December 11, 2025
Mr. Schiff introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
To increase the housing supply in the United States, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title; table of contents
(a) Short title
This Act may be cited as the Housing Building Occupancy Opportunities for Millions Act
or the Housing BOOM Act
.
(b) Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 2. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) Department
The term Department means the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(2) 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)).
(3) Secretary
The term Secretary, unless otherwise provided, means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(4) State
The term State means each State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States.
Title I Boosting the Housing Supply
Sec. 101. Increase in State housing credit ceiling
(a) In general
Subparagraph (I) of section 42(h)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 1.12
and inserting 3.36
.
(b) Effective date
The amendments made by this section shall apply to allocations of housing credit dollar amount made in calendar years beginning after December 31, 2025.
Sec. 102. Middle-income housing construction loan fund
(a) Establishment
There is established within the Treasury a fund to be known as the Middle Income Housing Construction Loan Fund
(in this section referred to as the Fund).
(b) Eligible recipients
Entitles eligible to receive amounts from the Fund include nonprofit organizations, public housing agencies, and qualified mission-driven housing developers.
(c) Use of funds
The Secretary shall use amounts in the Fund to make low-interest loans to entities described in subsection (b) for rental housing construction or adaptive reuse, targeting households earning not less than 60 percent and not more than 120 percent of the area median income.
(d) Application
(1) In general
To be eligible for a loan fund the Fund, an eligible recipient described in subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(2) Priority
In awarding loans from the Fund, the Secretary shall prioritize eligible recipients from high-cost, high opportunity markets where moderate-income renters are cost-burdened but do not qualify for deeply subsidized housing or housing that receives tax credits under section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(e) Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements
(1) Prevailing wage requirements
(A) In general
All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on a project assisted in whole or in part by funding made available under this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Davis-Bacon Act
).
(B) Authority of Secretary of Labor
With respect to the labor standards specified in this paragraph, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
(2) Apprenticeship requirements
The following requirements apply with respect to the construction of any housing unit using amounts from the Fund:
(A) Labor hours
Eligible recipients shall ensure that, with respect to the construction of any housing unit, not less than 15 percent of the total labor hours of the construction, alteration, or rehabilitation work (including such work performed by any contractor or subcontractor) with respect to such unit shall, subject to subparagraph (B), be performed by qualified apprentices.
(B) Apprentice to journeyworker ratio
The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to any applicable requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Secretary of Labor or the applicable State apprenticeship agency.
(C) Participation
Each eligible recipient, contractor, or subcontractor who employs 4 or more individuals to perform construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to the construction of a housing unit shall employ 1 or more qualified apprentices to perform such work.
(D) Exception
(i) In general
An eligible recipient shall not be treated as failing to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph if such eligible recipient—
(I)
satisfies the requirements described in clause (ii); or
(II)
with respect to an eligible recipient who is not described in subclause (I) and does not satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect to such housing unit, such eligible recipient pays a penalty to the Secretary of Labor in an amount equal to the product of—
(aa)
$50; multiplied by
(bb)
the total labor hours for which the requirement subparagraph (A) was not satisfied with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on such housing unit.
(ii) Good faith effort
For purposes of clause (i), an eligible recipient shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under this paragraph with respect to a housing unit if such eligible recipient has requested qualified apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program, and—
(I)
such request has been denied, as long as such denial is not the result of a refusal by the eligible recipient or any contractors or subcontractors engaged in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to such housing unit to comply with the established standards and requirements of the registered apprenticeship program; or
(II)
the registered apprenticeship program fails to respond to such request within 5 business days after the date on which such registered apprenticeship program received such request.
(E) Definitions
In this paragraph:
(i) Labor hours
The term labor hours—
(I)
means the total number of hours devoted to the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work by any individual employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
excludes any hours worked by—
(aa)
foremen;
(bb)
superintendents;
(cc)
owners; or
(dd)
persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (within the meaning of those terms in part 541 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations).
(ii) Qualified apprentice
The term qualified apprentice means an individual who—
(I)
is employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
is participating in a registered apprenticeship program.
(iii) Registered apprenticeship program
The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act
; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
(f) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Fund $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Sec. 103. Workforce housing block grant program
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a block grant program under which the Secretary provides funds to States to support the development of workforce rental housing for housholds earning not more than 60 percent and not more than 120 percent of the area median income.
(b) Requirement
Each State shall submit to the Secretary equity-based allocation plans for funding under this section that address racial and income segregation, housing shortages, and economic opportunity.
(c) Priority
A State receiving funding under this section shall prioritize the allocation of funding for—
(1)
projects located in high-cost urban regions, rural communities, and rapidly growing suburban areas; and
(2)
projects located near employment centers, schools, health care facilities, and transit.
(d) Grant administration
(1) In general
The Secretary shall administer the program under this section, providing guidance and technical assistance to States.
(2) Allocation
The Secretary shall allocate grants under this section through a competitive formula-based process, under which—
(A)
priority shall be given to States with a higher population, higher number of cost-burned renters, and greater housing supply deficits; and
(B)
a State recipient may receive funds and administer loans directly or delegate funds to State housing finance agencies, public housing agencies, or redevelopment authorities with demonstrated capacity to manage housing development programs.
(e) Reporting
Each State that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an annual report on the program under this section, which shall include, for the year covered by the report—
(1)
the number of projects and units financed;
(2)
the income levels served by those projects, with a breakdown by income as a percentage of the area median income;
(3)
the average subsidy amount per unit;
(4)
the geographic distribution of projects, including whether a project was carried out in an urban, rural, or high opportunity area;
(5)
the demographics of individuals served by those projects, including race, ethnicity, and household size; and
(6)
data relating to loans made by the State using grant funds, including loan performance, repayment status, and the number of defaults.
(f) Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements
(1) Prevailing wage requirements
(A) In general
All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on a project assisted in whole or in part by funding made available under this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Davis-Bacon Act
).
(B) Authority of Secretary of Labor
With respect to the labor standards specified in this paragraph, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
(2) Apprenticeship requirements
The following requirements apply with respect to the construction of any housing unit using amounts provided under this section:
(A) Labor hours
Each State shall ensure that, with respect to the construction of any housing unit, not less than 15 percent of the total labor hours of the construction, alteration, or rehabilitation work (including such work performed by any contractor or subcontractor) with respect to such unit shall, subject to subparagraph (B), be performed by qualified apprentices.
