[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6644 Reported in House (RH)]
<DOC>
Union Calendar No. 392
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6644
[Report No. 119-457, Part I]
A bill to increase the supply of housing in America, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 11, 2025
Mr. Hill of Arkansas (for himself, Ms. Waters, Mr. Flood, and Mr.
Cleaver) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
January 15, 2026
Additional sponsors: Mr. Green of Texas, Mr. Sessions, Ms. Velazquez,
Mr. Rose, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Steil, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Mr.
Stutzman, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Meuser, Ms. Pressley, Mrs. Kim, Ms. Tlaib,
Mr. Garbarino, Mr. Torres of New York, Mr. Lawler, Ms. Garcia of Texas,
Ms. De La Cruz, Ms. Pettersen, Mr. Nunn of Iowa, Mr. Fields, Ms.
Salazar, Ms. Bynum, Mr. Downing, Mr. Liccardo, Mr. Haridopolos, Mr.
Moskowitz, and Mr. Moore of North Carolina
January 15, 2026
Reported from the Committee on Financial Services with amendments
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
January 15, 2026
Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged; committed to the Committee
of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on
December 11, 2025]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
A bill to increase the supply of housing in America, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Housing for the
21st Century Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--BUILDING SMARTER FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Sec. 101. Housing Supply Frameworks.
Sec. 102. Accelerating home building grant program.
Sec. 103. Federal guidelines for point-access block buildings.
Sec. 104. Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized
Reviews.
Sec. 105. Federal Housing Agency Application of Environmental Reviews.
Sec. 106. Multifamily loan limits.
Sec. 107. GAO studies.
TITLE II--MODERNIZING LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AND RURAL HOUSING PROGRAMS
Sec. 201. HOME Reform.
Sec. 202. Community Development Fund Amendments.
Sec. 203. Grants for planning and implementation associated with
affordable housing.
Sec. 204. Rural housing service program improvements.
Sec. 205. Choice in Affordable Housing.
TITLE III--EXPANDING MANUFACTURED AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE
OPPORTUNITIES
Sec. 301. Manufactured Housing Innovations.
Sec. 302. FHA small-dollar mortgages.
Sec. 303. Community investment and prosperity.
TITLE IV--PROTECTING BORROWERS AND ASSISTED FAMILIES
Sec. 401. Exclusion of certain disability benefits.
Sec. 402. Military service question.
Sec. 403. HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination.
Sec. 404. Family self-sufficiency escrow expansion pilot program.
Sec. 405. Reforms to housing counseling and financial literacy
programs.
Sec. 406. Establishment of eviction helpline.
Sec. 407. Temperature Sensor pilot program.
Sec. 408. GAO studies.
TITLE V--ENHANCING OVERSIGHT OF HOUSING PROVIDERS
Sec. 501. Requirement to testify.
Sec. 502. Improving public housing agency accountability.
TITLE I--BUILDING SMARTER FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
SEC. 101. HOUSING SUPPLY FRAMEWORKS.
(a) 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.
(b) Guidelines on State and Local Zoning Frameworks.--
(1) In general.--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 and best practices in
the Federal Register for public comment; and
(B) establish a task force for the purpose of
providing consultation to draft the guidelines and best
practices published under subparagraph (A), the members
of which shall include--
(i) urban planners and architects;
(ii) housing developers, including
affordable and market-rate housing developers,
manufactured housing developers, cooperative
housing developers, and other business
interests;
(iii) community engagement experts and
community members impacted by zoning decisions;
(iv) public housing agencies 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 Assistant Secretary.
(c) 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.
(d) Reporting.--Not later than 5 years after the date on which the
Assistant Secretary publishes the final guidelines and best practices
for State and local zoning frameworks under this section, the Assistant
Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report describing--
(1) the States that have adopted recommendations from the
guidelines and best practices, pursuant to section 4 of this
Act;
(2) a summary of the localities that have adopted
recommendations from the guidelines and best practices,
pursuant to section 4 of this Act;
(3) a list of States that adopted a State zoning framework;
(4) a summary of the modifications that each State has made
in their State zoning framework;
(5) a general summary of the types of updates localities
have made to their local zoning framework;
(6) with respect to the States that have adopted a State
zoning framework or recommendations from the guidelines and
best practices, the effect of such adoptions; and
(7) a summary of any recommendations that were routinely
not adopted by States or by localities.
(e) 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. 102. ACCELERATING HOME BUILDING GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may award grants to eligible
entities to review designs of covered structures of mixed-income
housing and designate such reviewed designs to be included in pattern
books for use in the jurisdiction of the eligible entity.
