a study to assess—

(1)

whether current multifamily loan limits for each multifamily mortgage insurance program are set at appropriate amounts, including to cover the cost of land and construction;

(2)

whether the Commissioner has sufficient authority to set loan limits for each multifamily mortgage insurance program at appropriate amounts, including to cover the cost of land and construction;

(3)

the potential impacts of altering the calculation of annual adjustments under section 206A of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1712a) using the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers to instead use the percentage change in the Price Deflator Index of Multifamily Residential Units Under Construction released by the Bureau of the Census from March of the previous year to March of the year in which the adjustment is made, or a combination thereof, including—

(A)

the impact on the General Insurance and Special Risk Insurance Fund;

(B)

the availability of multifamily purchase and construction lending;

(C)

the impact on prices, including rental prices, within the multifamily housing market; and

(D)

the impact on housing supply.

(b) Report

The Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration shall submit a report to Congress within 180 days of enactment of this Act summarizing its findings under the study in subsection (a).

(c) Rulemaking

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration, conduct notice and comment rulemaking to increase multifamily loan limits in a manner that would not exceed the following:

(1)

With respect to insurance under section 207 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1713)—

(A)

for projects that do not consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$83,655 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$92,664 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$110,682 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$136,422 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$154,440 per family unit with four or more bedrooms; and

(B)

for projects that consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$96,525 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$108,108 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$132,561 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$166,023 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$187,721.50 per family unit with four or more bedrooms.

(2)

With respect to insurance under section 213 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715e)—

(A)

for projects that do not consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$90,665.50 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$104,524 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$126,060 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$161,354.50 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$179,757.50 per family unit with four or more bedrooms; and

(B)

for projects that consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$96,525 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$109,362 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$132,981 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$172,033.50 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$188,839 per family unit with four or more bedrooms.

(3)

With respect to insurance under section 220 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715k)—

(A)

for projects that do not consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$83,655 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$92,664 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$110,682 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$136,422 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$154,440 per family unit with four or more bedrooms; and

(B)

for projects that consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$96,525 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$108,108 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$132,561 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$161,023 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$187,721.50 per family unit with four or more bedrooms.

(4)

With respect to insurance under section 221 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715l)—

(A)

for projects that do not consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$83,254.50 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$94,498.50 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$114,224 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$143,372 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$162,461 per family unit with four or more bedrooms; and

(B)

for projects that consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$89,927 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$103,090 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$125,354 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$162,162 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$178,008.50 per family unit with four or more bedrooms.

(5)

With respect to insurance under section 231 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715v)—

(A)

for projects that do not consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$83,254.50 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$94,498.50 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$114,224 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$143,372 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$162,461 per family unit with four or more bedrooms; and

(B)

for projects that consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$89,927 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$103,090 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$125,354 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$162,162 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$178,008.50 per family unit with four or more bedrooms.

(6)

With respect to insurance under section 234 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715y)—

(A)

for projects that do not consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$92,505.50 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$106,658 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$128,631.50 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$164,648 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$183,425 per family unit with four or more bedrooms; and

(B)

for projects that consist of elevator-type structures—

(i)

$97,350 per family unit without a bedroom;

(ii)

$111,593 per family unit with one bedroom;

(iii)

$135,696 per family unit with two bedrooms;

(iv)

$175,544.50 per family unit with three bedrooms; and

(v)

$192,693.50 per family unit with four or more bedrooms.

(d) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section or the amendment made by this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to revise the statutory exceptions for high-cost percentage and high-cost areas annual indexing.

Title III Manufactured Housing for America

Sec. 301. Housing Supply Expansion Act

(a) In general

Section 603(6) of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402(6)) is amended by striking on a permanent chassis and inserting with or without a permanent chassis.

(b) Manufactured home certifications

Section 604 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5403) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(i) Manufactured home certifications
(1) In general
(A) Initial certification
Subject to subparagraph (B), not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025, a State shall submit to the Secretary an initial certification that the laws and regulations of the State—
(i)
treat any manufactured home in parity with a manufactured home (as defined and regulated by the State); and
(ii)
subject a manufactured home without a permanent chassis to the same laws and regulations of the State as a manufactured home built on a permanent chassis, including with respect to financing, title, insurance, manufacture, sale, taxes, transportation, installation, and other areas as the Secretary determines, after consultation with and approval by the consensus committee, are necessary to give effect to the purpose of this section.
(B) State plan submission
Any State plan submitted under subparagraph (C) shall contain the required State certification under subparagraph (A) and, if contained therein, no additional or State certification under subparagraph (A) or paragraph (3).
(C) Extended deadline
With respect to a State with a legislature that meets biennially, the deadline for the submission of the initial certification required under subparagraph (A) shall be 2 years after the date of enactment of the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025.
(D) Late certification
(i) No waiver
The Secretary may not waive the prohibition described in paragraph (5)(B) with respect to a certification submitted after the deadline under subparagraph (A) or paragraph (3) unless the Secretary approves the late certification.
(ii) Rule of construction
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent a State from submitting the initial certification required under subparagraph (A) after the required deadline under that subparagraph.
(2) Form of State certification not presented in a State plan
The initial certification required under paragraph (1)(A), if not submitted with a State plan under paragraph (1)(B), shall contain, in a form prescribed by the Secretary, an attestation by an official that the State has taken the steps necessary to ensure the veracity of the certification required under paragraph (1)(A), including, as necessary, by—
(A)
amending the definition of manufactured home in the laws and regulations of the State; and
(B)
directing State agencies to amend the definition of manufactured home in regulations.
(3) Annual recertification
Not later than a date to be determined by the Secretary each year, a State shall submit to the Secretary an additional certification that—
(A)
confirms the accuracy of the initial certification submitted under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1); and
(B)
certifies that any new laws or regulations enacted or adopted by the State since the date of the previous certification does not change the veracity of the initial certification submitted under paragraph (1)(A).
(4) List
The Secretary shall publish and maintain in the Federal Register and on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development a list of States that are up-to-date with the submission of initial and subsequent certifications required under this subsection.
(5) Prohibition
(A) Definition
In this paragraph, the term covered manufactured home means a home that is—
(i)
not considered a manufactured home under the laws and regulations of a State because the home is constructed without a permanent chassis;
(ii)
considered a manufactured home under the definition of the term in section 603; and
(iii)
constructed after the date of enactment of the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025.
(B) Building, installation, and sale
If a State does not submit a certification under paragraph (1)(A) or (3) by the date on which those certifications are required to be submitted—
(i)
with respect to a State in which the State administers the installation of manufactured homes, the State shall prohibit the manufacture, installation, or sale of a covered manufactured home within the State; and
(ii)
with respect to a State in which the Secretary administers the installation of manufactured homes, the State and the Secretary shall prohibit the manufacture, installation, or sale of a covered manufactured home within the State.

(c) Other Federal laws regulating manufactured homes

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may coordinate with the heads of other Federal agencies to ensure that Federal agencies treat a manufactured home (as defined in Federal laws and regulations other than section 603 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402)) in the same manner as a manufactured home (as defined in section 603 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402), as amended by this Act).

(d) Assistance to States

Section 609 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5408) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end;

(2)

in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(3)
model guidance to support the submission of the certification required under section 604(i).

(e) Preemption

Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed as limiting the scope of Federal preemption under section 604(d) of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5403(d)).

Sec. 302. Modular Housing Production Act

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Manufactured home

The term manufactured home has the meaning given the term in section 603 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402).

(2) Modular home

The term modular home means a home that is constructed in a factory in 1 or more modules, each of which meet applicable State and local building codes of the area in which the home will be located, and that are transported to the home building site, installed on foundations, and completed.

(3) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(b) FHA construction financing programs

(1) In general

The Secretary shall conduct a review of Federal Housing Administration construction financing programs to identify barriers to the use of modular home methods.

(2) Requirements

In conducting the review under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

(A)

identify and evaluate regulatory and programmatic features that restrict participation in construction financing programs by modular home developers, including construction draw schedules; and

(B)

identify administrative measures authorized under section 525 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1735f–3) to facilitate program utilization by modular home developers.

(3) Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish a report that describes the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1), which shall include a description of programmatic and policy changes that the Secretary recommends to reduce or eliminate identified barriers to the use of modular home methods in Federal Housing Administration construction financing programs.

(4) Rulemaking

(A) In general

Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Secretary publishes the report under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking to examine an alternative draw schedule for construction financing loans provided to modular and manufactured home developers, which shall include the ability for interested stakeholders to provide robust public comment.

(B) Determination

Following the period for public comment under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall—

(i)

issue a final rule regarding an alternative draw schedule described in subparagraph (A); or

(ii)

provide an explanation as to why the rule shall not become final.

(c) Standardized uniform commercial code for modular homes

(1) Award

The Secretary may award a grant to study the design and feasibility of a standardized uniform commercial code for modular homes, which shall evaluate—

(A)

the utility of a standardized coding system for serializing and securing modules, streamlining design and construction, and improving modular home innovation; and

(B)

a means to coordinate a standardized code with financing incentives.

(2) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out paragraph (1).

Sec. 303. Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act

(a) National Housing Act amendments

(1) In general

Section 2 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1703) is amended—

(A)

in subsection (a), by inserting construction of additional or accessory dwelling units, as defined by the Secretary, after energy conserving improvements,; and

(B)

in subsection (b)—

(i)

in paragraph (1)—

(I)

by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:

(A)
$75,000 if made for the purpose of financing alterations, repairs and improvements upon or in connection with an existing single-family structure, including a manufactured home;;

(II)

in subparagraph (B)—

(aa)

by striking $60,000 and inserting $150,000;

(bb)

by striking $12,000 and inserting $37,500; and

(cc)

by striking an apartment house or;

(III)

by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and inserting the following:

(C)
(i)
$106,405 if made for the purpose of financing the purchase of a single-section manufactured home; and
(ii)
$195,322 if made for the purpose of financing the purchase of a multi-section manufactured home;
(D)
(i)
$149,782 if made for the purpose of financing the purchase of a single-section manufactured home and a suitably developed lot on which to place the home; and
(ii)
$238,699 if made for the purpose of financing the purchase of a multi-section manufactured home and a suitably developed lot on which to place the home;;

(IV)

in subparagraph (E)—

(aa)

by striking $23,226 and inserting $43,377; and

(bb)

by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;

(V)

in subparagraph (F), by striking and at the end;

(VI)

in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(VII)

by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:

(H)
such principal amount as the Secretary may prescribe if made for the purpose of financing the construction of an accessory dwelling unit.;

(ii)

in the matter immediately preceding paragraph (2)—

(I)

by striking regulation and inserting notice;

(II)

by striking increase and inserting set;

(III)

by striking (A)(ii), (C), (D), and (E) and inserting (A) through (H);

(IV)

by inserting , or as necessary to achieve the goals of the Federal Housing Administration, periodically reset the dollar amount limitations in subparagraphs (A) through (H) based on justification and methodology set forth in advance by regulation before the period at the end; and

(V)

by adjusting the margins appropriately;

(iii)

in paragraph (3), by striking exceeds— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting exceeds such period of time as determined by the Secretary, not to exceed 30 years.;

(iv)

by striking paragraph (9) and inserting the following:

(9) Annual indexing of certain dollar amount limitations
The Secretary shall develop or choose 1 or more methods of indexing in order to annually set the loan limits established in paragraph (1), based on data the Secretary determines is appropriate for purposes of this section.; and

(v)

in paragraph (11), by striking lease— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting lease meets the terms and conditions established by the Secretary.

(2) Deadline for development or choice of new index; interim index

(A) Deadline for development or choice of new index

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall develop or choose 1 or more methods of indexing as required under section 2(b)(9) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1703(b)(9)), as amended by paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(B) Interim index

During the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development develops or chooses 1 or more methods of indexing as required under section 2(b)(9) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1703(b)(9)), as amended by paragraph (1) of this subsection, the method of indexing established by the Secretary under that subsection before the date of enactment of this Act shall apply.

(b) HUD study of off-site construction

(1) Definitions

In this subsection:

(A) Off-site construction housing

The term off-site construction housing includes manufactured homes and modular homes.

(B) Manufactured home

The term manufactured home means any home constructed in accordance with the construction and safety standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5401 et seq.).

(C) Modular home

(2) Study

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on the cost effectiveness of off-site construction housing, that includes—

(A)

an analysis of the advantages of the impact of centralization in a factory and transportation to a construction site on cost, precision, and materials waste;

(B)

the extent to which off-site construction housing meets housing quality standards under the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate, or other standards as the Secretary may prescribe, compared to the extent for site-built homes, for such standards;

(C)

the expected replacement and maintenance costs over the first 40 years of life of off-site construction homes compared to those costs for site-built homes; and

(D)

opportunities for use beyond single-family housing, such as applications in accessory dwelling units, two- to four-unit housing, and large multifamily housing.

Sec. 304. Price Act

Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

in section 105(a) (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Activities and inserting Unless otherwise authorized under section 123, activities; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

123. Preservation and reinvestment for community enhancement
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Community development financial institution
The term community development financial institution means an institution that has been certified as a community development financial institution (as defined in section 103 of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4702)) by the Secretary of the Treasury.
(2) Eligible manufactured housing community
The term eligible manufactured housing community means a manufactured housing community that—
(A)
is affordable to low- and moderate-income persons, as determined by the Secretary, but not more than 120 percent of the area median income; and
(B)
(i)
is owned by the residents of the manufactured housing community through a resident-controlled entity such as a resident-owned cooperative; or
(ii)
will be maintained as such a community, and remain affordable for low- and moderate-income persons, to the maximum extent practicable and for the longest period feasible.
(3) Eligible recipient
The term eligible recipient means—
(A)
an eligible manufactured housing community;
(B)
a unit of general local government;
(C)
a housing authority;
(D)
a resident-owned community;
(E)
a resident-owned cooperative;
(F)
a nonprofit entity with housing expertise or a consortia of such entities;
(G)
a community development financial institution;
(H)
an Indian tribe;
(I)
a tribally designated housing entity;
(J)
a State; or
(K)
any other entity that is—
(i)
an owner-operator of an eligible manufactured housing community; and
(ii)
working with an eligible manufactured housing community.
(4) Indian tribe
The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term Indian tribe in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).
(5) Manufactured housing community
The term manufactured housing community means—
(A)
any community, court, park, or other land under unified ownership developed and accommodating or equipped to accommodate the placement of manufactured homes, where—
(i)
spaces within such community are or will be primarily used for residential occupancy;
(ii)
all homes within the community are used for permanent occupancy; and
(iii)
a majority of such occupied spaces within the community are occupied by manufactured homes, which may include homes constructed prior to enactment of the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards; or
(B)
any community that meets the definition of manufactured housing community used for programs similar to the program under this section.
(6) Resident health, safety, and accessibility activities
The term resident health, safety, and accessibility activities means the reconstruction, repair, or replacement of manufactured housing and manufactured housing communities to—
(A)
protect the health and safety of residents;
(B)
address weatherization and reduce utility costs; or
(C)
address accessibility needs for residents with disabilities.
(7) Tribally designated housing entity
The term tribally designated housing entity has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).
(b) Establishment
The Secretary shall, by notice, carry out a competitive grant program to award funds to eligible recipients to carry out eligible projects for development of or improvements in eligible manufactured housing communities.
(c) Eligible projects
(1) In general
Amounts from grants under this section may be used for—
(A)
community infrastructure, facilities, utilities, and other land improvements in or serving an eligible manufactured housing community;
(B)
reconstruction or repair existing housing within an eligible manufactured housing community;
(C)
replacement of homes within an eligible manufactured housing community;
(D)
planning;
(E)
resident health, safety, and accessibility activities in homes in an eligible manufactured housing community;
(F)
land and site acquisition and infrastructure for expansion or construction of an eligible manufactured housing community;
(G)
resident and community services, including relocation assistance, eviction prevention, and down payment assistance; and
(H)
any other activity that—
(i)
is approved by the Secretary consistent with the requirements under this section;
(ii)
improves the overall living conditions of an eligible manufactured housing community, which may include the addition or enhancement of shared spaces such as community centers, recreational areas, or other facilities that support resident well-being and community engagement; and
(iii)
is necessary to protect the health and safety of the residents of the eligible manufactured housing community and the long-term affordability and sustainability of the community.
(2) Replacement
For purposes of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1), grants under this section—
(A)
may not be used for rehabilitation or modernization of units that were built before June 15, 1976; and
(B)
may only be used for disposition and replacement of units described in subparagraph (A), provided that any replacement housing complies with the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards or is another allowed home, as determined by the Secretary.
(d) Priority
In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize applicants that will carry out activities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents and preserve long-term housing affordability for residents of eligible manufactured housing communities.
(e) Waivers
The Secretary may waive or specify alternative requirements for any provision of law or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with use of amounts made available under this section other than requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the environment, upon a finding that the waiver or alternative requirement is not inconsistent with the overall purposes of this section and that the waiver or alternative requirement is necessary to facilitate the use of amounts made available under this section.
(f) Implementation
(1) In general
Any grant made under this section shall be made pursuant to criteria for selection of recipients of such grants that the Secretary shall by regulation establish and publish together with any notification of availability of amounts under this section.
(2) Set aside of grant amounts
The Secretary may set aside amounts provided under this section for grants to Indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities.
(g) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

Title IV Accessing the American Dream

Sec. 401. Creating incentives for small dollar loan originators

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Director

The term Director means the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

(2) Small dollar mortgage

The term small dollar mortgage means a mortgage loan having an original principal obligation of not more than $100,000 that is—

(A)

secured by real property designed for the occupancy of between 1 and 4 families; and

(B)

(i)

insured by the Federal Housing Administration under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.);

(ii)

made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(iii)

made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Agriculture; or

(iv)

eligible to be purchased or securitized by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or the Federal National Mortgage Association.