(B) Apprentice to journeyworker ratio
The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to any applicable requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Secretary of Labor or the applicable State apprenticeship agency.
(C) Participation
Each State, contractor, or subcontractor who employs 4 or more individuals to perform construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to the construction of a housing unit shall employ 1 or more qualified apprentices to perform such work.
(D) Exception
(i) In general
A State shall not be treated as failing to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph if the State—
(I)
satisfies the requirements described in clause (ii); or
(II)
with respect to an eligible recipient who is not described in subclause (I) and does not satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect to such housing unit, such eligible recipient pays a penalty to the Secretary of Labor in an amount equal to the product of—
(aa)
$50; multiplied by
(bb)
the total labor hours for which the requirement subparagraph (A) was not satisfied with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on such housing unit.
(ii) Good faith effort
For purposes of clause (i), a State shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under this paragraph with respect to a housing unit if such State has requested qualified apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program, and—
(I)
such request has been denied, as long as such denial is not the result of a refusal by the State or any contractors or subcontractors engaged in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to such housing unit to comply with the established standards and requirements of the registered apprenticeship program; or
(II)
the registered apprenticeship program fails to respond to such request within 5 business days after the date on which such registered apprenticeship program received such request.
(E) Definitions
In this paragraph:
(i) Labor hours
The term labor hours—
(I)
means the total number of hours devoted to the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work by any individual employed by a State or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
excludes any hours worked by—
(aa)
foremen;
(bb)
superintendents;
(cc)
owners; or
(dd)
persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (within the meaning of those terms in part 541 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations).
(ii) Qualified apprentice
The term qualified apprentice means an individual who—
(I)
is employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
is participating in a registered apprenticeship program.
(iii) Registered apprenticeship program
The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act
; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
(g) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended, to carry out this section.
Sec. 104. Housing accelerator program
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a Housing Accelerator Program (in this section referred to as the Program) to provide funding to local governments, affordable housing developers, and public housing agencies for gap financing for affordable housing projects that—
(1)
have site control through ownership, ground lease, or other enforceable instrument;
(2)
have received all required local land use and environmental clearances;
(3)
have secured commitments for not less than 50 percent of total development financing; and
(4)
demonstrate the capacity to commence construction within 12 months of receiving Federal funds.
(b) Application
An entity described in subsection (a) desiring funding under the Program shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(c) Requirements
An affordable housing project that receives funding under the Program shall—
(1)
include a minimum affordability covenant of not less than 30 years of affordability for each unit; and
(2)
provide that—
(A)
not less than 40 percent of units shall be affordable to families with incomes that are not more than 60 percent of the area median income; or
(B)
not less than 20 percent of units shall be affordable to families with incomes that are not more than 50 percent of the area median income.
(d) Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements
(1) Prevailing wage requirements
(A) In general
All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on a project assisted in whole or in part by funding made available under this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Davis-Bacon Act
).
(B) Authority of Secretary of Labor
With respect to the labor standards specified in this paragraph, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
(2) Apprenticeship requirements
The following requirements apply with respect to the construction of any housing unit using amounts provided to an entity described in subsection (a) (in this paragraph referred to as an eligible recipient) under the Program:
(A) Labor hours
Eligible recipients shall ensure that, with respect to the construction of any housing unit, not less than 15 percent of the total labor hours of the construction, alteration, or rehabilitation work (including such work performed by any contractor or subcontractor) with respect to such unit shall, subject to subparagraph (B), be performed by qualified apprentices.
(B) Apprentice to journeyworker ratio
The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to any applicable requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Secretary of Labor or the applicable State apprenticeship agency.
(C) Participation
Each eligible recipient, contractor, or subcontractor who employs 4 or more individuals to perform construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to the construction of a housing unit shall employ 1 or more qualified apprentices to perform such work.
(D) Exception
(i) In general
An eligible recipient shall not be treated as failing to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph if such eligible recipient—
(I)
satisfies the requirements described in clause (ii); or
(II)
with respect to an eligible recipient who is not described in subclause (I) and does not satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect to such housing unit, such eligible recipient pays a penalty to the Secretary of Labor in an amount equal to the product of—
(aa)
$50; multiplied by
(bb)
the total labor hours for which the requirement subparagraph (A) was not satisfied with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on such housing unit.
(ii) Good faith effort
For purposes of clause (i), an eligible recipient shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under this paragraph with respect to a housing unit if such eligible recipient has requested qualified apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program, and—
(I)
such request has been denied, as long as such denial is not the result of a refusal by the eligible recipient or any contractors or subcontractors engaged in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to such housing unit to comply with the established standards and requirements of the registered apprenticeship program; or
(II)
the registered apprenticeship program fails to respond to such request within 5 business days after the date on which such registered apprenticeship program received such request.
(E) Definitions
In this paragraph:
(i) Labor hours
The term labor hours—
(I)
means the total number of hours devoted to the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work by any individual employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
excludes any hours worked by—
(aa)
foremen;
(bb)
superintendents;
(cc)
owners; or
(dd)
persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (within the meaning of those terms in part 541 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations).
(ii) Qualified apprentice
The term qualified apprentice means an individual who—
(I)
is employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
is participating in a registered apprenticeship program.
(iii) Registered apprenticeship program
The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act
; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
(3) Authority of Secretary of Labor
With respect to the labor standards specified in this subsection, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $1,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended, to carry out this section.
Sec. 105. Increased funding for the community development block grant program
Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
123. Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated $4,200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this title.
Sec. 106. Increased funding for the HOME Investments Partnership program
(a) In general
Subtitle A of title II of Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12741 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
227. Authorization of appropriations
(a) In general
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $1,500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this subtitle.
(b) Additional amount
In addition to the amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), there is authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for projects conducted under this subtitle that build or rehabilitate childcare facilities.
(b) Application of Davis-Bacon
Section 286(a) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12836(a)) is amended by inserting or for a project that builds or rehabilitates a childcare facility using amounts made available under section 227(b)
after subtitle
.
Sec. 107. Disaster recovery assistance and climate resiliency grants
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $1,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the National Disaster Resilience Competition under 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.).
Sec. 108. Increased funding for USDA rural development housing programs
(a) In general
Section 513 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1483) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(f) Rental housing
There is authorized to be appropriated $70,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out section 515.