(b) Restriction.--Amounts awarded under this section may not be
used for construction, alteration, or repair work.
(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 in the eligible entity;
(2) the presence of high opportunity areas in 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 amounts 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) Report Requirement.--Not later than 3 years after being awarded
a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the
Secretary a report that--
(1) describes the impacts of the activities carried out
using the amounts provided under this section on improving the
production and supply of affordable housing;
(2) includes a list of any pattern books the eligible
entity has established using amounts provided under this
section, including a description of the designs such pattern
book includes;
(3) identifies the number of permits issued by the eligible
entity for housing development using designs from such pattern
book; and
(4) identifies the number of housing units produced in
developments of the eligible entity using a design from such
pattern book.
(f) Availability of Information.--The Secretary shall--
(1) to the extent possible, encourage eligible entities
awarded grants under this section to make any pattern books
established by such entity, and designs in such pattern book,
publicly available through a website; and
(2) collect, identify, and disseminate best practices
relating to pattern books and make such information publicly
available on a website of the Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
(g) Repayment of Awarded Amounts.--The Secretary may require an
eligible entity to return, to the Secretary, grant amounts awarded
under this section if the Secretary determines that the eligible entity
has not approved a sufficient number of building permits that use
designs included in a pattern book established by the eligible entity,
during the 5-year period following receipt of the grant by the eligible
entity, unless such period is extended by the Secretary.
(h) 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 low-rise or mid-rise structure with not more than 25
dwelling units that may include--
(A) an accessory dwelling unit;
(B) infill development;
(C) a duplex;
(D) a triplex;
(E) a fourplex;
(F) a cottage court;
(G) a courtyard building;
(H) a townhouse;
(I) a multiplex; and
(J) any other structure with not less than 2
dwelling units that the Secretary has determined in
advance to be 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)); and
(B) 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 a residential housing 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) Pattern book.--The term ``pattern book'' means a set of
pre-reviewed, designated designs or construction plans that are
assessed and approved as by-right development 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.
SEC. 103. FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR POINT-ACCESS BLOCK BUILDINGS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development shall issue guidelines to provide States, territories,
Tribes, and localities with model code language, best practices, and
technical guidance that could be used to facilitate the permitting of
point-access block residential buildings.
(b) Contents.--When developing the guidelines under subsection (a),
the Secretary shall consider--
(1) fire safety considerations, including sprinkler
coverage, smoke detection, ventilation, and building egress
performance;
(2) construction costs and potential impacts on housing
affordability, including the potential for increasing housing
supply in high-cost jurisdictions;
(3) flexibility for diverse consumer needs, including
family sizes, unit configurations, and accessibility;
(4) examples of single-stair codes adopted or considered by
States and cities in the United States;
(5) examples single-stair codes used in relevant
international standards;
(6) research and model language relating to single-stair
codes produced by organizations that focus on point-access
block building design and building-code reform;
(7) consulting with experts, including developers,
architects, fire marshals, researchers, economists, housing
authorities, and officials in States that have enacted or
piloted single-stair codes; and
(8) alternative methods of safety compliance, including
options that utilize additional passive or active safety
features.
(c) Coordination With the International Code Council.--The
Secretary shall coordinate with the International Code Council to
encourage the International Code Council to incorporate provisions
about point-access block buildings into the International Building
Code.
(d) Grants.--The Secretary may award competitive grants to eligible
entities to implement pilot projects that evaluate, demonstrate, or
validate the safety, feasibility, or cost-effectiveness of point-access
block residential buildings.
(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed
to preempt a State or local building code.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a
State, unit of local government, Tribal Government, public
housing agency, nonprofit housing organization, community
development organization, private developer, construction firm,
qualified design firm, engineering firm, academic institution,
research institution, or any partnership or consortium
comprised of 2 or more such types of entities.
(2) Point-access block building.--The term ``point-access
block building'' means a Group R-2 occupancy residential
structure, as such term is defined by the International
Building Code, in which a single internal stairway provides
access and egress for all dwelling units in a building that is
not greater than 6 stories in height.
SEC. 104. UNLOCKING HOUSING SUPPLY THROUGH STREAMLINED AND MODERNIZED
REVIEWS.
(a) NEPA Streamlining for HUD Housing-related Activities.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development shall, in accordance with section 553 of title 5,
United States Code, 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, as
defined in section 8(o) of the United States
Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)).