(b) Requirement regarding loan originator compensation practices

Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on loan originator compensation practices throughout the residential mortgage market, including the relative frequency of loan originators being compensated—

(1)

with a salary;

(2)

with a commission reflecting a fixed percentage of the amount of credit extended;

(3)

with a commission based on a factor other than a fixed percentage of the amount of credit extended;

(4)

with a combination of salary and commission;

(5)

on a loan volume basis;

(6)

with a commission reflecting a percentage of the amount of credit extended, for which a minimum or maximum compensation amount is set; and

(7)

by any other mechanism that the Director may find to be a practice for compensating mortgage loan originators, including any mechanism that provides a loan originator with compensation in such a way that the loan originator does not necessarily receive a lower level of compensation for originating a small dollar mortgage than the loan originator would receive for originating a mortgage loan that is not a small dollar mortgage.

(c) Contents

The report required under subsection (b) shall include—

(1)

data and other analysis regarding the effect of the approaches to loan originator compensation described in subsection (b) on the availability of small dollar mortgage loans; and

(2)

analysis and discussion regarding other potential barriers to small dollar mortgage lending.

(d) Rulemaking

Following the issuance of the report required under subsection (b), the Director may issue regulations to clarify the forms of compensation a lender may use to compensate a loan originator that—

(1)

are permissible pursuant to section 129B(c) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1639b(c)); and

(2)

would result in the loan originator receiving compensation for originating a small dollar mortgage that is not less than the compensation the loan originator would receive for originating a mortgage loan that is not a small dollar mortgage.

Sec. 402. Small dollar mortgage points and fees

(a) Small dollar mortgage defined

In this section, the term small dollar mortgage means a mortgage with an original principal obligation of less than $100,000.

(b) Amendments

(1) In general

Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, shall evaluate the impact of the existing thresholds under section 1026.43 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations, on small dollar mortgage originations.

(2) Rulemaking

Following the evaluation required under paragraph (1), the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection may initiate rulemaking to amend the limitations with respect to points and fees under section 1026.43 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, to encourage additional lending for small dollar mortgages.

Sec. 403. Appraisal Industry Improvement Act

(a) Appraisal standards

(1) Certification or licensing

(A) In general

Section 202(g)(5) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(g)(5)) is amended—

(i)

by moving the paragraph two ems to the left; and

(ii)

by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:

(A)
be certified or licensed by the State in which the property to be appraised is located, except that a Federal employee who has as their primary duty conducting appraisal-related activities and who chooses to become a State-licensed or certified real estate appraiser need only to be licensed or certified in 1 State or territory to perform appraisals on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration in all States and territories;
(B)
meet the requirements under the competency rule set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice before accepting an assignment; and
(C)
have demonstrated verifiable education in the appraisal requirements established by the Federal Housing Administration under this subsection, which shall include the completion of a course or seminar that educates appraisers on those appraisal requirements, which shall be provided by—
(i)
the Federal Housing Administration; or
(ii)
a third party, so long as the course is approved by the Secretary or a State appraiser certifying or licensing agency.

(B) Application

Subparagraph (C) of section 202(g)(5) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(g)(5)), as added by subparagraph (A), shall not apply with respect to any certified appraiser approved by the Federal Housing Administration to conduct appraisals on property securing a mortgage to be insured by the Federal Housing Administration on or before the effective date under paragraph (3)(C).

(2) Compliance with verifiable education and competency requirements

On and after the effective date under paragraph (3)(C), no appraiser may conduct an appraisal on a property securing a mortgage to be insured by the Federal Housing Administration unless—

(A)

the appraiser is in compliance with the requirements under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 202(g)(5) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(g)(5)), as amended by paragraph (1); and

(B)

if the appraiser was not approved by the Federal Housing Administration to conduct appraisals on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration before the date on which the mortgagee letter or guidance take effect under paragraph (3)(C), the appraiser is in compliance with subparagraph (C) of such section 202(g)(5).

(3) Implementation

Not later than the 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall issue a mortgagee letter or guidance that shall—

(A)

implement the amendments made by paragraph (1);

(B)

clearly set forth all of the specific requirements under section 202(g)(5) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(g)(5)), as amended by paragraph (1), for approval to conduct appraisals on property secured by a mortgage to be insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which shall include—

(i)

providing that, before the effective date of the mortgagee letter or guidance, compliance with the requirements under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of such section 202(g)(5), as amended by paragraph (1), shall be considered to fulfill the requirements under such subparagraphs; and

(ii)

providing a method for appraisers to demonstrate such prior compliance; and

(C)

take effect not later than the date that is 180 days after the date on which the Secretary issues the mortgagee letter or guidance.

(b) Annual registry fees for appraisal management companies

Section 1109(a) of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3338(a)) is amended, in the matter following clause (ii) of paragraph (4)(B), by adding at the end the following: Subject to the approval of the Council, the Appraisal Subcommittee may adjust fees established under clause (i) or (ii) to carry out its functions under this Act..

(c) State credentialed trainees

(1) Maintenance on national registry

Section 1103(a) of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3332(a)) is amended—

(A)

in paragraph (3)—

(i)

by inserting and State credentialed trainee appraisers after licensed appraisers; and

(ii)

by striking and at the end;

(B)

by striking paragraph (4);

(C)

by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and

(D)

in paragraph (4), as so redesignated—

(i)

by striking year. The report shall also detail and inserting year, details;

(ii)

by striking provide and inserting provides; and

(iii)

by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and.

(2) Annual registry fees

(A) In general

Section 1109 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3338) is amended—

(i)

in the section heading, by striking or licensed and inserting , licensed, and credentialed trainee; and

(ii)

in subsection (a)—

(I)

in paragraph (1), by inserting , and in the case of a State with a supervisory or trainee program, a roster listing individuals who have received a State trainee credential after this title; and

(II)

by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

(2)
transmit reports on the issuance and renewal of licenses, certifications, credentials, sanctions, and disciplinary actions, including license, credential, and certification revocations, on a timely basis to the national registry of the Appraisal Subcommittee;

(B) Rule of construction

Nothing in the amendments made by subparagraph (A) shall require a State to establish or operate a program for State credentialed trainee appraisers, as defined in paragraph (12) of section 1121 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, as added by paragraph (4) of this subsection.

(3) Transactions requiring the services of a State certified appraiser

Section 1113 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3342) is amended—

(A)

by striking In determining and inserting (a) In general.—In determining; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following:

(b) Use of State credentialed trainee appraisers
In performing an appraisal under this section, a State certified appraiser may use the assistance of a State credentialed trainee appraiser or an unlicensed trainee appraiser, except that a State certified appraiser assisted by a trainee shall be liable for final work.

(4) Definition

Section 1121 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3350) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(12) State credentialed trainee appraiser
The term State credentialed trainee appraiser means an individual who—
(A)
meets the minimum criteria established by the Appraiser Qualification Board for a trainee appraiser credential; and
(B)
is credentialed by a State appraiser certifying and licensing agency.

(d) Grants for workforce and training

Section 1109(b) of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3338(b)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (5)(B), by striking and at the end;

(2)

in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(7)
to make grants to State appraiser certifying and licensing agencies, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education to support the carrying out of education and training activities or other activities related to addressing appraiser industry workforce needs, including recruiting and retaining workforce talent, such as through scholarship assistance and career pipeline development.

(e) Appraisal Subcommittee

Section 1011 of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3310) is amended, in the first sentence, by inserting the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, after Financial Protection,.

Sec. 404. Helping More Families Save Act

Section 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437u) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(p) Escrow expansion pilot program
(1) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Covered family
The term covered family means a family that receives assistance under section 8 or 9 of this Act and is enrolled in the pilot program.
(B) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means an entity described in subsection (c)(2).
(C) Pilot program
The term pilot program means the pilot program established under paragraph (2).
(D) Welfare assistance
The term welfare assistance has the meaning given the term in section 984.103 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
(2) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a pilot program under which the Secretary shall select not more than 25 eligible entities to establish and manage escrow accounts for not more than 5,000 covered families, in accordance with this subsection.
(3) Escrow accounts
(A) In general
An eligible entity selected to participate in the pilot program—
(i)
shall establish an interest-bearing escrow account and place into the account an amount equal to any increase in the amount of rent paid by each covered family in accordance with the provisions of section 3, 8(o), or 8(y), as applicable, that is attributable to increases in earned income by the covered families during the participation of each covered family in the pilot program; and
(ii)
notwithstanding any other provision of law, may use funds it controls under section 8 or 9 for purposes of making the escrow deposit for covered families assisted under, or residing in units assisted under, section 8 or 9, respectively, provided such funds are offset by the increase in the amount of rent paid by the covered family.
(B) Income limitation
An eligible entity may not escrow any amounts for any covered family whose adjusted income exceeds 80 percent of the area median income at the time of enrollment.
(C) Withdrawals
A covered family shall be able to withdraw funds, including interest earned, from an escrow account established by an eligible entity under the pilot program—
(i)
after the covered family ceases to receive welfare assistance; and
(ii)
(I)
not earlier than the date that is 5 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account under this subsection;
(II)
not later than the date that is 7 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account under this subsection, if the covered family chooses to continue to participate in the pilot program after the date that is 5 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account;
(III)
on the date the covered family ceases to receive housing assistance under section 8 or 9, if such date is earlier than 5 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account;
(IV)
earlier than 5 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account, if the covered family is using the funds to advance a self-sufficiency goal as approved by the eligible entity; or
(V)
under other circumstances in which the Secretary determines an exemption for good cause is warranted.
(D) Interim recertification
For purposes of the pilot program, a covered family may recertify the income of the covered family multiple times per year, as determined by the Secretary, and not fewer than once per year.
(E) Contract or plan
A covered family is not required to complete a standard contract of participation or an individual training and services plan in order to participate in the pilot program.
(4) Effect of increases in family income
Any increase in the earned income of a covered family during the enrollment of the family in the pilot program may not be considered as income or a resource for purposes of eligibility of the family for other benefits, or amount of benefits payable to the family, under any program administered by the Secretary.
(5) Application
(A) In general
An eligible entity seeking to participate in the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary an application—
(i)
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require by notice; and
(ii)
that includes the number of proposed covered families to be served by the eligible entity under this subsection.
(B) Geographic and entity variety
The Secretary shall ensure that eligible entities selected to participate in the pilot program—
(i)
are located across various States and in both urban and rural areas; and
(ii)
vary by size and type, including both public housing agencies and private owners of projects receiving project-based rental assistance under section 8.
(6) Notification and opt-out
An eligible entity participating in the pilot program shall—
(A)
notify covered families of their enrollment in the pilot program;
(B)
provide covered families with a detailed description of the pilot program, including how the pilot program will impact their rent and finances;
(C)
inform covered families that the families cannot simultaneously participate in the pilot program and the Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section; and
(D)
provide covered families with the ability to elect not to participate in the pilot program—
(i)
not less than 2 weeks before the date on which the escrow account is established under paragraph (3); and
(ii)
at any point during the duration of the pilot program.
(7) Maximum rents
During the term of participation by a covered family in the pilot program, the amount of rent paid by the covered family shall be calculated under the rental provisions of section 3 or 8(o), as applicable.
(8) Pilot program timeline
(A) Awards
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall select the eligible entities to participate in the pilot program.
(B) Establishment and term of accounts
An eligible entity selected to participate in the pilot program shall—
(i)
not later than 6 months after selection, establish escrow accounts under paragraph (3) for covered families; and
(ii)
maintain those escrow accounts for not less than 5 years, or until the date the family ceases to receive assistance under section 8 or 9, and, at the discretion of the covered family, not more than 7 years after the date on which the escrow account is established.
(9) Nonparticipation and housing assistance
(A) In general
Assistance under section 8 or 9 for a family that elects not to participate in the pilot program shall not be delayed or denied by reason of such election.
(B) No termination
Housing assistance may not be terminated as a consequence of participating, or not participating, in the pilot program under this subsection for any period of time.
(10) Study
Not later than 8 years after the date the Secretary selects eligible entities to participate in the pilot program under this subsection, the Secretary shall conduct a study and submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on outcomes for covered families under the pilot program, which shall evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program in assisting families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency, and the impact coaching and supportive services, or the lack thereof, had on individual incomes.
(11) Waivers
To allow selected eligible entities to effectively administer the pilot program and make the required escrow account deposits under this subsection, the Secretary may waive requirements under this section.
(12) Termination
The pilot program under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this subsection.
(13) Authorization of appropriations
(A) In general
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 2026 such sums as may be necessary—
(i)
for technical assistance related to implementation of the pilot program; and
(ii)
to carry out an evaluation of the pilot program under paragraph (10).
(B) Availability
Any amounts appropriated under this subsection shall remain available until expended.

Sec. 405. Choice in Affordable Housing Act

(a) Satisfaction of inspection requirements through participation in other housing programs

Section 8(o)(8) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)), as amended by section 101(a) of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–201; 130 Stat. 783), is amended by adding at the end the following:

(I) Satisfaction of inspection requirements through participation in other housing programs
(i) Low-income housing tax credit-financed buildings
A dwelling unit shall be deemed to meet the inspection requirements under this paragraph if—
(I)
the dwelling unit is in a building, the acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction of which was financed by a person who received a low-income housing tax credit under section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in exchange for that financing;
(II)
the dwelling unit was physically inspected and passed inspection as part of the low-income housing tax credit program described in subclause (I) during the preceding 12-month period; and
(III)
the applicable public housing agency is able to obtain the results of the inspection described in subclause (II).
(ii) Home investment partnerships program
A dwelling shall be deemed to meet the inspection requirements under this paragraph if—
(I)
the dwelling unit is assisted under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12721 et seq.);
(II)
the dwelling unit was physically inspected and passed inspection as part of the program described in subclause (I) during the preceding 12-month period; and
(III)
the applicable public housing agency is able to obtain the results of the inspection described in subclause (II).
(iii) Rural Housing Service
A dwelling unit shall be deemed to meet the inspection requirements under this paragraph if—
(I)
the dwelling unit is assisted by the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture;
(II)
the dwelling unit was physically inspected and passed inspection in connection with the assistance described in subclause (I) during the preceding 12-month period; and
(III)
the applicable public housing agency is able to obtain the results of the inspection described in subclause (II).
(iv) Remote or video inspections
When complying with inspection requirements for a housing unit located in a rural or small area using assistance under this subtitle, the Secretary may allow a grantee to conduct a remote or video inspection of a unit.
(v) Rule of construction
Nothing in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) shall be construed to affect the operation of a housing program described in, or authorized under a provision of law described in, that clause.

(b) Pre-approval of units

Section 8(o)(8)(A) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(iv) Initial inspection prior to lease agreement
(I) Definition
In this clause, the term new landlord means an owner of a dwelling unit who has not previously entered into a housing assistance payment contract with a public housing agency under this subsection for any dwelling unit.
(II) Early inspection
Upon the request of a new landlord, a public housing agency may inspect the dwelling unit owned by the new landlord to determine whether the unit meets the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B) before the unit is selected by a tenant assisted under this subsection.
(III) Effect
An inspection conducted under subclause (II) that determines that the dwelling unit meets the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B) shall satisfy this subparagraph and subparagraph (C) if the new landlord enters into a lease agreement with a tenant assisted under this subsection not later than 60 days after the date of the inspection.
(IV) Information when family is selected
When a public housing agency selects a family to participate in the tenant-based assistance program under this subsection, the public housing agency shall include in the information provided to the family a list of dwelling units that have been inspected under subclause (II) and determined to meet the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B).

Title V Program Reform

Sec. 501. Reforming Disaster Recovery Act

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Department

The term Department means the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(2) Fund

The term Fund means the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund established under subsection (c).

(3) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(b) Duties of the Department of Housing and Urban Development

(1) In general

The offices and officers of the Department shall be responsible for—

(A)

leading and coordinating the disaster-related responsibilities of the Department under the National Response Framework, the National Disaster Recovery Framework, and the National Mitigation Framework;

(B)

coordinating and administering programs, policies, and activities of the Department related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, resiliency, and mitigation, including disaster recovery assistance under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.);

(C)

supporting disaster-impacted communities as those communities specifically assess, plan for, and address the housing stock and housing needs in the transition from emergency shelters and interim housing to permanent housing of those displaced, especially among vulnerable populations and extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income households;

(D)

collaborating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration and across the Department to align disaster-related regulations and policies, including incorporation of consensus-based codes and standards and insurance purchase requirements, and ensuring coordination and reducing duplication among other Federal disaster recovery programs;

(E)

promoting best practices in mitigation and resilient land use planning;

(F)

coordinating technical assistance, including mitigation, resiliency, and recovery training and information on all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, to entities that receive disaster recovery assistance under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) that demonstrate capacity constraints; and

(G)

supporting State, Tribal, and local governments in developing, coordinating, and maintaining their capacity for disaster resilience and recovery and developing pre-disaster recovery and hazard mitigation plans, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other Federal agencies.

(2) Establishment of the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency

Section 4 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3533) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(i) Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency
(1) Establishment
There is established, in the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency.
(2) Duties
The Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency shall—
(A)
be responsible for oversight and coordination of all departmental disaster preparedness and response responsibilities; and
(B)
coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, and the Office of Community Planning and Development and other offices of the Department in supporting recovery and resilience activities to provide a comprehensive approach in working with communities.