(b) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that the requirements under subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Davis-Bacon Act
) shall apply with respect to rural housing programs of the Department of Agriculture.
Sec. 109. Increased funding for Indian housing block grants
Section 108 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4117) is amended by striking such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013
and inserting $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030
.
Sec. 110. Increased funding for supportive housing for the elderly
Section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q) is amended by striking the first and second subsection (m) and inserting the following:
(m) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated for providing assistance under this section $1,646,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Sec. 111. Increased funding for supportive housing for persons with disabilities
Section 811(m) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013(m)) is amended by striking $300,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015
and inserting $360,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030
.
Sec. 112. Increased funding for housing opportunities for persons with AIDS program
The AIDS Housing Opportunity Act (42 U.S.C. 12901 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
in section 854 (42 U.S.C. 12903), by adding at the end the following:
(g) Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements
(1) Prevailing wage requirements
(A) In general
All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on a construction project assisted in whole or in part by funding made available under this subtitle shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the
Davis-Bacon Act).(B) Authority of Secretary of Labor
With respect to the labor standards specified in this paragraph, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
(2) Apprenticeship requirements
The following requirements apply with respect to the construction of any housing unit using amounts provided to an entity under this subtitle (in this paragraph referred to as an eligible recipient):
(A) Labor hours
Eligible recipients shall ensure that, with respect to the construction of any housing unit, not less than 15 percent of the total labor hours of the construction, alteration, or rehabilitation work (including such work performed by any contractor or subcontractor) with respect to such unit shall, subject to subparagraph (B), be performed by qualified apprentices.
(B) Apprentice to journeyworker ratio
The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to any applicable requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Secretary of Labor or the applicable State apprenticeship agency.
(C) Participation
Each eligible recipient, contractor, or subcontractor who employs 4 or more individuals to perform construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to the construction of a housing unit shall employ 1 or more qualified apprentices to perform such work.
(D) Exception
(i) In general
An eligible recipient shall not be treated as failing to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph if such eligible recipient—
(I)
satisfies the requirements described in clause (ii); or
(II)
with respect to an eligible recipient who is not described in subclause (I) and does not satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect to such housing unit, such eligible recipient pays a penalty to the Secretary of Labor in an amount equal to the product of—
(aa)
$50; multiplied by
(bb)
the total labor hours for which the requirement subparagraph (A) was not satisfied with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on such housing unit.
(ii) Good faith effort
For purposes of clause (i), an eligible recipient shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under this paragraph with respect to a housing unit if such eligible recipient has requested qualified apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program, and—
(I)
such request has been denied, as long as such denial is not the result of a refusal by the eligible recipient or any contractors or subcontractors engaged in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to such housing unit to comply with the established standards and requirements of the registered apprenticeship program; or
(II)
the registered apprenticeship program fails to respond to such request within 5 business days after the date on which such registered apprenticeship program received such request.
(E) Definitions
In this paragraph:
(i) Labor hours
The term labor hours—
(I)
means the total number of hours devoted to the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work by any individual employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
excludes any hours worked by—
(aa)
foremen;
(bb)
superintendents;
(cc)
owners; or
(dd)
persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (within the meaning of those terms in part 541 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations).
(ii) Qualified apprentice
The term qualified apprentice means an individual who—
(I)
is employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
is participating in a registered apprenticeship program.
(iii) Registered apprenticeship program
The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the
National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).; and
(2)
by amending section 863 (42 U.S.C. 12912) to read as follows:
863. Authorization of appropriations
(a) In general
There is authorized to be appropriated $600,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this subtitle.
(b) Additional amount
In addition to the amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), there is authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America Initiative at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Sec. 113. Grants for converting structures for use as emergency shelters and housing for homeless persons and families
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Continuum of care
The term continuum of care
means a collaborative applicant established and operating for a geographic area for purposes of 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.).
(2) Emergency housing
The term emergency housing
means housing that is provided on a short-term and temporary basis to address emergency situations. Such term does not include transitional or permanent housing, as those terms are defined in section 401 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360).
(3) Emergency shelter; private nonprofit organization; State
The terms emergency shelter
, private nonprofit organization
, and State
have the meanings given those terms in section 321 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11351).
(4) Homeless
The term homeless
has the meaning given such term in section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302).
(5) Permanent housing; supportive services; transitional housing
The terms permanent housing
, supportive services
, and transitional housing
have the meanings given those terms in section 401 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360).
(b) Authority
The Secretary shall carry out a program under this section to make grants to States and continua of care for distribution to units of local government and private nonprofit organizations to assist in carrying out conversions of structures for use as emergency, temporary, and transitional housing and emergency shelters for homeless persons and families.
(c) Use of grant amounts
Amounts from a grant under this section shall be used only in connection with the conversion of hotels, motels, or vacant, blighted, or unused residential properties for use as housing or shelter as provided in subsection (b), including for—
(1)
the acquisition (by purchase or lease), rehabilitation, renovation, or other conversion of such structures;
(2)
operating costs in connection with use of such structures as housing or shelters; and
(3)
providing supportive services, homelessness prevention services, and housing counseling services in connection with the converted housing or shelter.
(d) Application; selection
The Secretary shall provide for States and continua of care to apply for grants under this section and shall select States and continua of care to receive such grants based on a competition that takes into account—
(1)
the level of housing instability in the jurisdiction of the applicant and the need—
(A)
for emergency, transitional, or permanent housing or emergency shelters for homeless persons and families;
(B)
to address safety and public health needs of such persons and families; and
(C)
for supportive services for such persons and families; and
(2)
the effectiveness of the proposed method of distribution of grant amounts to units of local government and private nonprofit organizations in addressing such needs.
(e) Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements
(1) Prevailing wage requirements
(A) In general
All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on a project assisted in whole or in part by funding made available under this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Davis-Bacon Act
).
(B) Authority of Secretary of Labor
With respect to the labor standards specified in this paragraph, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
(2) Apprenticeship requirements
The following requirements apply with respect to the conversion of any property using amounts provided to an entity described in subsection (b) (in this paragraph referred to as an eligible recipient) under this section:
(A) Labor hours
Eligible recipients shall ensure that, with respect to the construction of any property, not less than 15 percent of the total labor hours of the construction, alteration, or rehabilitation work (including such work performed by any contractor or subcontractor) with respect to such unit shall, subject to subparagraph (B), be performed by qualified apprentices.
(B) Apprentice to journeyworker ratio
The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to any applicable requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Secretary of Labor or the applicable State apprenticeship agency.
(C) Participation
Each eligible recipient, contractor, or subcontractor who employs 4 or more individuals to perform construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to the construction of a property shall employ 1 or more qualified apprentices to perform such work.
(D) Exception
(i) In general
An eligible recipient shall not be treated as failing to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph if such eligible recipient—
(I)
satisfies the requirements described in clause (ii); or
(II)
with respect to an eligible recipient who is not described in subclause (I) and does not satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect to such housing unit, such eligible recipient pays a penalty to the Secretary of Labor in an amount equal to the product of—
(aa)
$50; multiplied by
(bb)
the total labor hours for which the requirement subparagraph (A) was not satisfied with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on such housing unit.
(ii) Good faith effort
For purposes of clause (i), an eligible recipient shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under this paragraph with respect to a property if such eligible recipient has requested qualified apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program, and—
(I)
such request has been denied, as long as such denial is not the result of a refusal by the eligible recipient or any contractors or subcontractors engaged in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to such property to comply with the established standards and requirements of the registered apprenticeship program; or
(II)
the registered apprenticeship program fails to respond to such request within 5 business days after the date on which such registered apprenticeship program received such request.
(E) Definitions
In this paragraph:
(i) Labor hours
The term labor hours—
(I)
means the total number of hours devoted to the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work by any individual employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
excludes any hours worked by—
(aa)
foremen;
(bb)
superintendents;
(cc)
owners; or
(dd)
persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (within the meaning of those terms in part 541 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations).
(ii) Qualified apprentice
The term qualified apprentice means an individual who—
(I)
is employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
is participating in a registered apprenticeship program.
(iii) Registered apprenticeship program
The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act
; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
(f) Reports
The Secretary shall require each recipient of a grant under this section to submit a report to the Secretary, not later than 1 year after the award of the grant, detailing how grant amounts were used and describing the effect of that use on the level of homelessness in the jurisdiction of the recipient.
(g) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated for grants under this section $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Sec. 114. Grants for converting State and local government buildings into affordable housing
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible building
The term eligible building means a building that the Secretary, in coordination with the Administrator of General Services, determines is unused or underutilized and suitable for residential development.
(2) Qualified residential rental project
The term qualified residential rental project means any project for residential rental property that at all times for the period that is not less than 30 years, or the minimum period that a State or unit of local government decides that is not less than 30 years, meets the following requirements:
(A)
The project requires that—
(i)
20 percent or more of the residential units in such project are occupied by a household with an income that does not exceed 50 percent of the median income for the area;
(ii)
40 percent or more of the residential units in such project are occupied by a household with an income that does not exceed 60 percent of the median income for the area; or
(iii)
the average income of a household occupying 40 percent or more of the residential units in such project does not exceed 60 percent of the median income for the area, although individual residential units within that 40 percent of units may be occupied by a household with an income that does not exceed 80 percent of the median income for the area.
(B)
The housing costs, including water and sewer, electricity, heating, cooling, trash, and recycling, and other specific circumstances of the property that may also be considered in affordability calculations under local regulations, with respect to each residential unit described in subparagraph (A) does not exceed 30 percent of the income limit described in subparagraph (A) that applies to the household occupying such unit.
(3) State
The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, each commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States, and each federally recognized Indian Tribe.
(b) Establishment
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a grant program, to be known as the Office to Residential Affordable Housing Conversion Program
(in this section referred to as the Conversion Program
), to facilitate the conversion of buildings owned by a State or unit of local government into qualified residential rental projects.
(c) Eligible recipients
In administering the Conversion Program, the Secretary shall make grants available to States and units of local government on a competitive basis in accordance with this section.
(d) Application
To be eligible for a grant under the Conversion Program, an entity described in subsection (c) shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(e) Use of funds
Each entity that is awarded an amount under the Conversion Program may use such amount for the acquisition of an eligible building and any costs associated with converting such building into qualified residential rental projects.
(f) Consultation with continuum of care project sponsors
Each entity that is awarded an amount under the Conversion Program is encouraged to consult with a local project sponsor receiving amounts 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.).
(g) Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements
(1) Prevailing wage requirements
(A) In general
All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on a project assisted in whole or in part by funding made available under this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Davis-Bacon Act
).
(B) Authority of Secretary of Labor
With respect to the labor standards specified in this paragraph, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
(2) Apprenticeship requirements
The following requirements apply with respect to the conversion of any housing unit using amounts provided to an entity described in subsection (a) (in this paragraph referred to as an eligible recipient) under the Conversion Program:
(A) Labor hours
Eligible recipients shall ensure that, with respect to the construction of any housing unit, not less than 15 percent of the total labor hours of the construction, alteration, or rehabilitation work (including such work performed by any contractor or subcontractor) with respect to such unit shall, subject to subparagraph (B), be performed by qualified apprentices.
(B) Apprentice to journeyworker ratio
The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to any applicable requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Secretary of Labor or the applicable State apprenticeship agency.
(C) Participation
Each eligible recipient, contractor, or subcontractor who employs 4 or more individuals to perform construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to the construction of a housing unit shall employ 1 or more qualified apprentices to perform such work.
(D) Exception
(i) In general
An eligible recipient shall not be treated as failing to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph if such eligible recipient—
(I)
satisfies the requirements described in clause (ii); or
(II)
with respect to an eligible recipient who is not described in subclause (I) and does not satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect to such housing unit, such eligible recipient pays a penalty to the Secretary of Labor in an amount equal to the product of—
(aa)
$50; multiplied by
(bb)
the total labor hours for which the requirement subparagraph (A) was not satisfied with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on such housing unit.
(ii) Good faith effort
For purposes of clause (i), an eligible recipient shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under this paragraph with respect to a housing unit if such eligible recipient has requested qualified apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program, and—
(I)
such request has been denied, as long as such denial is not the result of a refusal by the eligible recipient or any contractors or subcontractors engaged in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to such housing unit to comply with the established standards and requirements of the registered apprenticeship program; or
(II)
the registered apprenticeship program fails to respond to such request within 5 business days after the date on which such registered apprenticeship program received such request.
(E) Definitions
In this paragraph:
(i) Labor hours
The term labor hours—
(I)
means the total number of hours devoted to the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work by any individual employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
excludes any hours worked by—
(aa)
foremen;
(bb)
superintendents;
(cc)
owners; or
(dd)
persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (within the meaning of those terms in part 541 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations).