(c) Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund

(1) Establishment

There is established in the Treasury of the United States an account to be known as the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund.

(2) Deposits, transfers, and credit

(A) In general

The Fund shall consist of amounts appropriated, transferred, and credited to the Fund.

(B) Transfers

The following may be transferred to the Fund:

(i)

Amounts made available through section 106(c)(4) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5306(c)(4)) as a result of actions taken under section 104(e), 111, or 124(j) of such Act.

(ii)

Any unobligated balances available until expended remaining or subsequently recaptured from amounts appropriated for any disaster and related purposes under the heading Community Development Fund in any Act prior to the establishment of the Fund.

(C) Use of transferred amounts

Amounts transferred to the Fund shall be used for the eligible uses described in paragraph (3).

(3) Eligible uses of fund

(A) In general

Amounts in the Fund shall be available—

(i)

to provide assistance in the form of grants under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d); and

(ii)

for activities of the Department that support the provision of such assistance, including necessary salaries and expenses, information technology, and capacity building, technical assistance, and pre-disaster readiness.

(B) Set aside

Of each amount appropriated for or transferred to the Fund, 3 percent shall be made available for activities described in subparagraph (A)(ii), which shall be in addition to other amounts made available for those activities.

(C) Transfer of funds

With respect to amounts made available for use in accordance with subparagraph (B)—

(i)

amounts may be transferred to the account under the heading for Program Offices—Salaries and Expenses—Community Planning and Development, or any successor account, for the Department to carry out activities described in paragraph (1)(B); and

(ii)

amounts may be used for the activities described in subparagraph (A)(ii) and for the administrative costs of administering any funds appropriated to the Department under the heading Community Planning and Development—Community Development Fund for any major disaster declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) in any Act before the establishment of the Fund.

(D) Inspector General

(i) In general

Not less than one-tenth of 1 percent of each series of awards the Secretary makes from the Fund shall be transferred to the account under the heading Office of Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support audit activities and to investigate grantee noncompliance with program requirements and waste, fraud, and abuse as a result of appropriations made available through the Fund.

(ii) Availability

Funding under clause (i) shall not be made available to the Office of Inspector General until 90 days after the date on which the grantee plan or supplemental plan for the grantee is approved by the Secretary under subsection (c) or (f)(3)(C) of section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d), is approved by the Secretary.

(4) Interchangeability of prior administrative amounts

Any amounts appropriated in any Act prior to the establishment of the Fund and transferred to the account under the heading Program Offices—Salaries and Expenses—Community Planning and Development, or any predecessor account, for the Department for the costs of administering funds appropriated to the Department under the heading Community Planning and Development—Community Development Fund for any major disaster declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) shall be available for the costs of administering any such funds provided by any prior or future Act, notwithstanding the purposes for which those amounts were appropriated and in addition to any amount provided for the same purposes in other appropriations Acts.

(5) Availability of amounts

Amounts appropriated, transferred, and credited to the Fund shall remain available until expended.

(6) Formula allocation

Use of amounts in the Fund for grants shall be made by formula allocation in accordance with the requirements of section 124(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d).

(7) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Fund such sums as may be necessary to respond to current or future major disasters declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5179) for grants under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d).

(d) Establishment of CDBG Disaster Recovery Program

Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.), as amended by this Act, is amended—

(1)

in section 102(a) (42 U.S.C. 5302(a))—

(A)

in paragraph (20)—

(i)

by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);

(ii)

in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by inserting or (B) after subparagraph (A); and

(iii)

by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:

(B)
The term persons of extremely low income means families and individuals whose income levels do not exceed household income levels determined by the Secretary under section 3(b)(2) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)(C)), except that the Secretary may provide alternative definitions for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following:

(25)
The term major disaster has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122).;

(2)

in section 106(c)(4) (42 U.S.C. 5306(c)(4))—

(A)

in subparagraph (A)—

(i)

by striking declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act;

(ii)

inserting States for use in nonentitlement areas and to before metropolitan cities; and

(iii)

inserting major after affected by the;

(B)

in subparagraph (C)—

(i)

by striking metropolitan city or and inserting State, metropolitan city, or;

(ii)

by striking city or county and inserting State, city, or county; and

(iii)

by inserting major before disaster;

(C)

in subparagraph (D), by striking metropolitan cities and and inserting States, metropolitan cities, and;

(D)

in subparagraph (F)—

(i)

by striking metropolitan city or and inserting State, metropolitan city, or; and

(ii)

by inserting major before disaster; and

(E)

in subparagraph (G), by striking metropolitan city or and inserting State, metropolitan city, or;

(3)

in section 122 (42 U.S.C. 5321), by striking disaster under title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and inserting major disaster; and

(4)

by adding at the end the following:

124. Community development block grant disaster recovery program
(a) Authorization, formula, and allocation
(1) Authorization
The Secretary is authorized to make community development block grant disaster recovery grants from the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund established under section 501(c) of the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the Fund) for necessary expenses for activities authorized under subsection (f)(1) related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of housing and infrastructure, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster.
(2) Grant awards
Grants shall be awarded under this section to States, units of general local government, and Indian tribes based on capacity and the concentration of damage, as determined by the Secretary, to support the efficient and effective administration of funds.
(3) Section 106 allocations
Grants under this section shall not be considered relevant to the formula allocations made pursuant to section 106.
(4) Federal Register notice
(A) In general
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a notice in the Federal Register containing the latest formula allocation methodologies used to determine the total estimate of unmet needs related to housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster.
(B) Public comment
If the Secretary has not already requested public comment on the formula described in the notice required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall solicit public comments on—
(i)
the methodologies described in subparagraph (A) and seek alternative methods for formula allocation within a similar total amount of funding;
(ii)
the impact of formula methodologies on rural areas and Tribal areas;
(iii)
adjustments to improve targeting to the most serious needs;
(iv)
objective criteria for grantee capacity and concentration of damage to inform grantee determinations and minimum allocation thresholds; and
(v)
research and data to inform an additional amount to be provided for mitigation depending on type of disaster, which shall be up to 18 percent of the total estimate of unmet needs.
(5) Regulations
(A) In general
The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish a formula to allocate assistance from the Fund to the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster.
(B) Formula requirements
The formula established under subparagraph (A) shall—
(i)
set forth criteria to determine that a major disaster is catastrophic, which criteria shall consider the presence of a high concentration of damaged housing or businesses that individual, State, Tribal, and local resources could not reasonably be expected to address without additional Federal assistance or other nationally encompassing data that the Secretary determines are adequate to assess relative impact and distress across geographic areas;
(ii)
include a methodology for identifying most impacted and distressed areas, which shall consider unmet serious needs related to housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure;
(iii)
include an allocation calculation that considers the unmet serious needs resulting from the catastrophic major disaster and an additional amount up to 18 percent for activities to reduce risks of loss resulting from other natural disasters in the most impacted and distressed area, primarily for the benefit of low- and moderate-income persons, with particular focus on activities that reduce repetitive loss of property and critical infrastructure; and
(iv)
establish objective criteria for periodic review and updates to the formula to reflect changes in available data.
(C) Minimum allocation threshold
The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish a minimum allocation threshold.
(D) Interim allocation
Until such time that the Secretary issues final regulations under this paragraph, the Secretary shall—
(i)
allocate assistance from the Fund using the formula allocation methodology published in accordance with paragraph (4); and
(ii)
include an additional amount for mitigation of up to 18 percent of the total estimate of unmet need.
(6) Allocation of funds
(A) In general
The Secretary shall—
(i)
except as provided in clause (ii), not later than 90 days after the President declares a major disaster, use best available data to determine whether the major disaster is catastrophic and qualifies for assistance under the formula described in paragraph (4) or (5), unless data is insufficient to make this determination; and
(ii)
if the best available data is insufficient to make the determination required under clause (i) within the 90-day period described in that clause, the Secretary shall determine whether the major disaster qualifies when sufficient data becomes available, but in no case shall the Secretary make the determination later than 120 days after the declaration of the major disaster.
(B) Announcement of allocation
If amounts are available in the Fund at the time the Secretary determines that the major disaster is catastrophic and qualifies for assistance under the formula described in paragraph (4) or (5), the Secretary shall immediately announce an allocation for a grant under this section.
(C) Additional amounts
If additional amounts are appropriated to the Fund after amounts are allocated under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall announce an allocation or additional allocation (if a prior allocation under subparagraph (B) was less than the formula calculation) within 15 days of any such appropriation.
(7) Preliminary funding
(A) In general
To speed recovery, the Secretary is authorized to allocate and award preliminary grants from the Fund before making a determination under paragraph (6)(A) if the Secretary projects, based on a preliminary assessment of impact and distress, that a major disaster is catastrophic and would likely qualify for funding under the formula described in paragraph (4) or (5).
(B) Amount
(i) Maximum
The Secretary may award preliminary funding under subparagraph (A) in an amount that is not more than $5,000,000.
(ii) Sliding scale
The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish a sliding scale for preliminary funding awarded under subparagraph (A) based on the size of the preliminary assessment of impact and distress.
(C) Use of funds
The uses of preliminary funding awarded under subparagraph (A) shall be limited to eligible activities that—
(i)
in the determination of the Secretary, will support faster recovery, improve the ability of the grantee to assess unmet recovery needs, plan for the prevention of improper payments, and reduce fraud, waste, and abuse; and
(ii)
may include evaluating the interim housing, permanent housing, and supportive service needs of the disaster impacted community, with special attention to vulnerable populations, such as homeless and low- to moderate-income households, to inform the grantee action plan required under subsection (c).
(D) Consideration of funding
Preliminary funding awarded under subparagraph (A)—
(i)
is not subject to the certification requirements of subsection (h)(1); and
(ii)
shall not be considered when calculating the amount of the grant used for administrative costs, technical assistance, and planning activities that are subject to the requirements under subsection (f)(2).
(E) Waiver
To expedite the use of preliminary funding for activities described in this paragraph, the Secretary may waive or specify alternative requirements to the requirements of this section in accordance with subsection (i).
(F) Amended award
(i) In general
An award for preliminary funding under subparagraph (A) may be amended to add any subsequent amount awarded because of a determination by the Secretary that a major disaster is catastrophic and qualifies for assistance under the formula.
(ii) Applicability
Notwithstanding subparagraph (D), amounts provided by an amendment under clause (i) are subject to the requirements under subsections (f)(1) and (h)(1) and other requirements on grant funds under this section.
(G) Technical assistance
Concurrent with the allocation of any preliminary funding awarded under this paragraph, the Secretary shall assign or provide technical assistance to the recipient of the grant.
(b) Interchangeability
(1) In general
The Secretary is authorized to approve the use of grants under this section to be used interchangeably and without limitation for the same activities in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a declaration of another catastrophic major disaster that qualifies for assistance under the formula established under paragraph (4) or (5) of subsection (a) or a major disaster for which the Secretary allocated funds made available under the heading Community Development Fund in any Act prior to the establishment of the Fund.
(2) Requirements
The Secretary shall establish requirements to expedite the use of grants under this section for the purpose described in paragraph (1).
(3) Emergency designation
Amounts repurposed pursuant to this subsection that were previously designated by Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 or a concurrent resolution on the budget are designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4001(a)(1) of S. Con. Res. 14 (117th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2022, and to legislation establishing fiscal year 2026 budget enforcement in the House of Representatives.
(c) Grantee plans
(1) Requirement
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary announces a grant allocation under this section, unless an extension is granted by the Secretary, the grantee shall submit to the Secretary a plan for approval describing—
(A)
the activities the grantee will carry out with the grant under this section;
(B)
the criteria of the grantee for awarding assistance and selecting activities;
(C)
how the use of the grant under this section will address disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of housing and infrastructure, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas;
(D)
how the use of the grant funds for mitigation is consistent with hazard mitigation plans submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency under section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165);
(E)
the estimated amount proposed to be used for activities that will benefit persons of low and moderate income;
(F)
how the use of grant funds will repair and replace existing housing stock for vulnerable populations, including low- to moderate-income households;
(G)
how the grantee will address the priorities described in paragraph (5);
(H)
how uses of funds are proportional to unmet needs, as required under paragraph (6);
(I)
for State grantees that plan to distribute grant amounts to units of general local government, a description of the method of distribution; and
(J)
such other information as may be determined by the Secretary in regulation.
(2) Public consultation
To permit public examination and appraisal of the plan described in paragraph (1), to enhance the public accountability of grantee, and to facilitate coordination of activities with different levels of government, when developing the plan or substantial amendments proposed to the plan required under paragraph (1), a grantee shall—
(A)
publish the plan before adoption;
(B)
provide citizens, affected units of general local government, and other interested parties with reasonable notice of, and opportunity to comment on, the plan, with a public comment period of not less than 14 days;
(C)
consider comments received before submission to the Secretary;
(D)
follow a citizen participation plan for disaster assistance adopted by the grantee that, at a minimum, provides for participation of residents of the most impacted and distressed area affected by the major disaster that resulted in the grant under this section and other considerations established by the Secretary; and
(E)
undertake any consultation with interested parties as may be determined by the Secretary in regulation.
(3) Approval
The Secretary shall—
(A)
by regulation, specify criteria for the approval, partial approval, or disapproval of a plan submitted under paragraph (1), including approval of substantial amendments to the plan;
(B)
review a plan submitted under paragraph (1) upon receipt of the plan;
(C)
allow a grantee to revise and resubmit a plan or substantial amendment to a plan under paragraph (1) that the Secretary disapproves;
(D)
by regulation, specify criteria for when the grantee shall be required to provide the required revisions to a disapproved plan or substantial amendment under paragraph (1) for public comment prior to resubmission of the plan or substantial amendment to the Secretary; and
(E)
approve, partially approve, or disapprove a plan or substantial amendment under paragraph (1) not later than 60 days after the date on which the plan or substantial amendment is received by the Secretary.
(4) Low- and moderate-income overall benefit
(A) Use of funds
Not less than 70 percent of a grant made under this section shall be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income unless the Secretary—
(i)
specifically finds that—
(I)
there is compelling need to reduce the percentage for the grant; and
(II)
the housing needs of low- and moderate-income persons have been addressed; and
(ii)
issues a waiver and alternative requirement specific to the grant pursuant to subsection (i) to lower the percentage.
(B) Regulations
The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish protocols that reflect the required use of funds under subparagraph (A), including persons with extremely and very low incomes.
(5) Prioritization
The grantee shall prioritize activities that—
(A)
assist persons with extremely low-, low-, and moderate-incomes and other vulnerable populations to better recover from and withstand future disasters;
(B)
address housing needs arising from a disaster, or those needs present prior to a disaster, including the needs of both renters and homeowners;
(C)
prolong the life of housing and infrastructure;
(D)
use cost-effective means of preventing harm to people and property and incorporate protective features and redundancies; and
(E)
other measures that will assure the continuation of critical services during future disasters.
(6) Proportional allocation
For each specific disaster, a grantee under this section shall allocate grant funds proportional to unmet needs between housing activities for renters and homeowners, economic revitalization, and infrastructure unless the Secretary specifically finds that—
(A)
there is a compelling need for a disproportional allocation among those unmet needs; and
(B)
the disproportional allocation described in subparagraph (A) is not inconsistent with the requirements under paragraph (4).
(7) Disaster risk mitigation
(A) Definition
In this paragraph, the term hazard-prone areas—
(i)
means areas identified by the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, at risk from natural hazards that threaten property damage or health, safety, and welfare, such as floods, wildfires (including Wildland-Urban Interface areas), earthquakes, lava inundation, tornados, and high winds; and
(ii)
includes areas having special flood hazards as identified under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4002 et seq.) or the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.).
(B) Hazard-prone areas
The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall establish minimum construction standards, insurance purchase requirements, and other requirements for the use of grant funds in hazard-prone areas.
(C) Special flood hazards
(i) In general
For the areas described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the insurance purchase requirements established under subparagraph (B) shall meet or exceed the requirements under section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(a)).
(ii) Treatment as financial assistance
All grants under this section shall be treated as financial assistance for purposes of section 3(a)(3) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4003(a)(3)).
(D) Consideration of future risks
The Secretary may consider future risks to protecting property and health, safety, and general welfare, and the likelihood of those risks, when making the determination of or modification to hazard-prone areas under this paragraph.
(8) Relocation
(A) In general
The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.) shall apply to activities assisted under this section to the extent determined by the Secretary in regulation, or as provided in waivers or alternative requirements authorized in accordance with subsection (i).
(B) Policy
Each grantee under this section shall establish a relocation assistance policy that—
(i)
minimizes displacement and describes the benefits available to persons displaced as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition in connection with an activity that is assisted by a grant under this section; and
(ii)
includes any appeal rights or other requirements that the Secretary establishes by regulation.
(d) Certifications
Any grant under this section shall be made only if the grantee certifies to the satisfaction of the Secretary that—
(1)
the grantee is in full compliance with the requirements under subsection (c)(2);
(2)
for grants other than grants to Indian tribes, the grant will be conducted and administered in conformity with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000a et seq.) and the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.);
(3)
the projected use of funds has been developed so as to give maximum feasible priority to activities that will benefit recipients described in subsection (c)(4)(A) and activities described in subsection (c)(5), and may also include activities that are designed to aid in the prevention or elimination of slum and blight to support disaster recovery, meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs, and alleviate future threats to human populations, critical natural resources, and property that an analysis of hazards shows are likely to result from natural disasters in the future;
(4)
the grant funds shall principally benefit persons of low- and moderate-income as described in subsection (c)(4)(A);
(5)
for grants other than grants to Indian tribes, within 24 months of receiving a grant or at the time of its 3- or 5-year update, whichever is sooner, the grantee will review and make modifications to its non-disaster housing and community development plans and strategies required by subsections (c) and (m) of section 104 to reflect the disaster recovery needs identified by the grantee and consistency with the plan under subsection (c)(1);
(6)
the grantee will not attempt to recover any capital costs of public improvements assisted in whole or part under this section by assessing any amount against properties owned and occupied by persons of low and moderate income, including any fee charged or assessment made as a condition of obtaining access to such public improvements, unless—
(A)
funds received under this section are used to pay the proportion of such fee or assessment that relates to the capital costs of such public improvements that are financed from revenue sources other than under this chapter; or
(B)
for purposes of assessing any amount against properties owned and occupied by persons of moderate income, the grantee certifies to the Secretary that the grantee lacks sufficient funds received under this section to comply with the requirements of subparagraph (A);
(7)
the grantee will comply with the other provisions of this title that apply to assistance under this section and with other applicable laws;
(8)
the grantee will follow a relocation assistance policy that includes any minimum requirements identified by the Secretary; and
(9)
the grantee will adhere to construction standards, insurance purchase requirements, and other requirements for development in hazard-prone areas described in subsection (c)(7).
(e) Performance reviews and reporting
(1) In general
The Secretary shall, on not less frequently than an annual basis until the closeout of a particular grant allocation, make such reviews and audits as may be necessary or appropriate to determine whether a grantee under this section has—
(A)
carried out activities using grant funds in a timely manner;
(B)
met the performance targets established by paragraph (2);
(C)
carried out activities using grant funds in accordance with the requirements of this section, the other provisions of this title that apply to assistance under this section, and other applicable laws; and
(D)
a continuing capacity to carry out activities in a timely manner.
(2) Performance targets
The Secretary shall develop and make publicly available critical performance targets for review, which shall include spending thresholds for each year from the date on which funds are obligated by the Secretary to the grantee until such time all funds have been expended.
(3) Failure to meet targets
(A) Suspension
If a grantee under this section fails to meet 1 or more critical performance targets under paragraph (2), the Secretary may temporarily suspend the grant.
(B) Performance improvement plan
If the Secretary suspends a grant under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide to the grantee a performance improvement plan with the specific requirements needed to lift the suspension within a defined time period.
(C) Report
If a grantee fails to meet the spending thresholds established under paragraph (2), the grantee shall submit to the Secretary, the appropriate committees of Congress, and each member of Congress who represents a district or State of the grantee a written report identifying technical capacity, funding, or other Federal or State impediments affecting the ability of the grantee to meet the spending thresholds.
(4) Collection of information and reporting
(A) Requirement to report
A grantee under this section shall provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may determine necessary for adequate oversight of the grant program under this section.
(B) Public availability
Subject to subparagraph (D), the Secretary shall make information submitted under subparagraph (A) available to the public and to the Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(C) Summary status reports
To increase transparency and accountability of the grant program under this section the Secretary shall, on not less frequently than an annual basis, post on a public facing dashboard summary status reports for all active grants under this section that includes—
(i)
the status of funds by activity;
(ii)
the percentages of funds allocated and expended to benefit low- and moderate-income communities;
(iii)
performance targets, spending thresholds, and accomplishments; and
(iv)
other information the Secretary determines to be relevant for transparency.
(D) Considerations
In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that personally identifiable information regarding applicants for assistance provided from funds made available under this section is not made publicly available.
(E) Research partnerships
(i) In general
The Secretary may, upon a formal request from researchers, make disaggregated information available to the requestor that is specific and relevant to the research being conducted, and for the purposes of researching program impact and efficacy.
(ii) Privacy protections
In making information available under clause (i), the Secretary shall protect personally identifiable information as required under section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Privacy Act of 1974).
(f) Eligible activities
(1) In general
Activities assisted under this section—
(A)
may include activities permitted under section 105 or other activities permitted by the Secretary by waiver or alternative requirement pursuant to subsection (i); and
(B)
shall be related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of housing and infrastructure, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from the major disaster for which the grant was awarded.
(2) Prohibition
Grant funds under this section may not be used for costs reimbursable by, or for which funds have been made available by, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
(3) Administrative costs, technical assistance and planning
(A) In general
The Secretary shall establish in regulation the maximum grant amounts a grantee may use for administrative costs, technical assistance and planning activities, taking into consideration size of grant, complexity of recovery, and other factors as determined by the Secretary, but not to exceed 8 percent for administration and 20 percent in total.
(B) Availability
Amounts available for administrative costs for a grant under this section shall be available for eligible administrative costs of the grantee for any grant made under this section, without regard to a particular disaster.
(C) Supplemental plan
(i) In general
Grantees may submit to the Secretary an optional supplemental plan to the grantee plan required under this title specifically for administrative costs, which shall include a description of the use of all grant funds for administrative costs, including for any eligible pre-award program administrative costs, and how such uses will prepare the grantee to more effectively and expeditiously administer funds provided under the full plan.
(ii) Use of funds
If a supplemental plan is approved under clause (i), a grantee may draw down the aforementioned administrative funds before the full grantee plan is approved.
(iii) Waivers
In carrying out this subparagraph, the Secretary may include any waivers or alternative requirements in accordance with subsection (i).
(4) Program income
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any grantee under this section may retain program income that is realized from grants made by the Secretary under this section if the grantee agrees that the grantee will utilize the program income in accordance with the requirements for grants under this section, except that the Secretary may—
(A)
by regulation, exclude from consideration as program income any amounts determined to be so small that compliance with this paragraph creates an unreasonable administrative burden on the grantee; or
(B)
permit the grantee to transfer remaining program income to the other grants of the grantee under this title upon closeout of the grant.
(5) Prohibition on use of assistance for employment relocation activities
(A) In general
Grants under this section may not be used to assist directly in the relocation of any industrial or commercial plant, facility, or operation, from one area to another area, if the relocation is likely to result in a significant loss of employment in the labor market area from which the relocation occurs.
(B) Applicability
The prohibition under subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a business that was operating in the disaster-declared labor market area before the incident date of the applicable disaster and has since moved, in whole or in part, from the affected area to another State or to a labor market area within the same State to continue business.
(6) Requirements
Grants under this section are subject to the requirements of this section, the other provisions of this title that apply to assistance under this section, and other applicable laws, unless modified by waivers or alternative requirements in accordance with subsection (i).
(g) Environmental review
(1) Adoption
A recipient of funds provided under this section that uses the funds to supplement Federal assistance provided under section 203, 402, 403, 404, 406, 407, 408(c)(4), 428, or 502 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170a, 5170b, 5170c, 5172, 5173, 5174(c)(4), 5189f, 5192) may adopt, without review or public comment, any environmental review, approval, or permit performed by a Federal agency, and such adoption shall satisfy the responsibilities of the recipient with respect to such environmental review, approval, or permit under section 104(g)(1), so long as the actions covered by the existing environmental review, approval, or permit and the actions proposed for these supplemental funds are substantially the same.
(2) Approval of release of funds
Notwithstanding section 104(g)(2), the Secretary or a State may, upon receipt of a request for release of funds and certification, immediately approve the release of funds for an activity or project to be assisted under this section if the recipient has adopted an environmental review, approval, or permit under paragraph (1) or the activity or project is categorically excluded from review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
(3) Units of general local government
The provisions of section 104(g)(4) shall apply to assistance under this section that a State distributes to a unit of general local government.
(h) Financial controls and procedures
(1) In general
The Secretary shall develop requirements and procedures to demonstrate that a grantee under this section—
(A)
has adequate financial controls and procurement processes;
(B)
has adequate procedures to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and duplication of benefit; and
(C)
maintains a comprehensive and publicly accessible website.
(2) Certification
Before making a grant under this section, the Secretary shall certify that the grantee has in place proficient processes and procedures to comply with the requirements developed under paragraph (1), as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Compliance before allocation
The Secretary may permit a State, unit of general local government, or Indian tribe to demonstrate compliance with the requirements for adequate financial controls developed under paragraph (1) before a disaster occurs and before receiving an allocation for a grant under this section.
(4) Duplication of benefits
(A) In general
Funds made available under this section shall be used in accordance with section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155), as amended by section 1210 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (division D of Public Law 115–254), and such rules as may be prescribed under such section 312.
(B) Penalties
In any case in which the use of grant funds under this section results in a prohibited duplication of benefits, the grantee shall—
(i)
apply an amount equal to the identified duplication to any allowable costs of the award consistent with actual, immediate cash requirement;
(ii)
remit any excess amounts to the Secretary to be credited to the obligated, undisbursed balance of the grant consistent with requirements on Federal payments applicable to such grantee; and
(iii)
if excess amounts under clause (ii) are identified after the period of performance or after the closeout of the award, remit such amounts to the Secretary to be credited to the Fund.
(C) Failure to comply
Any grantee provided funds under this section or from prior Appropriations Acts under the heading Community Development Fund for purposes related to major disasters that fails to comply with section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155) or fails to satisfy penalties to resolve a duplication of benefits shall be subject to remedies for noncompliance under section 111, unless the Secretary publishes a determination in the Federal Register that it is not in the best interest of the Federal Government to pursue remedial actions.
(i) Waivers and alternative requirements
(1) In general
In administering grants under this section, the Secretary may waive, or specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with the obligation by the Secretary or the use by the grantee of those funds (except for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, the environment, and the requirements of this section that do not expressly authorize modifications by waiver or alternative requirement), if the Secretary makes a public finding that good cause exists for the waiver or alternative requirement.
(2) Effective date
A waiver or alternative requirement described in paragraph (1) shall not take effect before the date that is 5 days after the date of publication of the waiver or alternative requirement on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the effective date for any regulation published in the Federal Register.
(3) Public notification
The Secretary shall notify the public of all waivers or alternative requirements described in paragraph (1) in accordance with the requirements of section 7(q)(3) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3535(q)(3)).
(j) Unused amounts
(1) Deadline to use amounts
A grantee under this section shall use an amount equal to the grant within 6 years beginning on the date on which the Secretary obligates the amounts to the grantee, as such period may be extended under paragraph (4).
(2) Recapture
The Secretary shall recapture and credit to the Fund any amount that is unused by a grantee under this section upon the earlier of—
(A)
the date on which the grantee notifies the Secretary that the grantee has completed all activities identified in the disaster grantee’s plan under subsection (c); or
(B)
the expiration of the 6-year period described in paragraph (1), as such period may be extended under paragraph (4).
(3) Retention of funds
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary—
(A)
shall allow a grantee under this section to retain amounts needed to close out grants; and
(B)
may allow a grantee under this section to retain up to 10 percent of the remaining funds to support maintenance of the minimal capacity to launch a new program in the event of a future disaster and to support pre-disaster long-term recovery and mitigation planning.
(4) Extension of period for use of funds
The Secretary may extend the 6-year period described in paragraph (1) by not more than 4 years, or not more than 6 years for mitigation activities, if—
(A)
the grantee submits to the Secretary—
(i)
written documentation of the exigent circumstances impacting the ability of the grantee to expend funds that could not be anticipated; or
(ii)
a justification that such request is necessary due to the nature and complexity of the program and projects; and
(B)
the Secretary submits a written justification for the extension to the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives that specifies the period of that extension.
(k) Definition
In this section, the term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).

(e) Regulations

(1) Proposed rules

Following consultation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, and other Federal agencies, not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue proposed rules to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act and shall provide a 90-day period for submission of public comments on those proposed rules.

(2) Final rules

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to carry out section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d).

(f) Coordination of disaster recovery assistance, benefits, and data with other Federal agencies

(1) Coordination of disaster recovery assistance

In order to ensure a comprehensive approach to Federal disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of housing and infrastructure, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster, the Secretary shall coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to the greatest extent practicable, in the implementation of assistance authorized under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d).

(2) Data sharing agreements

To support the coordination of data to prevent duplication of benefits with other Federal disaster recovery programs while also expediting recovery and reducing burden on disaster survivors, the Department shall establish data sharing agreements that safeguard privacy with relevant Federal agencies to ensure disaster benefits effectively and efficiently reach intended beneficiaries, while using effective means of preventing harm to people and property.

(3) Data transfer from FEMA and SBA to HUD

As permitted and deemed necessary for efficient program execution, and consistent with a computer matching agreement entered into under paragraph (6)(A), the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall provide data on disaster applicants to the Department, including, when necessary, personally identifiable information, disaster recovery needs, and resources determined eligible for, and amounts expended, to the Secretary for all major disasters declared by the President pursuant to section 401 of Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) for the purpose of providing additional assistance to disaster survivors and prevent duplication of benefits.

(4) Data transfers from HUD to HUD grantees

The Secretary is authorized to provide to grantees under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d), offices of the Department, technical assistance providers, and lenders information that in the determination of the Secretary is reasonably available and appropriate to inform the provision of assistance after a major disaster, including information provided to the Secretary by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, or other Federal agencies.

(5) Data transfers from HUD grantees to HUD, FEMA, and SBA

(A) Reporting

Grantees under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d), shall report information requested by the Secretary on households, businesses, and other entities assisted and the type of assistance provided.

(B) Sharing information

The Secretary shall share information collected under subparagraph (A) with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, and other Federal agencies to support the planning and delivery of disaster recovery and mitigation assistance and other related purposes.

(6) Privacy protection

The Secretary may make and receive data transfers authorized under this subsection, including the use and retention of that data for computer matching programs, to inform the provision of assistance, assess disaster recovery needs, and prevent the duplication of benefits and other waste, fraud, and abuse, provided that—

(A)

the Secretary enters an information sharing agreement or a computer matching agreement, when required by section 522a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Privacy Act of 1974), with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, or other Federal agencies covering the transfer of data;

(B)

the Secretary publishes intent to disclose data in the Federal Register;

(C)

notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (B), section 552a of title 5, United States Code, or any other law, the Secretary is authorized to share data with an entity identified in paragraph (4), and the entity is authorized to use the data as described in this section, if the Secretary enters a data sharing agreement with the entity before sharing or receiving any information under transfers authorized by this section, which data sharing agreement shall—

(i)

in the determination of the Secretary, include measures adequate to safeguard the privacy and personally identifiable information of individuals; and

(ii)

include provisions that describe how the personally identifiable information of an individual will be adequately safeguarded and protected, which requires consultation with the Secretary and the head of each Federal agency the data of which is being shared subject to the agreement.

Sec. 502. HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act

(a) Authorization

Section 205 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12724) is amended to read as follows:

205. Authorization of program
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program under subtitle A is hereby authorized. There is authorized such sums as may be necessary to carry out subtitle A.

(b) Increase in Program administration resources

Subtitle A of title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12741 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

in section 212(c) (42 U.S.C. 12742(c)), by striking 10 percent and inserting 15 percent; and

(2)

in section 220(b) (42 U.S.C. 12750(b))—

(A)

by striking Recognition.— and all that follows through A contribution and inserting the following: Recognition.—A contribution; and

(B)

by striking paragraph (2).

(c) Modification of jurisdictions eligible for reallocations

Section 217(d)(3) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12747(d)(3)) is amended by striking Limitation.—Unless otherwise specified and inserting the following: "Limitations.—

(A) Removal of participating jurisdictions from reallocation
The Secretary may, upon a finding that such jurisdiction has failed to meet or comply with the requirements of this title, remove a participating jurisdiction from participation in reallocations of funds made available under this title.
(B) Reallocation to same type of entity
Unless otherwise specified

(d) Amendments to qualification as affordable housing

Section 215 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12745) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in paragraph (1)(E), by striking all that follows purposes of this Act, and inserting the following: “except upon a foreclosure by a lender (or upon other transfer in lieu of foreclosure) if such action—

(i)
recognizes any contractual or legal rights of public agencies, nonprofit sponsors, or others to take actions that would avoid termination of low-income affordability in the case of foreclosure or transfer in lieu of foreclosure; and
(ii)
is not for the purpose of avoiding low-income affordability restrictions, as determined by the Secretary; and; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following:

(7) Small-scale housing
(A) Definition
In this paragraph, the term small-scale housing means housing with not more than 4 rental units.
(B) Alternative requirements
Small-scale housing shall qualify as affordable housing under this title if—
(i)
the housing bears rents that comply with paragraph (1)(A);
(ii)
each unit is occupied by a household that qualifies as a low-income family;
(iii)
the housing complies with paragraph (1)(D);
(iv)
the housing meets the requirements under paragraph (1)(E); and
(v)
the participating jurisdiction monitors ongoing compliance of the housing with requirements of this title in a manner consistent with the purposes of section 226(b), as determined by the Secretary.; and

(2)

in subsection (b)(1), by inserting (defined as the amount borrowed by the homebuyer to purchase the home, or estimated value after rehabilitation, which may be adjusted to account for the limits on future value imposed by the resale restriction) after purchase price.

(e) Elimination of commitment deadline

(1) In general

Section 218 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12748) is amended—

(A)

by striking subsection (g); and

(B)

by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (g).

(2) Conforming amendment

Section 218(c) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12748(c)) is amended—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by adding and at the end;

(B)

by striking paragraph (2);

(C)

by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and

(D)

in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking section 224 and inserting section 223.