(ii) Qualified apprentice
The term qualified apprentice means an individual who—
(I)
is employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(II)
is participating in a registered apprenticeship program.
(iii) Registered apprenticeship program
The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act
; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
(h) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Conversion Program $750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Title II Combating Homelessness
Sec. 201. Increased funding for homelessness assistance and supportive services
Subtitle A of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360 et seq.) is amended by striking section 408 (42 U.S.C. 11364) and inserting the following:
408. Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated—
(1)
$3,750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out subtitle B of this title; and
(2)
$4,450,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out subtitle C of this title.
409. Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements
(a) Prevailing wage requirements
(1) In general
All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on a construction project assisted in whole or in part by funding made available under this title shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the
Davis-Bacon Act).(2) Authority of Secretary of Labor
With respect to the labor standards specified in this subsection, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
(b) Apprenticeship requirements
The following requirements apply with respect to the conversion of any housing unit using amounts provided to a recipient of assistance under this title (in this subsection referred to as an eligible recipient):
(1) Labor hours
Eligible recipients shall ensure that, with respect to the construction of any housing unit, not less than 15 percent of the total labor hours of the construction, alteration, or rehabilitation work (including such work performed by any contractor or subcontractor) with respect to such unit shall, subject to paragraph (2), be performed by qualified apprentices.
(2) Apprentice to journeyworker ratio
The requirement under paragraph (1) shall be subject to any applicable requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Secretary of Labor or the applicable State apprenticeship agency.
(3) Participation
Each eligible recipient, contractor, or subcontractor who employs 4 or more individuals to perform construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to the construction of a housing unit shall employ 1 or more qualified apprentices to perform such work.
(4) Exception
(A) In general
An eligible recipient shall not be treated as failing to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph if such eligible recipient—
(i)
satisfies the requirements described subparagraph (B); or
(ii)
with respect to an eligible recipient who is not described in clause (i) and does not satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1) with respect to such housing unit, such eligible recipient pays a penalty to the Secretary of Labor in an amount equal to the product of—
(I)
$50; multiplied by
(II)
the total labor hours for which the requirement subparagraph (A) was not satisfied with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on such housing unit.
(B) Good faith effort
For purposes of subparagraph (A), an eligible recipient shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under this subsection with respect to a housing unit if such eligible recipient has requested qualified apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program, and—
(i)
such request has been denied, as long as such denial is not the result of a refusal by the eligible recipient or any contractors or subcontractors engaged in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to such housing unit to comply with the established standards and requirements of the registered apprenticeship program; or
(ii)
the registered apprenticeship program fails to respond to such request within 5 business days after the date on which such registered apprenticeship program received such request.
(5) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Labor hours
The term labor hours—
(i)
means the total number of hours devoted to the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work by any individual employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(ii)
excludes any hours worked by—
(I)
foremen;
(II)
superintendents;
(III)
owners; or
(IV)
persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (within the meaning of those terms in part 541 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations).
(B) Qualified apprentice
The term qualified apprentice means an individual who—
(i)
is employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(ii)
is participating in a registered apprenticeship program.
(C) Registered apprenticeship program
The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the
National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
Sec. 202. SAMHSA Center for Unhoused Individuals and dedicated grant funding for behavioral health services
Part B of title V of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
4 Center for Unhoused Individuals
520O. Center for Unhoused Individuals
(a) In general
There is established in the Administration a Center for Unhoused Individuals (referred to in this section as the
Center) to lead Federal efforts to improve and expand access to mental and behavioral health services for unhoused individuals. The Center shall be headed by a director (referred to in this section as theDirector) appointed by the Secretary from among individuals with extensive experience or academic qualifications in the provision of mental and behavioral health services to unhoused individuals.(b) Duties
The Director of the Center shall—
(1)
develop and promote policies that expand access to mental and behavioral health services for unhoused individuals;
(2)
develop and promote policies that support housing services for unhoused individuals that have, or likely have, at least one mental and behavioral health condition;
(3)
facilitate coordination among—
(A)
Federal, State, and local entities that serve unhoused individuals; and
(B)
entities that provide mental and behavioral health services; and
(4)
provide technical assistance to entities receiving a grant under section 520O–1 regarding the use of Federal funds to best support mental and behavioral health services for unhoused individuals.
(c) Grants and cooperative agreements
In carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Director may make grants to and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with public and nonprofit private entities.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
520O–1. Mental and Behavioral Health Response Grants for Unhoused Individuals
(a) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall establish a grant program under which the Secretary will award grants to eligible entities to improve mental and behavioral health and housing services for unhoused individuals, including through—
(1)
the expansion and improvement of mental and behavioral health services for unhoused individuals; and
(2)
the expansion and improvement of housing services for individuals experiencing, or likely experiencing, mental and behavioral health conditions.
(b) Eligibility
An entity is eligible to receive a grant under this section if such entity is—
(1)
a State (as defined in section 534);
(2)
a municipality or other unit of local government; or
(3)
an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act).
(c) Use of funds
An entity may use funds received through a grant under this section to increase access to mental and behavioral health services for unhoused individuals, including through—
(1)
expanding access to evidence-based substance use disorder treatment and recovery activities and services for unhoused individuals;
(2)
increasing access to medication-assisted treatment for unhoused individuals who are also experiencing opioid use disorder;
(3)
implementing and expanding harm reduction strategies and services through programs that serve unhoused individuals;
(4)
reducing opioid and synthetic opioid or fentanyl overdose deaths among unhoused individuals;
(5)
implementing and expanding evidence-based substance use disorder prevention strategies among unhoused individuals;
(6)
expanding and increasing care coordination for unhoused individuals experiencing a mental and behavioral health condition;
(7)
expanding access to and increasing the number of health care professionals who treat unhoused individuals experiencing at least one mental and behavioral health condition;
(8)
establishing and expanding housing programs targeting unhoused individuals experiencing mental and behavioral health conditions;
(9)
expanding access to mental and behavioral health diagnostic services for unhoused individuals;
(10)
supporting and expanding the mental and behavioral health care workforce that treats unhoused individuals; and
(11)
supporting and expanding evidence-based mental health training for non-health care professionals that interface frequently with unhoused individuals, such as law enforcement personnel and first responders.