(f) Reform of homeownership resale restrictions

Section 215 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12745), as amended by this section, is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in paragraph (2), by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;

(B)

by striking paragraph (3);

(C)

by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (D), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;

(D)

by inserting after subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, the following:

(C)
is subject to restrictions that are established by the participating jurisdiction and determined by the Secretary to be appropriate, including with respect to the useful life of the property, to—
(i)
require that any subsequent purchase of the property be—
(I)
only by a person who meets the qualifications specified under subparagraph (B); and
(II)
at a price that is determined by a formula or method established by the participating jurisdiction that provides the owner with a reasonable return on investment, which may include a percentage of the cost of any improvements; or
(ii)
recapture the investment provided under this title in order to assist other persons in accordance with the requirements of this title, except where there are no net proceeds or where the net proceeds are insufficient to repay the full amount of the assistance; and;

(E)

by striking Housing that is for homeownership and inserting the following:

(1) Qualification
Housing that is for homeownership; and

(F)

by adding at the end the following:

(2) Purchase by community land trust
Notwithstanding subparagraph (C)(i) of paragraph (1) and under terms determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may permit a participating jurisdiction to allow a community land trust that used assistance provided under this subtitle for the development of housing that meets the criteria under paragraph (1), to acquire the housing—
(A)
in accordance with the terms of the preemptive purchase option, lease, covenant on the land, or other similar legal instrument of the community land trust when the terms and rights in the preemptive purchase option, lease, covenant, or legal instrument are and remain subject to the requirements of this title;
(B)
when the purchase is for—
(i)
the purpose of—
(I)
entering into the chain of title;
(II)
enabling a purchase by a person who meets the qualifications specified under paragraph (1)(B) and is on a waitlist maintained by the community land trust, subject to enforcement by the participating jurisdiction of all applicable requirements of this subtitle, as determined by the Secretary;
(III)
performing necessary rehabilitation and improvements; or
(IV)
adding a subsidy to preserve affordability, which may be from Federal or non-Federal sources; or
(ii)
another purpose determined appropriate by the Secretary; and
(C)
if, within a reasonable period of time after the applicable purpose under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph is fulfilled, as determined by the Secretary, the housing is then sold to a person who meets the qualifications specified under paragraph (1)(B).
(3) Suspension or waiver of requirements for military members
A participating jurisdiction, in accordance with terms established by the Secretary, may suspend or waive a requirement under paragraph (1)(B) with respect to housing that otherwise meets the criteria under paragraph (1) if the owner of the housing—
(A)
is a member of a regular component of the armed forces or a member of the National Guard on full-time National Guard duty, active Guard and Reserve duty, or inactive-duty training (as those terms are defined in section 101(d) of title 10, United States Code); and
(B)
has received—
(i)
temporary duty orders to deploy with a military unit or military orders to deploy as an individual acting in support of a military operation, to a location that is not within a reasonable distance from the housing, as determined by the Secretary, for a period of not less than 90 days; or
(ii)
orders for a permanent change of station.
(4) Suspension or waiver of requirements for heir or beneficiary of deceased owner
Notwithstanding subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1), housing that meets the criteria under that paragraph prior to the death of an owner may continue to qualify as affordable housing if—
(A)
the housing is the principal residence of an heir or beneficiary of the deceased owner, as defined by the Secretary; and
(B)
the heir or beneficiary, in accordance with terms established by the Secretary, assumes the duties and obligations of the deceased owner with respect to funds provided under this title.

(g) Home property inspections

Section 226(b) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12756(b)) is amended—

(1)

by striking Each participating jurisdiction and inserting the following:

(1) In general
Each participating jurisdiction; and

(2)

by striking Such review shall include and all that follows and inserting the following:

(2) On-site inspections
(A) Inspections by units of general local government
A review conducted under paragraph (1) by a participating jurisdiction that is a unit of general local government shall include an on-site inspection to determine compliance with housing codes and other applicable regulations.
(B) Inspections by States
A review conducted under paragraph (1) by a participating jurisdiction that is a State shall include an on-site inspection to determine compliance with a national standard as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Inclusion in performance report and publication
A participating jurisdiction shall include in the performance report of the participating jurisdiction submitted to the Secretary under section 108(a), and make available to the public, the results of each review conducted under paragraph (1).

(h) Revisions to strengthen enforcement and penalties for noncompliance

Section 223 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12753) is amended—

(1)

in the heading, by striking Penalties for misuse of funds and inserting Program enforcement and penalties for noncompliance;

(2)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting after any provision of this subtitle the following: , including any provision applicable throughout the period required by section 215(a)(1)(E) and applicable regulations,;

(3)

in paragraph (2), by striking or at the end;

(4)

in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or; and

(5)

by adding at the end the following:

(4)
reduce payments to the participating jurisdiction under this subtitle by an amount equal to the amount of such payments which were not expended in accordance with this title.

(i) Tenant and participant protections for small-scale affordable housing

Section 225 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12755) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(e) Tenant selection for small-scale housing
Paragraphs (2) through (4) of subsection (d) shall not apply to the owner of small-scale housing (as defined in section 215(a)(7)).

(j) Modification of rules related to community housing development organizations

(1) Definitions of community housing development organization and community land trust

(A) In general

Section 104 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12704) is amended—

(i)

in paragraph (6)(B)—

(I)

by striking significant; and

(II)

by striking and otherwise and inserting or as otherwise determined acceptable by the Secretary; and

(ii)

by adding at the end the following:

(26)
The term community land trust means a nonprofit entity or a State or local government or instrumentality thereof that—
(A)
is not managed by, or an affiliate of, a for-profit organization;
(B)
has as a primary purpose acquiring, developing, or holding land to provide housing that is permanently affordable to low- and moderate-income persons, and monitors properties to ensure affordability is preserved;
(C)
provides housing described in subparagraph (B) using a ground lease, deed covenant, or other similar legally enforceable measure, as determined by the Secretary, that—
(i)
keeps the housing affordable to low- and moderate-income persons for not less than 30 years; and
(ii)
enables low- and moderate-income persons to rent or purchase the housing for homeownership; and
(D)
maintains preemptive purchase options to purchase the property so the housing remains affordable to low-and moderate-income persons.

(B) Elimination of existing definition of community land trust

Section 233 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12773) is amended by striking subsection (f).

(2) Set-aside for community housing development organizations

Section 231 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12771) is amended—

(A)

in subsection (a), by striking to be developed, sponsored, or owned by community housing development organizations and inserting when a community housing development organization materially participates in the ownership or development of such housing, as determined by the Secretary;

(B)

by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

(b) Recapture and reuse
If any funds reserved under subsection (a) remain uninvested for a period of 24 months, then the Secretary shall make such funds available to the participating jurisdiction for any eligible activities under this title without regard to whether a community housing development organization materially participates in the use of the funds.; and

(C)

by striking subsection (c).

(k) Technical corrections

The Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12701 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

in section 104 (42 U.S.C. 12704)—

(A)

by redesignating paragraph (23) (relating to the definition of the term to demonstrate to the Secretary) as paragraph (22); and

(B)

by redesignating paragraph (24) (relating to the definition of the term insular area, as added by section 2(2) of Public Law 102–230) as paragraph (23);

(2)

in section 105(b) (42 U.S.C. 12705(b))—

(A)

in paragraph (7), by striking Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and inserting McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; and

(B)

in paragraph (8), by striking subparagraphs and inserting paragraphs;

(3)

in section 106 (42 U.S.C. 12706), by striking Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and inserting McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act;

(4)

in section 108(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 12708(a)(1)), by striking section 105(b)(15) and inserting section 105(b)(18);

(5)

in section 212 (42 U.S.C. 12742)—

(A)

in subsection (a)—

(i)

in paragraph (3)(A)(ii), by inserting United States before Housing Act; and

(ii)

by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4);

(B)

in subsection (d)(5), by inserting United States before Housing Act; and

(C)

in subsection (e)(1)—

(i)

by striking section 221(d)(3)(ii) and inserting section 221(d)(4); and

(ii)

by striking not to exceed 140 percent and inserting as determined by the Secretary;

(6)

in section 215(a)(6)(B) (42 U.S.C. 20 12745(a)(6)(B)), by striking grand children and inserting grandchildren;

(7)

in section 217 (42 U.S.C. 12747)—

(A)

in subsection (a)—

(i)

in paragraph (1), by striking (3) and inserting (2);

(ii)

by striking paragraph (3), as added by section 211(a)(2)(D) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–550; 106 Stat. 3756); and

(iii)

by redesignating the remaining paragraph (3), as added by the matter under the heading Home investment partnerships program under the heading Housing programs in title II of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Public Law 102–389; 106 Stat. 1581), as paragraph (2); and

(B)

in subsection (b)—

(i)

in paragraph (1)—

(I)

in the first sentence of subparagraph (A)—

(aa)

by striking in regulation and inserting , by regulation,; and

(bb)

by striking eligible jurisdiction and inserting eligible jurisdictions; and

(II)

in subparagraph (F)—

(aa)

in the first sentence—

(AA)

in clause (i), by striking Subcommittee on Housing and Urban Affairs and inserting Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development; and

(BB)

in clause (ii), by striking Subcommittee on Housing and Community Development of the Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs and inserting Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance of the Committee on Financial Services; and

(bb)

in the second sentence, by striking the Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs of the House of Representatives and inserting the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives;

(ii)

in paragraph (2)(B), by striking $500,000 each place that term appears and inserting $750,000;

(iii)

in paragraph (3)—

(I)

by striking $500,000 each place that term appears and inserting $750,000; and

(II)

by striking , except as provided in paragraph (4); and

(iv)

by striking paragraph (4);

(8)

in section 220(c) (42 U.S.C. 12750(c))—

(A)

in paragraph (3), by striking Secretary and all that follows and inserting Secretary;;

(B)

in paragraph (4), by striking under this title and all that follows and inserting under this title;; and

(C)

by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively;

(9)

in section 225(d)(4)(B) (42 U.S.C. 12755(d)(4)(B)), by striking for the first place that term appears; and

(10)

in section 283 (42 U.S.C. 12833)—

(A)

in subsection (a), by striking Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs and inserting Financial Services; and

(B)

in subsection (b), by striking General Accounting Office each place that term appears and inserting Government Accountability Office.

Sec. 503. Rural Housing Service Reform Act

(a) Application of multifamily mortgage foreclosure procedures to multifamily mortgages held by the Secretary of Agriculture and preservation of the rental assistance contract upon foreclosure

(1) Multifamily mortgage procedures

Section 363(2) of the Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1981 (12 U.S.C. 3702(2)) is amended—

(A)

in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end;

(B)

in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(F)
section 514, 515, or 538 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1484, 1485, 1490p).

(2) Preservation of contract

Section 521(d) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490a(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(3)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law in managing and disposing of any multifamily property that is owned or has a mortgage held by the Secretary, and during the process of foreclosure on any property with a contract for rental assistance under this section—
(A)
the Secretary shall maintain any rental assistance payments that are attached to any dwelling units in the property; and
(B)
the rental assistance contract may be used to provide further assistance to existing projects under 514, 515, or 516.

(b) Study on rural housing loans for housing for low- and moderate-income families

Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct a study and submit to Congress a publicly available report on the loan program under section 521 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490a), including—

(1)

the total amount provided by the Secretary in subsidies under such section 521 to borrowers with loans made pursuant to section 502 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1472);

(2)

how much of the subsidies described in paragraph (1) are being recaptured; and

(3)

the amount of time and costs associated with recapturing those subsidies.

(c) Authorization of appropriations for staffing and IT upgrades

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 such sums as may be necessary for increased staffing needs and information technology upgrades to support all Rural Housing Service programs.

(d) Funding for technical improvements

(1) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026 for improvements to the technology of the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture used to process and manage housing loans.

(2) Availability

Amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall remain available until the date that is 5 years after the date of the appropriation.

(3) Timeline

The Secretary of Agriculture shall make the improvements described in paragraph (1) during the 5-year period beginning on the date on which amounts are appropriated under paragraph (1).

(e) Permanent establishment of housing preservation and revitalization program

Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

545. Housing preservation and revitalization program
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall carry out a program under this section for the preservation and revitalization of multifamily rental housing projects financed under section 514, 515, or 516.
(b) Notice of maturing loans
(1) To owners
On an annual basis, the Secretary shall provide written notice to each owner of a property financed under section 514, 515, or 516 that will mature within the 4-year period beginning upon the provision of the notice, setting forth the options and financial incentives that are available to facilitate the extension of the loan term or the option to decouple a rental assistance contract pursuant to subsection (f).
(2) To tenants
(A) In general
On an annual basis, for each property financed under section 514, 515, or 516, not later than the date that is 2 years before the date that the loan will mature, the Secretary shall provide written notice to each household residing in the property that informs them of—
(i)
the date of the loan maturity;
(ii)
the possible actions that may happen with respect to the property upon that maturity; and
(iii)
how to protect their right to reside in federally assisted housing, or how to secure housing voucher, after that maturity.
(B) Language
Notice under this paragraph shall be provided in plain English and shall be translated to other languages in the case of any property located in an area in which a significant number of residents speak such other languages.
(c) Loan restructuring
Under the program under this section, in any circumstance in which the Secretary proposes a restructuring to an owner or an owner proposes a restructuring to the Secretary, the Secretary may restructure such existing housing loans, as the Secretary considers appropriate, for the purpose of ensuring that those projects have sufficient resources to preserve the projects to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income residents and farm laborers, by—
(1)
reducing or eliminating interest;
(2)
deferring loan payments;
(3)
subordinating, reducing, or reamortizing loan debt;
(4)
providing other financial assistance, including advances, payments, and incentives (including the ability of owners to obtain reasonable returns on investment) required by the Secretary; and
(5)
permanently removing a portion of the housing units from income restrictions when sustained vacancies have occurred.
(d) Renewal of rental assistance
(1) In general
When the Secretary proposes to restructure a loan or agrees to the proposal of an owner to restructure a loan pursuant to subsection (c), the Secretary shall offer to renew the rental assistance contract under section 521(a)(2) for a term that is the shorter of 20 years and the term of the restructured loan, subject to annual appropriations, provided that the owner agrees to bring the property up to such standards that will ensure maintenance of the property as decent, safe, and sanitary housing for the full term of the rental assistance contract.
(2) Additional rental assistance
With respect to a project described in paragraph (1), if rental assistance is not available for all households in the project for which the loan is being restructured pursuant to subsection (c), the Secretary may extend such additional rental assistance to unassisted households at that project as is necessary to make the project safe and affordable to low-income households.
(e) Restrictive use agreements
(1) Requirement
As part of the preservation and revitalization agreement for a project, the Secretary shall obtain a restrictive use agreement that is recorded and obligates the owner to operate the project in accordance with this title.
(2) Term
(A) No extension of rental assistance contract
Except when the Secretary enters into a 20-year extension of the rental assistance contract for a project, the term of the restrictive use agreement for the project shall be consistent with the term of the restructured loan for the project.
(B) Extension of rental assistance contract
If the Secretary enters into a 20-year extension of the rental assistance contract for a project, the term of the restrictive use agreement for the project shall be for the longer of—
(i)
20 years; or
(ii)
the remaining term of the loan for that project.
(C) Termination
The Secretary may terminate the 20-year use restrictive use agreement for a project before the end of the term of the agreement if the 20-year rental assistance contract for the project with the owner is terminated at any time for reasons outside the control of the owner.
(f) Decoupling of rental assistance
(1) Renewal of rental assistance contract
If the Secretary determines that a loan maturing during the 4-year period beginning upon the provision of the notice required under subsection (b)(1) for a project cannot reasonably be restructured in accordance with subsection (c) because it is not financially feasible or the owner does not agree with the proposed restructuring, and the project was operating with rental assistance under section 521 and the recipient is a borrower under section 514 or 515, the Secretary may renew the rental assistance contract, notwithstanding any requirement under section 521 that the recipient be a current borrower under section 514 or 515, for a term of 20 years, subject to annual appropriations.
(2) Additional rental assistance
With respect to a project described in paragraph (1), if rental assistance is not available for all households in the project for which the loan is being restructured pursuant to subsection (c), the Secretary may extend such additional rental assistance to unassisted households at that project as is necessary to make the project safe and affordable to low-income households.
(3) Rents
(A) In general
Any agreement to extend the term of the rental assistance contract under section 521 for a project shall obligate the owner to continue to maintain the project as decent, safe, and sanitary housing and to operate the development as affordable housing in a manner that meets the goals of this title.
(B) Rent amounts
Subject to subparagraph (C), in setting rents, the Secretary—
(i)
shall determine the maximum initial rent based on current fair market rents established under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f); and
(ii)
may annually adjust the rent determined under clause (i) by the operating cost adjustment factor as provided under section 524 of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note).
(C) Higher rent
(i) In general
Subparagraph (B) shall not apply if the Secretary determines that the budget-based needs of a project require a higher rent than the rent described in subparagraph (B).
(ii) Rent
If the Secretary makes a positive determination under clause (i), the Secretary may approve a budget-based rent level for the project.
(4) Conditions for approval
Before the approval of a rental assistance contract authorized under this section, the Secretary shall require, through an annual notice in the Federal Register, the owner to submit to the Secretary a plan that identifies financing sources and a timetable for renovations and improvements determined to be necessary by the Secretary to maintain and preserve the project.
(g) Multifamily housing transfer technical assistance
Under the program under this section, the Secretary may provide grants to qualified nonprofit organizations and public housing agencies to provide technical assistance, including financial and legal services, to borrowers under loans under this title for multifamily housing to facilitate the acquisition or preservation of such multifamily housing properties in areas where the Secretary determines there is a risk of loss of affordable housing.
(h) Administrative expenses
Of any amounts made available for the program under this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary may use not more than $1,000,000 for administrative expenses for carrying out such program.
(i) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated for the program under this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
(j) Rulemaking
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025, the Secretary shall—
(A)
publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking; and
(B)
consult with appropriate stakeholders.
(2) Interim final rule
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025, the Secretary shall publish an interim final rule to carry out this section.