(d) Allocation
(1) In general
Of the amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall distribute a portion of such amount to eligible entities selected to receive a grant under this section on the basis of a formula developed by the Secretary.
(2) Prioritization
The formula developed by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall prioritize eligible entities located in regions that—
(A)
experience high rates of homelessness and housing instability; and
(B)
experience above-average housing costs.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
520O–2. Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements for construction projects
(a) Prevailing wage requirements
(1) In general
All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on a project assisted in whole or in part by funding made available under this subpart shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the
Davis-Bacon Act).(2) Labor standards
With respect to the labor standards specified in this subsection, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
(b) Apprenticeship requirements
The following requirements apply with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair of any housing unit using amounts provided to an entity under this subpart (referred to in this subsection as an
eligible recipient):(1) Labor hours
Each eligible recipient shall ensure that not less than 15 percent of the total labor hours of the construction, alteration, or repair work (including such work performed by any contractor or subcontractor of the recipient) with respect to such unit shall, subject to paragraph (2), be performed by qualified apprentices.
(2) Apprentice-to-journeyworker ratio
The requirement under paragraph (1) shall be subject to any applicable requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Secretary of Labor or the applicable State apprenticeship agency.
(3) Participation
Each eligible recipient, or contractor or subcontractor of the eligible recipient, who employs 4 or more individuals to perform construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to such housing unit shall employ 1 or more qualified apprentices to perform such work.
(4) Exception
(A) In general
An eligible recipient shall not be treated as failing to satisfy the requirements of this subsection with respect to a housing unit if—
(i)
such eligible recipient satisfies the requirements described in subparagraph (B) with respect to such housing unit; or
(ii)
with respect to an eligible recipient who is not described in clause (i) and does not satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1) with respect to such housing unit, such eligible recipient pays a penalty to the Secretary of Labor in an amount equal to the product of—
(I)
$50; multiplied by
(II)
the total labor hours for which the requirement described in paragraph (1) was not satisfied with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on such housing unit.
(B) Good faith effort
For purposes of subparagraph (A), an eligible recipient shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under this subsection with respect to a housing unit if such eligible recipient has requested qualified apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program, and—
(i)
such request has been denied, as long as such denial is not the result of a refusal by the eligible recipient or any contractors or subcontractors engaged in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to such housing unit to comply with the established standards and requirements of the registered apprenticeship program; or
(ii)
the registered apprenticeship program fails to respond to such request within 5 business days after the date on which such registered apprenticeship program received such request.
(5) Definitions
For purposes of this subsection:
(A) Labor hours
The term labor hours—
(i)
means the total number of hours devoted to the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work by any individual employed by the eligible recipient or by any contractor or subcontractor; and
(ii)
excludes any hours worked by—
(I)
foremen;
(II)
superintendents;
(III)
owners; or
(IV)
persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (within the meaning of those terms in part 541 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations).
(B) Qualified apprentice
The term qualified apprentice means an individual who—
(i)
is employed by the eligible recipient or by a contractor or subcontractor of the eligible recipient; and
(ii)
is participating in a registered apprenticeship program.
(C) Registered apprenticeship program
The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the
National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).520O–3. Definitions
In this subpart:
(1) Mental and behavioral health
The term mental and behavioral health means the health of an individual as it pertains to mental illness, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and substance use disorders.
(2) Unhoused individual
The term unhoused individual has the meaning given the term homeless individual in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302).
Title III Providing Tenant Support
Sec. 301. Increased funding for tenant-based rental assistance
Section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(23) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated an amount sufficient to increase the number of vouchers available under this subsection by 1,000,000 from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2035.
Sec. 302. Grants for housing assistance and navigation services
(a) In general
The Secretary, acting through the Office of Housing Counseling, shall carry out a program to make grants to eligible entities under subsection (b) to support education, awareness, and enrollment in State and Federal housing assistance programs to individuals, communities, applicants, and program enrollees.
(b) Eligibility
A grant under this section may be made only to a community- or consumer-focused nonprofit group, a trade, industry, or professional associations, or a State or unit of local government, that—
(1)
will serve as a housing navigator by conducting activities described in subsection (c); and
(2)
has demonstrated to the Secretary that—
(A)
the entity has existing relationships, or could readily establish relationships, with administrators of local, State, or Federal housing assistance programs;
(B)
has knowledge and expertise in local, State, or Federal housing assistance programs; and
(C)
has existing relationships, or could readily establish relationships, with communities and individuals who would likely benefit from such programs.
(c) Duties
An entity that receives a grant under this section shall use amounts from such grant for—
(1)
conducting in-person public education activities to raise awareness of local, State, and Federal housing assistance programs in communities where individuals would likely benefit from assistance provided by such programs;
(2)
distribute information concerning eligibility and enrollment processes in such programs;
(3)
facilitate and assist applicants in the enrollment process for such programs, including by offering assistance online, over the telephone, and in-person; and
(4)
provide information in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate to the needs of the population being served.
(d) Standards
(1) Navigators
The Secretary shall establish standards for entities receiving grants under this section, including standards to ensure that any entity receiving such a grant is qualified and licensed, if appropriate, to engage in the activities described in subsection (c) and to avoid conflicts of interest.
(2) Information
The Secretary, in collaboration with States, shall establish standards to ensure that information made available by entities receiving grants under this section is fair, accurate, and impartial.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated for grants under this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Sec. 303. Office of Eviction Prevention and providing grant funding to support at-risk tenants
(a) In general
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 Eviction Prevention
(1) Establishment
There is established in the Department, in the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Eviction Prevention.
(2) Director
There is established the position of Director of the Office of Eviction Prevention. The Director shall be the head of the Office of Eviction Prevention and shall be appointed by, and shall report to, the Secretary. Such position shall be a career-reserved position in the Senior Executive Service.
(3) Mission
The mission of the Office of Eviction Prevention shall be to prevent evictions from rental housing and to protect tenants of such housing from the harm of evictions and eviction filings.
(4) Functions
The Director shall have primary responsibility within the Department for all activities and matters relating to eviction prevention, including the following:
(A)
Administering the Eviction Protection Grant Program of the Department, including—
(i)
conducting a robust evaluation of grantees under the program and the activities undertaken under the program by grantees, and assessing whether such activities improved outcomes for tenants served by a grant, taking into consideration the differing tenant protections in States and localities;
(ii)
identifying, and reporting to the Congress on, best practices and activities for eviction protection, including identifying resources and funding needed to continue and replicate best practices and activities; and
(iii)
providing technical assistance and support to grantees under the program to provide them with training, expertise, best practices, and problem-solving strategies.