(f) Rental assistance contract authority

Section 521(d) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490a(d)), as amended by this section, is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1)—

(A)

by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively;

(B)

by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:

(B)
upon request of an owner of a project financed under section 514 or 515, the Secretary is authorized to enter into renewal of such agreements for a period of 20 years or the term of the loan, whichever is shorter, subject to amounts made available in appropriations Acts;;

(C)

in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting subparagraphs (A) and (B); and

(D)

in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C);

(2)

in paragraph (2), by striking shall and inserting may; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(4)
In the case of any rental assistance contract authority that becomes available because of the termination of assistance on behalf of an assisted family—
(A)
at the option of the owner of the rental project, the Secretary shall provide the owner a period of not more than 6 months before unused assistance is made available pursuant to subparagraph (B) during which the owner may use such assistance authority to provide assistance on behalf of an eligible unassisted family that—
(i)
is residing in the same rental project in which the assisted family resided before the termination; or
(ii)
newly occupies a dwelling unit in the rental project during that 6-month period; and
(B)
except for assistance used as provided in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall use such remaining authority to provide assistance on behalf of eligible families residing in other rental projects originally financed under section 514, 515, or 516.

(g) Modifications to loans and grants for minor improvements to farm housing and buildings; income eligibility

Section 504(a) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1474(a)) is amended—

(1)

in the first sentence, by inserting and may make a loan to an eligible low-income applicant after applicant;

(2)

by inserting Not less than 60 percent of loan funds made available under this section shall be reserved and made available for very low-income applicants. after the first sentence; and

(3)

by striking $7,500 and inserting $15,000.

(h) Rural community development initiative

Subtitle E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

381O. Rural community development initiative
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means—
(A)
a private, nonprofit community-based housing or community development organization;
(B)
a rural community; or
(C)
a federally recognized Indian tribe.
(2) Eligible intermediary
The term eligible intermediary means a qualified—
(A)
private, nonprofit organization; or
(B)
public organization.
(b) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a Rural Community Development Initiative, under which the Secretary shall provide grants to eligible intermediaries to carry out programs to provide financial and technical assistance to eligible entities to develop the capacity and ability of eligible entities to carry out projects to improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.
(c) Amount of grants
The amount of a grant provided to an eligible intermediary under this section shall be not more than $250,000.
(d) Matching funds
(1) In general
An eligible intermediary receiving a grant under this section shall provide matching funds from other sources, including Federal funds for related activities, in an amount not less than the amount of the grant.
(2) Waiver
The Secretary may waive paragraph (1) with respect to a project that would be carried out in a persistently poor rural region, as determined by the Secretary.

(i) Annual report on rural housing programs

Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.), as amended by this section, is amended by adding at the end the following:

546. Annual report
(a) In general
The Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and publish on the website of the Department of Agriculture an annual report on rural housing programs carried out under this title, which shall include significant details on the health of Rural Housing Service programs, including—
(1)
raw data sortable by programs and by region regarding loan performance;
(2)
the housing stock of those programs, including information on why properties end participation in those programs, such as for maturation, prepayment, foreclosure, or other servicing issues; and
(3)
risk ratings for properties assisted under those programs.
(b) Protection of information
The data included in each report required under subsection (a) may be aggregated or anonymized to protect participant financial or personal information.

(j) GAO report on Rural Housing Service technology

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that includes—

(1)

an analysis of how the outdated technology used by the Rural Housing Service impacts participants in the programs of the Rural Housing Service;

(2)

an estimate of the amount of funding that is needed to modernize the technology used by the Rural Housing Service; and

(3)

an estimate of the number and type of new employees the Rural Housing Service needs to modernize the technology used by the Rural Housing Service.

(k) Adjustment to rural development voucher amount

(1) In general

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue regulations to establish a process for adjusting the voucher amount provided under section 542 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490r) after the issuance of the voucher following an interim or annual review of the amount of the voucher.

(2) Interim review

The interim review described in paragraph (1) shall, at the request of a tenant, allow for a recalculation of the voucher amount when the tenant experiences a reduction in income, change in family composition, or change in rental rate.

(3) Annual review

(A) In general

The annual review described in paragraph (1) shall require tenants to annually recertify the family composition of the household and that the family income of the household does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income at a time determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.

(B) Considerations

If a tenant does not recertify the family composition and family income of the household within the time frame required under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Agriculture—

(i)

shall consider whether extenuating circumstances caused the delay in recertification; and

(ii)

may alter associated consequences for the failure to recertify based on those circumstances.

(C) Effective date

Following the annual review of a voucher under paragraph (1), the updated voucher amount shall be effective on the 1st day of the month following the expiration of the voucher.

(4) Deadline

The process established under paragraph (1) shall require the Secretary of Agriculture to review and update the voucher amount described in paragraph (1) for a tenant not later than 60 days before the end of the voucher term.

(l) Eligibility for rural housing vouchers

Section 542 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490r) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(c) Eligibility of households in sections 514, 515, and 516 projects
The Secretary may provide rural housing vouchers under this section for any low-income household (including those not receiving rental assistance) residing for a term longer than the remaining term of their lease that is in effect on the date of prepayment, foreclosure, or mortgage maturity, in a property financed with a loan under section 514 or 515 or a grant under section 516 that has—
(1)
been prepaid with or without restrictions imposed by the Secretary pursuant to section 502(c)(5)(G)(ii)(I);
(2)
been foreclosed; or
(3)
matured after September 30, 2005.

(m) Amount of voucher assistance

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of any rural housing voucher provided pursuant to section 542 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490r), the amount of the monthly assistance payment for the household on whose behalf the assistance is provided shall be determined as provided in subsection (a) of such section 542, including providing for interim and annual review of the voucher amount in the event of a change in household composition or income or rental rate.

(n) Transfer of multifamily rural housing projects

Section 515 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1485) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following:

(3) Transfer to nonprofit organizations
A nonprofit or public body purchaser, including a limited partnership with a general partner with the principal purpose of providing affordable housing, may purchase a property for which a loan is made or insured under this section that has received a market value appraisal, without addressing rehabilitation needs at the time of purchase, if the purchaser—
(A)
makes a commitment to address rehabilitation needs during ownership and long-term use restrictions on the property; and
(B)
at the time of purchase, accepts long-term use restrictions on the property.; and

(2)

in subsection (w)(1), in the first sentence in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 9 percent and inserting 25 percent.

(o) Extension of loan term

(1) In general

Section 502(a)(2) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472(a)(2)) is amended—

(A)

by inserting (A) before The Secretary;

(B)

in subparagraph (A), as so designated, by striking paragraph and inserting subparagraph; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(B)
The Secretary may refinance or modify the period of any loan, including any refinanced loan, made under this section in accordance with terms and conditions as the Secretary shall prescribe, but in no event shall the total term of the loan from the date of the refinance or modification exceed 40 years.

(2) Application

The amendment made under paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to loans made under section 502 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472) before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act.

(p) Release of liability for section 502 guaranteed borrower upon assumption of original loan by new borrower

Section 502(h)(10) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472(h)(10)) is amended to read as follows:

(10) Transfer and assumption
Upon the transfer of property for which a guaranteed loan under this subsection was made and the assumption of the guaranteed loan by an approved eligible borrower, the original borrower of a guaranteed loan under this subsection shall be relieved of liability with respect to the loan.

(q) Department of Agriculture loan restrictions

(1) Definitions

In this subsection, the terms State and Tribal organization have the meanings given those terms in section 658P of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858n).

(2) Revision

The Secretary of Agriculture shall revise section 3555.102(c) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, to exclude from the restriction under that section—

(A)

a home-based business that is a licensed, registered, or regulated child care provider under State law or by a Tribal organization; and

(B)

an applicant that has applied to become a licensed, registered or regulated child care provider under State law or by a Tribal organization.

(r) Loan guarantees

Section 502(h)(4) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472(h)(4)) is amended—

(1)

by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively;

(2)

by striking Loans may be guaranteed and inserting the following:

(A) Definition
In this paragraph, the term accessory dwelling unit means a single, habitable living unit—
(i)
with means of separate ingress and egress;
(ii)
that is usually subordinate in size;
(iii)
that can be added to, created within, or detached from a primary 1-unit, single-family dwelling; and
(iv)
in combination with a primary 1-unit, single family dwelling, constitutes a single interest in real estate.
(B) Single family requirement
Loans may be guaranteed; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(C) Rule of construction
Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit the leasing of an accessory dwelling unit or the use of rental income derived from such a lease to qualify for a loan guaranteed under this subsection—
(i)
after the date of enactment of the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025; and
(ii)
if the property that is the subject of the loan was constructed before the date of enactment of the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025.

(s) Application review

(1) Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress, not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of Agriculture receives an application for a loan, grant, or combined loan and grant under section 502 or 504 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472, 1474), the Secretary of Agriculture should—

(A)

review the application;

(B)

complete the underwriting;

(C)

make a determination of eligibility with respect to the application; and

(D)

notify the applicant of determination.

(2) Report

(A) In general

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the date described in subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report—

(i)

detailing the timeliness of eligibility determinations and final determinations with respect to applications under sections 502 and 504 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472, 1474), including justifications for any eligibility determinations taking longer than 90 days; and

(ii)

that includes recommendations to shorten the timeline for notifications of eligibility determinations described in clause (i) to not more than 90 days.

(B) Date described

The date described in this subparagraph is the date on which, during the preceding 5-year period, the Secretary of Agriculture provides each eligibility determination described in subparagraph (A) during the 90-day period beginning on the date on which each application is received.

Sec. 504. New Moving to Work cohort

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Moving to work demonstration

The term Moving to Work demonstration means the Moving to Work demonstration authorized under section 204 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note).

(2) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(b) Authorization of additional public housing agencies

(1) In general

After the completion of the initial report required under subsection (h)(2), the Secretary may add up to an additional 25 public housing agencies that are designated as high performing agencies under the Public Housing Assessment System or the Section 8 Management Assessment Program to participate in a new cohort as part of the Moving to Work demonstration.

(2) Name

The new cohort authorized under paragraph (1) shall be entitled the Economic Opportunity and Pathways to Independence Cohort.

(c) Waiver authority

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), the authority of the Secretary to grant waivers to agencies admitted to the Moving to Work demonstration under this section or to designate policy changes as part of a cohort design under this section shall be limited to the waivers codified as of January 2025 in Appendix I of the document of the Department of Housing and Urban Development entitled Operations Notice for the Expansion of the Moving to Work Demonstration Program (FR–5994–N–05) published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2020, as amended by the notice entitled Operations Notice for Expansion of the Moving to Work Demonstration Program Technical Revisions (FR–5994–N–06) published in the Federal Register on March 20, 2025.

(2) Exceptions

Under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not grant waivers 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1k, 1l, 1o, 1p, 1q, 6, 7, 9a, 9h, or 12 in the document described in paragraph (1), including modifications of or safe harbor requirement waivers for such waivers.

(3) Policy options

In carrying out the Moving to Work demonstration cohort established under this section, the Secretary may consider policy options to provide opt-out savings or escrow accounts and report positive rental payments to consumer reporting agencies (as defined in section 603 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a)) with resident consent.

(d) Funding and use of funds

(1) In general

Public housing agencies in the cohort authorized under this section may expend not more than 5 percent of the amounts those public housing agencies receive in any fiscal year for housing assistance payments under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)) for purposes other than such housing assistance payments.

(2) Other uses

Such other uses of amounts described in paragraph (1) shall comply with all other applicable requirements.

(3) Formula

(A) Renewal

The amount of funding public housing agencies receive for renewal of housing assistance payments under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)) shall be determined according to the same funding formula applicable to public housing agencies that do not participate in the Moving to Work demonstration, except that the Secretary shall provide public housing agencies funding to renew any funds expended under this subsection, with an adjustment for inflation.

(B) Administrative fees

The amount of funding public housing agencies receive for administrative fees under section 8(q) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(q)), public housing operating subsidies under section 9(e) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g(e)), and public housing capital funding under section 9(d) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g(d)) shall be determined according to the same funding formula applicable to public housing agencies that do not participate in the Moving to Work demonstration.

(e) Selection requirements

The Secretary shall select public housing agencies designated under this section through a competitive process, as determined by the Secretary, with the following parameters:

(1)

No public housing agency shall be granted this designation under this section that administers more than 27,000 aggregate housing vouchers and public housing units.

(2)

Of the public housing agencies selected under this section, not more than 10 shall administer 1,000 or fewer aggregate housing vouchers and public housing units, not more than 6 shall administer between 1,001 and 6,000 aggregate housing vouchers and public housing units, and not more than 4 shall administer between 6,001 and 27,000 aggregate housing vouchers and public housing units.

(3)

Selection of public housing agencies under this section shall be based on ensuring the geographic diversity of Moving to Work demonstration public housing agencies.

(4)

Within the requirements under paragraphs (1) through (3), the Secretary shall prioritize selecting public housing agencies that serve families with children and youth aging out of foster care at a rate above the national average.

(f) Requirements for selected public housing agencies

Consistent with section 204(c)(3) of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note), public housing agencies selected for the Moving to Work demonstration under this section shall—

(1)

ensure that not less than 75 percent of the families assisted are very low-income families, as defined in section 3(b)(2)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)(B));

(2)

establish a reasonable rent policy, which shall be designed to encourage employment and self-sufficiency by participating families, consistent with the purpose of the Moving to Work demonstration, such as by excluding some or all of a family’s earned income for purposes of determining rent;

(3)

continue to assist substantially the same total number of eligible low-income families as would have been served had the amounts not been combined;

(4)

maintain a comparable mix of families (by family size) as would have been provided had the amounts not been used under the Moving to Work demonstration; and

(5)

assure that housing assisted under the Moving to Work demonstration meets housing quality standards established or approved by the Secretary.

(g) Noncompliance

(1) In general

If the Secretary finds that a public housing agency participating in the cohort authorized under this section is not in compliance with the requirements under this section, the Secretary shall make a determination of noncompliance.

(2) Compliance

Upon making a determination under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall develop a process to bring the public housing agency into compliance.

(3) Removal

If a public housing agency cannot be brought into compliance under the process developed under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall remove the participating public housing agency from the cohort and replace it with a similarly qualified public housing agency currently not in the cohort chosen in the manner described in subsection (e).

(4) Notification

Upon removing a public housing agency under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall immediately submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives—

(A)

a notification of the removal; and

(B)

a report on the active steps the Secretary is taking to replace the public housing agency with a new public housing agency.

(h) Comprehensive Moving to Work reporting and oversight requirements

(1) Cohort research

(A) In general

The Secretary shall continue ongoing research investigations commenced as part of the assessment of the cohorts established under section 239 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2016 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note; Public Law 114–113), make public all products completed as part of those investigations, and keep such products online for at least 5 years.

(B) Coordination

The Secretary shall coordinate with the advisory committee established under section 239 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2016 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note; Public Law 114–113) to establish a research program to evaluate the outcomes and efficacy of the following for all Moving to Work demonstration agencies designated under the authority under such section and this section:

(i)

The waivers granted to each cohort and whether those waivers accomplish the goals of achieving greater cost effectiveness and administrative capacity, incentivizing families to become economically self-sufficient, and increasing housing choice.

(ii)

The additional flexibilities granted to individual public housing agencies under each cohort.

(iii)

How the flexibilities described in clause (ii) were used for local, non-traditional activities.

(2) Comprehensive reporting requirement

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains the following for each Moving to Work demonstration cohort under section 204 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note), section 239 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2016 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note; Public Law 114–113), and this section:

(A)

The annual administrative plans of each Moving to Work demonstration public housing agency.

(B)

Assessments of longitudinal data, including data on units, households, and outcomes, which shall be evaluated to compare changes in the following trends before and after Moving to Work demonstration designation:

(i)

Impacts on tenants based on the following, disaggregated by the public housing program and the housing choice voucher program:

(I)

Eviction rates.

(II)

Hardship policy usage.

(III)

Share of rent covered by a household.

(IV)

Turnover, including the number of household moves with or without continued assistance.

(V)

Reasons for exit from the program.

(VI)

The number and characteristics of households served, including households with a non-elderly family member with a disability, 3 or more minors, homelessness status at the time of admission, and average and median income as a percent of area median income.

(ii)

Impacts on public housing agency operations based on the following:

(I)

The number of units, broken down by type.

(II)

The size, including the number of bedrooms per unit, accessibility, affordability, and quality of units.

(III)

The length of each waitlist maintained and average wait times.

(IV)

Changes in capital backlog needs and surplus fund and reserve levels.

(V)

The number of public housing units undergoing a conversion under the rental assistance demonstration program authorized under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112–55; 125 Stat. 673) or demolition or disposition projects under section 18 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437p), including the number of units lost and the location of any replacement housing resulting from demolition or disposition.

(VI)

The share of project-based vouchers compared to tenant-based vouchers.

(VII)

The following annual housing choice voucher data:

(aa)

Voucher unit utilization rates.

(bb)

Voucher budget utilization rates.

(cc)

Annualized voucher success rate.

(dd)

Demographic composition of households issued vouchers compared to utilized vouchers.

(ee)

Average time to lease-up.

(ff)

Average cost per voucher.

(gg)

Average cost per landlord incentive.

(hh)

Ratio of the proportion of voucher households living in concentrated low-income areas to the proportion of renter-occupied units in concentrated low-income areas.

(ii)

Characteristics of census tracts where voucher recipients reside.

(VIII)

How the public housing agency met each of the statutory requirements in section 204(c)(3) of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note).

(iii)

Impacts on public housing staffing and capacity, including the average public housing agency operating, administrative, and housing assistance payment expenditures per household per month.

(C)

Legislative recommendations for flexibilities that could be expanded to all public housing agencies and how each flexibility enhances housing choice, affordability, and administrative capacity and efficiency for public housing agencies.

(3) Public availability

(A) In general

The Secretary shall maintain all reports submitted pursuant to this section in a manner that is publicly available, accessible, and searchable on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for not less than 5 years.

(B) Other information

(i) In general

Annually, the Secretary shall make the annual plan of the Moving to Work demonstration, the Section 8 administrative plan, and the admission and continued occupancy policy publicly available in 1 location on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for not less than 5 years.

(ii) Database

The Secretary may establish a searchable database on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to track the types of flexibilities into which Moving to Work demonstration public housing agencies have opted or for which a waiver was approved by the Secretary, disaggregated by year such flexibilities were adopted or approved.

Sec. 505. Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Appropriate congressional committees

The term appropriate congressional committees means—

(A)

the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate; and

(B)

the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives.

(2) At risk of homelessness

The term at risk of homelessness has the meaning given the term in section 401 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360).

(3) Department

The term Department means the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(4) Homeless

The term homeless has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302).

(5) Public housing agency

The term public housing agency has the meaning given the term in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)).

(6) Secretary

The term Secretary, except as otherwise provided, means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(b) Administrative costs for the Emergency Solutions Grants program

Section 418 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11378) is amended by striking 7.5 percent and inserting 10 percent.

(c) Amendments to the Continuum of Care program

(1) In general

Subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381 et seq.) is amended—

(A)

in section 402(g) (42 U.S.C. 11360a(g))—

(i)

by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and

(ii)

by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:

(2) Time limit on designation
The Secretary—
(A)
shall accept applications for designation as a unified funding agency annually or biennially, which designation shall be effective for not more than 2 years; and
(B)
may, on an annual or biennial basis, renew any designation under subparagraph (A).;

(B)

in section 422 (42 U.S.C. 11382)—

(i)

in subsection (b)—

(I)

by striking The Secretary and inserting the following:

(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary; and

(II)

by adding at the end the following:

(2) 2-year notification
Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary may issue a notification of funding availability for grants awarded under this subtitle that provides funding for 2 successive fiscal years, which shall—
(A)
award funds for the second year of projects, including adjustments under subsection (f), unless the project is underperforming, as determined by the collaborative applicant, and the collaborative applicant applies to replace the project with a new project; and
(B)
include—
(i)
the method for applying for and awarding projects to replace underperforming projects in year 2;
(ii)
the method for applying for and awarding renewals of expiring grants for projects that were not eligible for renewal in the first fiscal year;
(iii)
the method for allocating any amounts in the second fiscal year that are in excess of the amount needed to fund the second fiscal year of all grants awarded in the first fiscal year;
(iv)
the method of applying for and awarding grants, which are 1-year transition grants awarded by the Secretary to project sponsors for activities under this subtitle to transition from 1 eligible activity to another eligible activity if the recipient—
(I)
has the consent of the continuum of care; and
(II)
meets standards determined by the Secretary;
(C)
announce by notice the award of second fiscal year funding and awards for new and renewal projects; and
(D)
identify the process by which the Secretary may approve replacement of a collaborative applicant that is not a unified funding agency to receive the award in the second fiscal year.;

(ii)

in subsection (c)(2)—

(I)

by striking (A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary and inserting The Secretary; and

(II)

by striking subparagraph (B); and

(iii)

in subsection (e), by striking 1 year and inserting 2 years;

(C)

in section 423(a) (42 U.S.C. 11383)—

(i)

in paragraph (4), in the third sentence—

(I)

by striking , at the discretion of the applicant and the project sponsor,; and

(II)

by inserting not more than before 15 years;

(ii)

in paragraph (7), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting payment of not more than 6 months of arrears for rent and utility expenses, after moving costs,; and

(iii)

in paragraph (10), by striking 3 percent and inserting the greater of either $70,000 or 5 percent;

(D)

in section 425 (42 U.S.C. 11385), by adding at the end the following:

(f) Adjustment of costs
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, and on a biennial basis thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States—
(1)
shall study the hiring, retention, and compensation levels of the workforce providing the services described in subsection (c), including executive directors, case managers, and frontline staff, and examine whether low compensation is undermining program effectiveness;
(2)
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on any findings, and to the Secretary any recommendations, as the Comptroller General considers appropriate regarding funding levels for the cost of the supportive services and the staffing to provide the services described in subsection (c); and
(3)
in carrying out the study under paragraph (1), may reference the Consumer Price Index or other similar surveys.;

(E)

in section 426 (42 U.S.C. 11386), by adding at the end the following:

(h) Inspections
When complying with inspection requirements for a housing unit provided to a homeless individual or family using assistance under this subtitle, the Secretary may allow a grantee to—
(1)
conduct a pre-inspection not more than 60 days before leasing the unit;
(2)
if the unit is located in a rural or small area, conduct a remote or video inspection of a unit; and
(3)
allow the unit to be leased prior to completion of an inspection if the unit passed an alternative Federal inspection within the preceding 12-month period, so long as the unit is inspected not later than 15 days after the start of the lease.; and

(F)

in section 430 (42 U.S.C. 11386d), by adding at the end the following:

(d) Costs paid by program income
With respect to grant amounts awarded under this subtitle, costs paid by the program income of a grant recipient may count toward the contributions required under subsection (a) if the costs—
(1)
are eligible expenses under this subtitle;
(2)
meet standards determined by the Secretary; and
(3)
supplement activities carried out by the recipient under this subtitle.

(2) Other modifications

(A) Definitions

In this paragraph—

(i)

the terms collaborative applicant and eligible entity have the meanings given those terms in section 401 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360); and

(ii)

the terms Indian tribe and tribally designated housing entity have the meanings given those terms in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).

(B) Nonapplication of civil rights laws

With respect to the funds made available for the Continuum of Care program authorized under subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381 et seq.) under the heading Homeless Assistance Grants in the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260) and under section 231 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2020 (42 U.S.C. 11364a), title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) and title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) shall not apply to applications by or awards for projects to be carried out—

(i)

on or off reservation or trust lands for awards made to Indian tribes or tribally designated housing entities; or

(ii)

on reservation or trust lands for awards made to eligible entities.

(C) Certification

With respect to funds made available for the Continuum of Care program authorized under subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381 et seq.) under the heading Homeless Assistance Grants under section 231 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2020 (42 U.S.C. 11364a)—

(i)

applications for projects to be carried out on reservations or trust land shall contain a certification of consistency with an approved Indian housing plan developed under section 102 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 4112), notwithstanding section 106 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12706) and section 403 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11361);

(ii)

Indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities that are recipients of awards for projects on reservations or trust land shall certify that they are following an approved housing plan developed under section 102 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 4112); and

(iii)

a collaborative applicant for a Continuum of Care whose geographic area includes only reservation and trust land is not required to meet the requirement in section 402(f)(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360a(f)(2)).

(d) Amendments to the Housing Choice Voucher program

Section 8(o)(5) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(C) Exceptions
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)—
(i)
a public housing agency may accept a third party income calculation and verification of family income for purposes of this subsection if—
(I)
the calculation and verification was completed for determination of income eligibility for a Federal program or service during the preceding 12-month period; and
(II)
there has been no change in income or family composition since the calculation and verification under clause (i); and
(ii)
when using prior year income under section 3(a)(7)(B), a public housing agency shall use the income of the family as determined by the agency or owner for the prior calendar year or another 12-month period ending during the preceding 12 months, taking into consideration any redetermination of income between the start of such prior calendar year or other 12-month period and the date of the annual review.;

(e) Improving coordination between health care systems and supportive services

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct and submit to the appropriate congressional committees an evidence-based, nonpartisan analysis that—

(1)

reviews the research on linkages between access to affordable health care and homelessness and analyzes the effect of greater coordination and partnerships between health care organizations, mental health and substance use disorder and substance use disorder service providers, and housing service providers, including possible cost-savings from providing greater access to health services, recovery housing, or housing-related supportive services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and other types of homelessness; and

(2)

includes policy and program recommendations for improving access to health care and housing, health care and housing outcomes, possible cost-savings and efficiencies, and best practices.

(f) Demonstration authority

(1) In general

Subtitle A of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

409. Demonstration authority
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees
The term appropriate congressional committees means—
(A)
the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate; and
(B)
the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives.
(2) Health care organization
The term health care organization means an entity providing medical or mental and behavioral health care, including—
(A)
a hospital (as defined in section 1861(e) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(e)));
(B)
a Federally-qualified health center (as defined in section 1905(l)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2))) or another community health center eligible to receive a grant under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b); and
(C)
a licensed or certified provider of evidence-based substance use disorder services or mental health services providing such services pursuant to funding under a block grant for substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services or a block grant for community mental health services under subpart II or subpart I, respectively, of part B of title XIX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300x et seq.).
(3) Housing provider
The term housing provider means an entity, including a grant recipient under subtitle B or C of this title, a public housing agency (as defined in section 3 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a)), or a federally funded organization or a nonprofit organization, that administers a program to provide housing services to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including rapid re-housing, transitional housing, housing choice vouchers, and housing-related supportive services.
(b) Authority
The Secretary may establish demonstration projects or partnerships that involve collaboration between housing providers and healthcare organizations to provide housing-related supportive services, including—
(1)
assistance in coordinating data systems in a manner that is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (Public Law 104–191); and
(2)
projects or partnerships that are aimed at serving individuals—
(A)
who are homeless, chronically homeless, or at risk of homelessness; and
(B)
with—
(i)
a high-use of emergency services or emergency departments;
(ii)
chronic disabilities, including physical health or mental health conditions;
(iii)
substance use disorders;
(iv)
serious mental illness; or
(v)
other severe service needs.
(c) Report
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on each demonstration project or partnership established under this section.

(2) Technical and conforming amendment

The table of contents in section 101(b) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11301 note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 408 the following:

Sec. 409. Demonstration authority.

(g) Streamlining coordinated entry

(1) Audit by the Comptroller General

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—

(A)

conduct a multi-community evaluation of the operations of coordinated assessment systems by the Continuum of Care Program under subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381 et seq.) program to examine the efficiency, accuracy, and outcomes of those operations; and

(B)

submit to the appropriate congressional committees on any findings and to the Secretary on any recommendations, as the Comptroller General considers appropriate, for a more effective and efficient coordinated entry process.

(2) Assessments

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—

(A)

evaluate the coordinated assessment processes under the Continuum of Care Program under subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381 et seq.), which shall include—

(i)

a request for information from continuums of care about coordinated entry tools, processes, barriers, documentation barriers, and necessary guidance;

(ii)

incorporation of findings from relevant reports and demonstrations of the Department, including the report described in paragraph (1); and

(iii)

consultation with organizations with expertise in providing health care to people experiencing homelessness on best practices in assessment tools for prioritizing resources and characterizing chronic homelessness and people experiencing homelessness with high-service needs;

(B)

issue an updated notice, which shall include guidance—

(i)

on effective assessment processes that remove barriers, streamline access, allow for coordination with public housing agencies, include trauma-informed data collection practices, improve accuracy, address needs for underserved groups, and successfully rehouse homeless individuals;

(ii)

that includes all key populations and subpopulations, including consideration for age, family status, health status, or other factors, access points, prioritization, and programs and systems serving individuals experiencing homelessness; and

(iii)

that allows for local flexibility and tailoring based on the needs and resources within the specific community; and

(C)

establish a timely, periodic procedure to request feedback on coordinated assessment and update the guidance, which may include conducting a request for information not less frequently than once every 5 years.

(h) Improving targeted data collection, funding, and coordination

The Secretary shall—

(1)

issue not less than 1 request for information on—

(A)

improving data collection, including through the use of the Homeless Management Information System or other data systems;

(B)

coordination and use of data between housing and homelessness providers and physical, mental, and behavioral health organizations, substance use treatment providers, and the Department of Veterans Affairs for implementation of programs to provide services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including the chronically homeless; and

(C)

the potential benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence models for the purpose of improving program coordination and effectiveness and assessing the effectiveness of interventions to house individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including by sub-populations;

(2)

consider providing incentives to improve data collection, enhance the use of the Homeless Management Information System, implement community information exchanges, and strengthen the coordination of data from physical, mental, and behavioral health organizations with housing and homelessness providers, in order to target resources for housing, outreach, homelessness prevention, and housing-related supportive services for homeless individuals, or chronically homeless individuals; and

(3)

coordinate with the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve coordination between data systems for vouchers provided under section 8(o)(19) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)), the Homeless Management Information System, and any other applicable homeless program supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(i) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary to provide flexibility under housing laws in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act. The flexibilities and waivers authorized under this section and the amendments made by this section shall not replace or result in the termination of other flexibilities and waivers that the Secretary is authorized to exercise.

Sec. 506. Incentivizing local solutions to homelessness

Section 414 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11373) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(f) Funding cap waiver authority
(1) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, a recipient may request a waiver of the spending cap established pursuant to section 415(b) for amounts provided between fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
(2) Waiver request
(A) In general
A recipient seeking a waiver described in paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary a waiver request that includes not more than the following:
(i)
A demonstration of local needs and circumstances that necessitate a waiver.
(ii)
A detailed plan for how the recipient intends to use funds.
(iii)
A justification for how the proposed use of funds supports the most recent Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report of the recipient.
(iv)
Any public input solicited under subparagraph (B)(ii).
(B) Notification
Each recipient shall—
(i)
notify all subrecipients, including local continuums of care, of the availability of waivers under this subsection; and
(ii)
prior to the submission of a waiver request under subparagraph (A)), solicit public input regarding the potential need for and proposed uses of such waiver.
(C) Approval; publication
The Secretary shall—
(i)
make all waiver requests submitted under subparagraph (A) publicly available on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
(ii)
not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a waiver request under subparagraph (A), approve or deny the request; and
(iii)
deny any waiver submitted under subparagraph (A) by a recipient that relocates or threaten to relocates individuals or their property without providing emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or other permanent housing options.
(3) Revocation
(A) In general
A waiver approved under this subsection shall remain in effect for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029 unless the recipient notifies the Secretary in writing that the recipient wishes to revoke the waiver.
(B) Notification
If a recipient revokes a waiver under subparagraph (A), the recipient shall solicit input from subrecipients regarding the revocation and provide a justification for the revocation.
(C) Publication
The Secretary shall publish any revocation of a waiver under subparagraph (A) and the justification of the recipient for the waiver on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Title VI Veterans and Housing

Sec. 601. VA Home Loan Awareness Act

(a) In general

Subpart A of part 2 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4541 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

1329. Uniform residential loan application
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Director shall, by regulation or order, require each enterprise to include a disclaimer below the military service question on the form known as the Uniform Residential Loan Application stating, If yes, you may qualify for a VA Home Loan. Consult your lender regarding eligibility..

(b) GAO study

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on whether not less than 80 percent of lenders using the Uniform Residential Loan Application have included on that form the disclaimer required under section 1329 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, as added by subsection (a).

Sec. 602. Veterans Affairs Loan Informed Disclosure (VALID) Act

(a) FHA informed consumer choice disclosure

(1) Inclusion of information relating to va loans

Subparagraph (A) of section 203(f)(2) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(f)(2)(A)) is amended—

(A)

by inserting (i) after loan-to-value ratio; and

(B)

by inserting before the semicolon the following: , and (ii) in connection with a loan guaranteed or insured under chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, assuming prevailing interest rates.

(2) Rule of construction

Nothing in the amendments made by paragraph (1) shall be construed to require an original lender to determine whether a prospective borrower is eligible for any loan included in the notice required under section 203(f) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(f)).

(b) Military service question

(1) In general

Subpart A of part 2 of subtitle A of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4541 et seq.), as amended by section 601(a) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:

1330. Uniform residential loan application
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Director shall require each enterprise to—
(1)
include a military service question on the form known as the Uniform Residential Loan Application; and
(2)
position the question described in paragraph (1) above the signature line of the Uniform Residential Loan Application.

(2) Rulemaking

Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency shall issue a rule to carry out the amendment made by this section.

Sec. 603. Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act

(a) Exclusion of certain disability benefits

Section 3(b)(4)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(4)(B)) is amended—

(1)

by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively; and

(2)

by inserting after clause (iii) the following:

(iv)
for the purpose of determining income eligibility with respect to the supported housing program under section 8(o)(19), any disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, received by a veteran, except that this exclusion shall not apply to the income in the definition of adjusted income;
(v)
for the purpose of determining income eligibility with respect to any household receiving rental assistance under the supported housing program under section 8(o)(19) as it relates to eligibility for other types of housing assistance, any disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, received by a veteran, except that this exclusion shall not apply to income in the definition of adjusted income;

(b) Treatment of certain disability benefits

(1) In general

When determining the eligibility of a veteran to rent a residential dwelling unit constructed on Department property on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, for which assistance is provided as part of a housing assistance program administered by the Secretary, the Secretary shall exclude from income any disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code by such person.