(B)
Analyzing and reporting on information gathered through the Eviction Protection Grant Program and other programs administered by the Office.
(C)
Coordinating with the Office of Policy Development and Research of the Department in establishing a database on evictions, which shall be administered by such Office and shall include such measures as may be necessary to protect against the release of personally identifiable information regarding tenants, analyzing information collected by such database, and reporting to the Congress regarding such analyses.
(D)
Coordinating strategies to prevent evictions and early lease terminations in housing programs administered by the Department, including through—
(i)
training offices and personnel of the Department on eviction prevention policies and programs and tenants rights; and
(ii)
coordinating with other offices of the Department, including the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity and the Office of Gender-Based Violence.
(E)
Collaborating with other Federal agencies, including the Office of Access to Justice of the Department of Justice, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Defense, to develop best practices for eviction prevention strategies within Federal programs and the private rental market.
(F)
Identifying strategies to prevent and reduce evictions across the United States, including—
(i)
collaborating with Federal agencies whose activities impact tenants in federally subsidized housing and housing in the private rental market, including the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Transportation, the United States Domestic Policy Council, and the National Economic Council;
(ii)
establishing a working group on eviction prevention to study and develop solutions to the national eviction crisis, which working group shall include representatives of agencies referred to in clause (i), tenant representatives, representatives of legal services providers, and grantees under the Eviction Protection Grant Program;
(iii)
providing technical assistance to housing providers, State and local governments, and other agencies on issues related to evictions and tenant protections; and
(iv)
coordinating with State and local governments and agencies, including State housing finance agencies, on such issues.
(G)
Conducting outreach to and engagement with tenants to—
(i)
provide education and information about tenant protections and available eviction prevention programs, including by developing resources and materials for tenants;
(ii)
collect complaints and feedback from tenants and community members on evictions and eviction-prevention programs; and
(iii)
refer complaints regarding evictions to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies or organizations, including legal and other advocacy organizations, appropriate to address housing-related issues.
(5) Covered evictions
For purposes of this subsection the term
evictionincludes the variety of processes and means by which landlords remove tenants from rental properties, including—(A)
court-ordered evictions, including eviction filings, court-ordered eviction rulings, and any eviction actions that take place through the judicial system;
(B)
extra-legal evictions that do not involve the judicial system, commonly known as illegal, unlawful, informal, or self-help evictions, including threatening tenants, changing the locks on rental units, shutting off the utilities to such units, and paying tenants to surrender occupancy of a unit;
(C)
administrative actions by public housing agencies to evict residents of public housing; and
(D)
early lease terminations by housing providers receiving assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) Transfer
The Secretary shall provide for the transfer of the administration of the Eviction Protection Grant Program of the Department, which as of the date of the enactment of this Act is the responsibility of the Office of Policy Development and Research, to the Director of the Office of Eviction Prevention established under subsection (i) of section 4 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3533), as added by the amendment made by subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated—
(1)
$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for grants under the Eviction Protection Grant Program of the Department; and
(2)
$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for costs of personnel for and activities of the Office of Eviction Prevention.
Title IV Ensuring Fair Housing
Sec. 401. Interagency Council on Housing Affordability and Preservation
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Council
The term Council means the United States Interagency Council on Housing Affordability and Preservation established under subsection (b).
(2) Federal agency
The term Federal agency has the meaning given the term agency in section 551 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Establishment
There is established in the executive branch an independent establishment to be known as the United States Interagency Council on Housing Affordability and Preservation, whose mission shall be to develop Federal policy designed to preserve and increase affordable housing supply and increase fairness in the rental market and further the principles of fair housing and create a national partnership at every level of government and with the private sector to carry out such purposes.
(c) Membership
(1) Members
The Council shall be composed of the heads of the following agencies or offices, or the designee of such agency or office head:
(A)
Department.
(B)
Department of Justice.
(C)
Department of Labor.
(D)
Department of the Treasury.
(E)
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
(F)
Department of Health and Human Services.
(G)
Department of Education.
(H)
Department of Veterans Affairs.
(I)
Department of Agriculture.
(J)
Department of Commerce.
(K)
Department of Defense.
(L)
Department of Energy.
(M)
Department of Homeland Security.
(N)
Department of Interior.
(O)
Department of Transportation.
(P)
Corporation for National and Community Service.
(Q)
General Services Administration.
(R)
Office of Management and Budget.
(S)
Social Security Administration.
(T)
United States Postal Service.
(U)
White House Office on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
(2) Chairperson
The Council shall elect a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson from among its members. The positions of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall rotate among its members on an annual basis.
(3) Meetings
The Council shall meet at the call of its Chairperson or a majority of its members, but not less often than four times each year, and the rotation of the positions of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson required under paragraph (2) shall occur at the first meeting of each year.
(4) Prohibition of additional pay
Members of the Council shall receive no additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of their service on the Council.
(5) Administration
The Executive Director of the Council shall report to the Chairman of the Council.