(2) Definitions

In this subsection:

(A) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(B) Department property

The term Department property has the meaning given the term in section 901 of title 38, United States Code.

Title VII Oversight and Accountability

Sec. 701. Requiring annual testimony and oversight from housing regulators

(a) HUD programs

The Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3531 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

15. Annual testimony
The Secretary shall, on an annual basis, testify before the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives on the status of all programs carried out by the Department, at the request of the relevant committee.

(b) Government guaranteed or insured mortgages

On an annual basis, the following individuals shall testify before the appropriate committees of Congress with respect to mortgage loans made, guaranteed, or insured by the Federal Government:

(1)

The President of the Government National Mortgage Association.

(2)

The Federal Housing Commissioner.

(3)

The Administrator of the Rural Housing Service.

(4)

The Executive Director of the Loan Guaranty Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(5)

The Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

(c) Mortgagee review board

Section 202(c)(8) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(c)(8)) is amended—

(1)

by striking , in consultation with the Federal Housing Administration Advisory Board,; and

(2)

by inserting and to Congress after the Secretary.

Sec. 702. FHA reporting requirements on safety and soundness

(a) Monthly reporting on mutual mortgage insurance fund capital ratio

Section 202(a) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(8) Other required reporting
The Secretary shall—
(A)
submit to Congress monthly reports on the capital ratio required under section 205(f)(2); and
(B)
notify Congress as soon as practicable after the Fund falls below the capital ratio required under section 205(f)(2).

(b) Annual independent actuarial study

Section 202(a)(4) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(a)(4)) is amended—

(1)

by striking The Secretary and inserting the following:

(A) Definition
In this paragraph, the term first-time homebuyer means a borrower for whom no consumer report (as defined in section 603 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a)) indicates that the borrower has or had a loan with a consumer purpose that is secured by a 1- to 4-unit residential real property.
(B) Study and report
The Secretary; and

(2)

in subparagraph (B), as so designated, by striking also and inserting detail how many loans were originated in each census tract to first-time homebuyers, as well as.

(c) Annual report

Section 203(w)(2) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(w)(2)) is amended by inserting and first-time homebuyers (as defined in section 202(a)(4)(A)) after minority borrowers.

(d) GAO study on sustainable homeownership

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on—

(1)

the value for the Federal Housing Administration of defining what is sustainable homeownership in a way that considers borrower default, refinancing of a mortgage that is not insured by the Federal Housing Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or Rural Housing Service, paying off a mortgage loan and transitioning back to renting, and other factors that demonstrate whether insurance provided under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.) has successfully served a borrower, including for first-time homebuyers for whom no consumer report (as defined in section 603 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a)) indicates that the borrower has or had a loan with a consumer purpose that is secured by a 1- to 4-unit residential real property; and

(2)

the feasibility of the Federal Housing Administration developing a scorecard using the metrics described in paragraph (1) to measure borrower performance and reporting the scorecard data to Congress.

Sec. 703. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness oversight

Section 203(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11313(a)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1)—

(A)

by striking Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 and inserting Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act; and

(B)

by striking update such plan annually and inserting the following: "submit to the President and Congress a report every year thereafter that includes—

(A)
the status of completion of the plan; and
(B)
any modifications that were made to the plan and the reasons for those modifications;;

(2)

by redesignating paragraphs (10) through (13) as paragraphs (11) through (14), respectively;

(3)

by redesignating the second paragraph (9) (relating to collecting and disseminating information) as paragraph (10);

(4)

in paragraph (13), as so redesignated, by striking and at the end;

(5)

in paragraph (14), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and

(6)

by adding at the end the following:

(15)
testify annually before Congress.

Sec. 704. NeighborWorks Accountability Act

(a) In general

Section 415(a)(1)(A) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, after the Postal Regulatory Commission,.

(b) Duties and audits

The Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act (42 U.S.C. 8101 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

in section 606 (42 U.S.C. 8105), by adding at the end the following:

(e)
(1)
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Office of Inspector General of the corporation established under section 415 of title 5, United States Code, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
(2)
There shall not be transferred to the Office of Inspector General of the corporation any program operating responsibilities of the corporation, including the organizational assessments work and grantee oversight function of the corporation.

(c) Independent audit

Section 607 of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act (42 U.S.C. 8106) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting following:

(b)
(1)
The accounts of the corporation shall be audited annually by an independent external auditor.
(2)
Notwithstanding any other audit work performed by the Office of Inspector General of the corporation, the audits required under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by independent certified public accountants who are certified by a regulatory authority of the jurisdiction in which the audit is undertaken.

Sec. 705. Appraisal Modernization Act

(a) Reconsideration of value

(1) In general

Section 129E of the Truth In Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1639e) is amended—

(A)

by redesignating subsections (j) and (k) as subsections (k) and (l), respectively; and

(B)

by inserting after subsection (i) the following:

(j) Consumer right to reconsideration of value or subsequent appraisal
(1) Definitions
In this section:
(A) Unacceptable appraisal practice
The term unacceptable appraisal practice means an appraisal report that—
(i)
uses unsupported or subjective terms to assess or rate the property without providing a foundation for analysis and contextual information;
(ii)
uses inaccurate or incomplete data about the subject property, the neighborhood, the market area, or any comparable property;
(iii)
includes references, statements or comparisons about crime rates or crime statistics, whether objective or subjective;
(iv)
relies in the appraisal analysis on comparable properties that were not personally inspected by the appraiser when required by the appraisal’s scope of work;
(v)
relies in the appraisal analysis on inappropriate comparable properties;
(vi)
fails to use comparable properties that are more similar, or nearer, to the subject property without adequate explanation;
(vii)
uses comparable property data provided by any interested party to the transaction without verification by a disinterested party;
(viii)
uses inappropriate adjustments for differences between the subject property and the comparable properties that do not reflect the market’s reaction to such differences; or
(ix)
fails to make proper adjustments, including time adjustments for differences between the subject property and the comparable properties when necessary.
(B) Unsupported
The term unsupported means, with respect to an appraisal report or an appraiser’s opinion of value, that the appraisal report or the opinion of value is not supported by relevant evidence and logic.
(2) Review
In connection with a consumer credit transaction secured by a consumer’s principal dwelling, a creditor shall have a review and resolution procedure for a consumer-initiated reconsideration of value or subsequent appraisal that complies with the following requirements:
(A)
The creditor shall complete its own appraisal review before delivering the appraisal to the consumer.
(B)
The creditor shall have policies and procedures that provide the consumer with a process to submit 1 request for a reconsideration of value and subsequent appraisal prior to the loan closing or within 60 calendar days of denial of a credit application if the consumer believes the appraisal report may be unsupported, may be deficient due to an unacceptable appraisal practice, or may reflect discrimination.
(C)
At the time of application and upon delivery of the appraisal report to the consumer, the creditor shall provide a written disclosure to the consumer describing the process for requesting a reconsideration of value or subsequent appraisal, which written disclosure shall include a standardized format for the consumer to submit the request for a reconsideration of value, including—
(i)
the name of the borrower;
(ii)
the property address;
(iii)
the effective date of the appraisal;
(iv)
the appraiser’s name;
(v)
the date of the request;
(vi)
a description of why the consumer believes the appraisal report may be unsupported, may be deficient due to an unacceptable appraisal practice, or may reflect discrimination;
(vii)
any additional information, data, including not more than 5 alternative comparable properties and the related data sources that the consumer would like the appraiser to consider; and
(viii)
an explanation of why the new information, data, or comparable properties support the reconsideration of value.
(D)
The creditor shall obtain the necessary information from the consumer if the consumer’s request for reconsideration of value or subsequent appraisal is unclear or requires more information.
(E)
The creditor shall have a standardized format to communicate the reconsideration of value to the appraiser, which format shall include—
(i)
the name of the borrower;
(ii)
the property address;
(iii)
the effective date of the appraisal;
(iv)
the appraiser’s name;
(v)
the date of the request;
(vi)
a description of any area of the appraisal report that may be unsupported, may be deficient due to an unacceptable appraisal practice, or may reflect discrimination;
(vii)
any additional information, data, including not more than 5 alternative comparable properties and the related data sources that the consumer would like the appraiser to consider;
(viii)
an explanation of why the new information, data, or comparable properties support the reconsideration of value;
(ix)
a definition of turn-time expectations for the appraiser to communicate the reconsideration of value results back to the creditor;
(x)
instructions for delivering the reconsideration of value response as part of a revised appraisal report that includes commentary on conclusions regardless of the outcome; and
(xi)
a reference for appraisers on how to correct minor appraisal issues or non-material errors not related to the reconsideration of value process.
(3) Subsequent appraisal and referral
(A) In general
If the creditor identifies material deficiencies in the appraisal report that are not corrected or addressed by the appraiser upon request of the creditor, including through a consumer-initiated reconsideration of value, or if there is evidence of unsupported or unacceptable appraisal practices, the creditor shall—
(i)
at the request of the consumer, order a subsequent appraisal at the creditor’s own expense; and
(ii)
forward the appraisal report and the creditor’s summary of findings to the appropriate appraisal licensing agency or regulatory board.
(B) Discrimination
If the creditor has reason to believe that an appraisal report reflects discrimination, the creditor shall—
(i)
order a subsequent appraisal, at the creditor’s own expense;
(ii)
forward the appraisal report and the creditor’s summary of findings to the appropriate local, State, or Federal enforcement agency; and
(iii)
upon a final determination of discrimination by the appropriate local, State, or Federal enforcement agency, receive a reimbursement from the appraiser covering the cost of the subsequent appraisal ordered by the creditor.
(C) Definition
(i) In general
Except as provided in clause (ii), in this paragraph, the term reason to believe means that the creditor has reviewed the applicable law and available evidence and determined that a potential violation of Federal or state antidiscrimination law exists. The available evidence may include the appraisal report, loan files, written communications, credible observations by persons with direct knowledge, statistical analysis, and the appraiser’s response to the request for a reconsideration of value.
(ii) Exception
The term reason to believe does not mean that there is a final legal determination of discrimination.
(4) Document retention
The creditor shall retain all documentation and written communications related to the request for reconsideration of value or subsequent appraisal in the loan file during the 7-year period beginning on the date on which the consumer submitted the credit application.
(5) Rule of construction
This subsection is consistent with the exceptions to the appraiser independence requirements found in subsection (c). Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require a creditor to submit a reconsideration of value to the original appraiser before ordering a subsequent appraisal from a subsequent appraiser.

(2) Rules and interpretative guidelines

Section 129E(g) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1639e(g)) is amended—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by striking paragraph (2), the Board and inserting paragraphs (2) and (3), the Bureau; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following:

(3) Final rule
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Federal Housing Finance Agency shall issue a final rule after notice and comment and issue such guidance as may be necessary to carry out and enforce subsection (j).

(b) Public appraisal database

—

(1) Covered agencies defined

The term covered agencies means—

(A)

the Federal Housing Finance Agency, on behalf of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation;

(B)

the Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Federal Housing Administration;

(C)

the Department of Agriculture; and

(D)

the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(2) Feasibility report

No later than 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall issue a public report to Congress assessing the feasibility of creating a publicly available appraisal database that consists of a searchable and downloadable appraisal-level public use file that consolidates appraisal data held or aggregated by covered agencies, which shall include—

(A)

the costs and benefits associated with establishing and maintaining the public database;

(B)

the benefits and risks associated with either the Federal Housing Finance Agency or the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection being responsible for the public database and whether there is another Federal agency best suited for implementing and administering such database;

(C)

any safety and soundness, antitrust, or consumer privacy-related risks associated with making certain appraisal data factors publicly available, including whether–

(i)

there are any existing legal requirements, including under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) and section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act), or additional actions Federal agencies could take to mitigate such risks, such as modifying or aggregating data, or eliminating personally identifiable information; and

(ii)

there are any data factors that, if made public, may violate conduct, ethics, or other professional standards as they relate to appraisals and appraisal or valuation professionals;

(D)

the feasibility of consolidating or matching appraisal data held by covered agencies with corresponding data that is required and made public under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.);

(E)

whether the publication of any appraisal data factors may pose unfair business advantages within the valuation industry;

(F)

the feasibility of including all valuation data held by covered agencies, including data produced by automated valuation models;

(G)

the feasibility and benefits of making the full appraisal dataset, including any modified fields, available to—

(i)

Federal agencies, including for purposes related to enforcement and supervision responsibilities;

(ii)

relevant State licensing, supervision, and enforcement agencies and State attorneys general;

(iii)

approved researchers, including academics and nonprofit organizations that, in connection with their mission, work to ensure the fairness and consistency of home valuations, including appraisals; and

(iv)

any other entities identified by the Comptroller General as having a compelling use for disaggregated data;

(H)

what appraisal data is already available in the public domain; and

(I)

the feasibility of incorporating legacy data held by covered agencies during the period beginning on January 1, 2017 and ending on the date of enactment of this Act, and whether there are specific data points not easily consolidated or matched, as described in subparagraph (D), with more recent data.

(3) Purpose

The database described in paragraph (2) shall be used to provide the public, the Federal Government, and State governments with residential real estate appraisal data to help determine whether financial institutions, appraisal management companies, appraisers, valuation technologies, such as automated valuation models, and other valuation professionals are serving the housing market in a manner that is efficient and consistent for all mortgage loan applicants, borrowers, and communities.

(4) Consultation

As part of the information used in the report required under paragraph (2), the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct interviews with—

(A)

relevant Federal agencies;

(B)

relevant State licensing, supervision, and enforcement agencies and State attorneys general;

(C)

appraisers and other home valuation industry professionals;

(D)

mortgage lending institutions;

(E)

fair housing and fair lending experts; and

(F)

any other relevant stakeholders as determined by the Comptroller General.

(5) Hearing

Upon the completion of the report under paragraph (2), the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives shall each hold a hearing on the findings of the report and the feasibility of establishing a public appraisal-level appraisal database.

Title VIII Coordination, Studies, and Reporting

Sec. 801. HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act

(a) Memorandum of understanding

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a memorandum of understanding, or other appropriate interagency agreement, to share relevant housing-related research and market data that facilitates evidence-based policymaking.

(b) Interagency report

(1) Report

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Finance of the House of Representatives a report containing—

(A)

a description of opportunities for increased collaboration between the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reduce inefficiencies in housing programs;

(B)

a list of Federal laws and regulations that adversely affect the availability and affordability of new construction of assisted housing and single family and multifamily residential housing subject to mortgages insured under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.), insured, guaranteed, or made by the Secretary of Agriculture under title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.), or insured, guaranteed, or made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code; and

(C)

recommendations for Congress regarding the Federal laws and regulations described in subparagraph (B).

(2) Publication

The report required under paragraph (1) shall, prior to submission under that subsection, be published in the Federal Register and open for comment for a period of 30 days.

Sec. 802. Streamlining Rural Housing Act

(a) In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to—

(1)

evaluate categorical exclusions under the environmental review process for housing projects funded by amounts from the Department of the Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture;

(2)

develop a process to designate a lead agency and streamline adoption of Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments approved by the other Department to construct housing projects funded by both agencies;

(3)

maintain compliance with environmental regulations under part 58 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2025, except as required to amend, add, or remove categorical exclusions identified under sections 58.35 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, through standard rulemaking procedures; and

(4)

evaluate the feasibility of a joint physical inspection process for housing projects funded by amounts from the Department of the Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture.

(b) Advisory working group

(1) In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish an advisory working group for the purpose of consulting on the memorandum of understanding entered into under subsection (a).

(2) Members

The advisory working group established under paragraph (1) shall consist of representatives of—

(A)

affordable housing nonprofit organizations;

(B)

State housing agencies;

(C)

nonprofit and for-profit home builders and housing developers;

(D)

property management companies;

(E)

public housing agencies;

(F)

residents in housing assisted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Department of Agriculture and representatives of those residents; and

(G)

housing contract administrators.

(c) Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that includes recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or administrative actions—

(1)

to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of housing projects funded by amounts from the Department of the Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture; and

(2)

that do not materially, with respect to residents of housing projects described in paragraph (1)—

(A)

reduce the safety of those residents;

(B)

shift long-term costs onto those residents; or

(C)

undermine the environmental standards of those residents.

Sec. 803. Improving self-sufficiency of families in HUD-subsidized housing

(a) In general

(1) Study

Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall conduct a study on the implementation of work requirements implemented prior to the date of enactment of this Act by public housing agencies described in paragraph (4) participating in the Moving to Work demonstration authorized under section 204 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note).

(2) Scope

The study required under paragraph (1) shall—

(A)

consider the short-, medium-, and long-term benefits and challenges of work requirements on public housing agencies described in paragraph (4) and on program participants who are subject to such requirements, including the effects work requirements have on homelessness rates, poverty rates, asset building, earnings growth, job attainment and retention, and public housing agencies’ administrative capacity; and

(B)

include quantitative and qualitative evidence, including interviews with program participants described in subparagraph (A) and their respective resident councils.

(3) Report

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall report the initial findings of the study required under paragraph (1) to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives.

(4) Public housing agencies described

The public housing agencies described in this paragraph are public housing agencies that, as part of an application to participate in the program under section 204 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note), submit a proposal identifying work requirements as an innovative proposal.

(b) Determination

The requirement under subsection (a) shall apply if the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines that—

(1)

there are a sufficient number of public housing agencies described in subsection (a)(4) such that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development can rigorously evaluate the impact of the implementation of work requirements described in that subsection; and

(2)

the study would not negatively impact low-income families receiving assistance through a public housing agency described in subsection (a)(4).