(d) Functions
(1) Duties
The Council shall—
(A)
not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, develop, make available for public comment, and submit to the President and to the Congress a National Strategic Plan to Preserve Affordable Housing, and shall update such plan annually;
(B)
review all Federal activities and programs relating to public housing, affordable housing production, affordable housing programs, and housing voucher programs;
(C)
monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements in programs and activities to assist affordable housing production conducted by Federal agencies, State and local governments, and private voluntary organizations;
(D)
provide professional and technical assistance (by not less than 5, but in no case more than 10, regional coordinators employed by the Council, each having responsibility for interaction and coordination of the activities of the Council within the 10 standard Federal regions) to States, local governments, and other public and private nonprofit organizations, in order to enable such governments and organizations to—
(i)
interpret regulations and assist in the application process for Federal assistance, including grants;
(ii)
provide assistance on the ways in which Federal programs may best be coordinated to complement the objectives of this section;
(iii)
develop recommendations and program ideas based on regional specific issues in serving homeless and low-income populations; and
(iv)
establish a schedule for biennial regional workshops to be held by the Council in each of the 10 standard Federal regions to further carry out and provide the assistance described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) and other appropriate assistance as necessary;
(E)
encourage the creation of State Interagency Councils on Affordable Housing and the formulation of jurisdictional 10-year plans to end homelessness at State, city, and county levels;
(F)
annually obtain from Federal agencies their identification of consumer-oriented entitlement and other resources for which individuals may be eligible and the agencies' identification of improvements to ensure access;
(G)
develop mechanisms to ensure access by persons and families to all Federal, State, and local programs for which the persons are eligible, and to verify collaboration among entities within a community that receive Federal funding under programs targeted for persons experiencing homelessness, and other affordable housing programs for which persons and families are eligible;
(H)
conduct research and evaluation related to its functions as defined in this section;
(I)
develop joint Federal agency and other initiatives to fulfill the goals of the agency;
(J)
collect and disseminate information relating to low-income individuals;
(K)
prepare the annual reports required under paragraph (3)(B);
(L)
prepare and distribute to States (including State contact persons described in section 7(a)), local governments, and other public and private nonprofit organizations, a bimonthly bulletin that describes the Federal resources available to them to assist with affordable housing; and
(M)
not later than 6 months after transmission of each report required under paragraph (3)(B), convene a meeting of representatives of all Federal agencies and committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives having jurisdiction over any Federal program to assist affordable housing programs or production, local and State governments, academic researchers who specialize in homelessness, nonprofit housing and service providers that receive funding under any Federal program to assist homeless individuals or families, organizations advocating on behalf of such nonprofit providers and persons receiving housing or services under any such Federal affordable housing program, and persons receiving housing or services under any such Federal program, at which meeting such representatives shall discuss all issues relevant to the council’s jurisdiction.
(2) Authority
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Council may—
(A)
arrange national, regional, State, and local conferences for the purpose of developing and coordinating effective programs and activities to assist in carrying out the mission described in subsection (b) and pay for expenses of attendance at meetings which are concerned with the functions or activities for which the appropriation is made; and
(B)
publish a newsletter concerning Federal, State, and local programs that are effective in carrying out such mission.
(3) Reports
(A) By agencies
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the head of each Federal agency that is a member of the Council shall prepare and transmit to the Congress and the Council a report that describes—
(i)
each affordable housing program administered by such agency and the number of individuals served by such program;
(ii)
impediments, including any statutory and regulatory restrictions, to the use by individuals of each such program and to obtaining services or benefits under each such program; and
(iii)
efforts made by such agency to increase the opportunities for individuals to obtain permanent housing, supportive services, and access to legal services in regards to housing matters.
(B) By Council
The Council shall prepare and transmit to the President and the Congress an annual report that—
(i)
assesses the nature and extent of the problems relating to affordable housing and the needs of low-income individuals;
(ii)
provides a comprehensive and detailed description of the activities and accomplishments of the Federal Government in resolving the problems and meeting the needs assessed pursuant to clause (i);
(iii)
describes the accomplishments and activities of the Council, in working with Federal, State, and local agencies and public and private organizations in order to preserve and expand affordable housing;
(iv)
assesses the level of Federal assistance necessary to adequately resolve the problems and meet the needs assessed pursuant to clause (i); and
(v)
specifies any recommendations of the Council for appropriate and necessary legislative and administrative actions to resolve such problems and meet such needs.
(4) Notification of Other Federal Agencies
If, in monitoring and evaluating programs and activities to assist in carrying out the mission described in subsection (b) conducted by other Federal agencies, the Council determines that any significant problem, abuse, or deficiency exists in the administration of the program or activity of any Federal agency, the Council shall submit a notice of the determination of the Council to the Inspector General of the Federal agency (or the head of the Federal agency, in the case of a Federal agency that has no Inspector General).
(5) Program Timetables
Not later than 90 days after date of the enactment of this Act, the head of each Federal agency or office that is a member of the Council and responsible for administering a program to assist in carrying out the mission described in subsection (b) shall provide to the Council a timetable regarding program funding availability and application deadlines. The Council shall furnish such information to each State (including the State contact person described in subsection (g)(1)).
(e) Director and staff
(1) Director
The Council shall appoint an Executive Director at the first meeting of the Council held under subsection (c)(3), who shall be compensated at a rate not to exceed the rate of basic pay payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Additional personnel
With the approval of the Council, the Executive Director of the Council may appoint and fix the compensation of such additional personnel as the Executive Director considers necessary to carry out the duties of the Council.
(3) Details From Other Agencies
Upon request of the Council, the head of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of such agency to the Council to assist the Council in carrying out its duties under this section.
(4) Administrative Support
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall provide the Council with such administrative and support services as are necessary to ensure that the Council carries out its functions under this section in an efficient and expeditious manner.
(5) Experts and Consultants
With the approval of the Council, the Executive Director of the Council may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.
(f) Powers
(1) Meetings
For the purpose of carrying out this section, the Council may hold such meetings, and sit and act at such times and places, as the Council considers appropriate.
(2) Delegation
Any member or employee of the Council may, if authorized by the Council, take any action that the Council is authorized to take in this section.
(3) Information
The Council may secure directly from any Federal agency such information as may be necessary to enable the Council to carry out this section. Upon request of the Chairperson of the Council, the head of such agency shall furnish such information to the Council.
(4) Donations
The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property, both real and personal, public and private, without fiscal year limitation, for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Council.
(5) Mails
The Council may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other Federal agencies.
(g) Encouragement of State involvement
(1) State Contact Persons
Each State shall designate an individual to serve as a State contact person for the purpose of receiving and disseminating information and communications received from the Council.
(2) State Interagency Councils and Lead Agencies
Each State is encouraged to establish a State interagency council on housing affordability and preservation or designate a lead agency for the State for the purpose of assuming primary responsibility for coordinating and interacting with the Council and State and local agencies as necessary.
(h) Authorization of appropriations
(1) In general
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $4,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
(2) Availability
Any amounts appropriated to carry out this section shall remain available until expended.
Sec. 402. HUD Language Access Plan
Not later than 180 days after the date of inauguration of a President, the Secretary shall release a comprehensive Language Access Plan, which shall—
(1)
include plans to improve access to Federal housing programs, services, and resources for individuals with limited English proficiency;
(2)
focus on translation services, digital and technological enhancements, community outreach and engagement, and enhanced data collection and reporting;
(3)
include an estimate for funding to carry out the activities under paragraphs (1) and (2); and
(4)
provide for training for employees of the Department to ensure compliance with the Language Access Plan.