(ii) Supportive services, including health
care, housing services, permanent housing
placement, day care, nutritional services,
short-term payment 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 predevelopment
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--
(aa) a maximum number of
units to be determined by the
Secretary; and
(bb) a limitation on the
change in building size to 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 15
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) Buyouts, defined as the
voluntary acquisition of properties
located in--
(aa) a floodway;
(bb) a floodplain; or
(cc) an other area, clearly
delineated by the grantee, that
has been impacted by a
predictable environmental
threat to the safety and
wellbeing of program
beneficiaries caused or
exacerbated by a federally
declared disaster.
(2) 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
annual reports during the 5-year period beginning on the date
that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act that
provide 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 subsection, 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.
(b) Better Use of Intergovernmental and Local Development for
Housing.--
(1) 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:
``SEC. 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.''.
(2) 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--
(A) by striking ``State or unit of general local
government'' each place it appears and inserting
``State, Indian Tribe, or unit of general local
government'';
(B) 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
(C) 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)).''.
(c) Infill Project Defined.--In this section, the term ``infill
project'' means a project that--
(1) occurs within the geographic limits of a municipality;
(2) is adequately served by existing utilities and public
services as required under applicable law;
(3) is located on a site of previously disturbed land of
not more than 5 acres and substantially surrounded by
residential or commercial development;
(4) will repurpose a vacant or underutilized parcel of
land, or a dilapidated or abandoned structure; and
(5) will serve a residential or commercial purpose.
SEC. 105. FEDERAL HOUSING AGENCY APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS.
(a) Memorandum of Understanding.--
(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 enter into a
memorandum of understanding to--
(A) evaluate the use of categorical exclusions (as
defined in section 111 of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e)) for housing
projects funded by amounts from the Department of the
Housing and Urban Development and the Department of
Agriculture;
(B) develop a process to designate a lead agency
among the Department of Housing and Urban Development
and the Department of Agriculture to streamline the
adoption of environmental impact statements and
environmental assessments approved by the other agency
to construct housing projects funded by amounts from
both agencies;
(C) maintain compliance with environmental
regulations under part 58 of title 24, Code of Federal
Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2025; and
(D) 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.
(2) Advisory working group.--
(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 establish an advisory working group for the
purpose of consulting on the implementation of the
memorandum of understanding entered into under
paragraph (1).
(B) Members.--The advisory working group
established under subparagraph (A) shall consist of
rural and nonrural stakeholders, including--
(i) affordable housing nonprofit
organizations;
(ii) State housing and housing finance
agencies;
(iii) nonprofit and for-profit home
builders and housing developers;
(iv) property management companies;
(v) owners of multifamily properties,
including nonprofit and for-profit owners and
operators;
(vi) public housing agencies;
(vii) residents in housing assisted by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development or
the Department of Agriculture and
representatives of those residents; and
(viii) housing contract administrators.
(3) 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--
(A) 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
(B) that do not materially, with respect to
residents of housing projects described in subparagraph
(A)--
(i) reduce the safety of those residents;
(ii) shift long-term costs onto those
residents; or
(iii) undermine the environmental standards
of those residents.
(b) Study and Review.--
(1) Exemption.--In providing assistance under section 501,
502, 504, 515, 533, or 538 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42
U.S.C. 1471, 1472, 1474, 1485, 1490m, or 1490p-2) for the
construction or modification of residential housing located on
an infill site, the Secretary of Agriculture shall not be
required to carry out any study or report on the environmental
effects of such assistance.
(2) Report.--Not later than the date that is 5 years after
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall submit, to the Committee on Financial
Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, a report
that--
(A) determines whether the implementation of this
section--
(i) reduced the amount of time it takes to
review an application for assistance under the
sections of the Housing Act of 1949 identified
in paragraph (1); and
(ii) reduced the administrative cost of
providing such assistance;
(B) describes how the implementation of this
section affects the affordable housing sector in rural
America; and
(C) includes any legislative recommendations from
the Secretary of Agriculture.
(2) Definitions.--In this section:
(A) Greenfield.--The term ``greenfield'' means a
site that has not been developed, including a woodland,
farmland, and an open field.
(B) Infill site.--The term ``infill site''--
(i) means a site that is served by existing
infrastructure, including water lines, sewer
lines, and roads; and
(ii) does not include--
(I) a site that is served by
existing infrastructure that only
consists of a road;
(II) a site within a census tract
designated as very high or relatively
high risk for wildfire, coastal
flooding, and riverine flooding under
the National Risk Index of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency pursuant to
section 206 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5136); and
(III) a greenfield.
SEC. 106. MULTIFAMILY LOAN LIMITS.
(a) In General.--Title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C.
1707 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 206A (12 U.S.C. 1712a)--
(A) in subsection (a), in the matter following
paragraph (7), by striking ``(commencing in 2004'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting the following: ``, commencing on January 1,
2026. The adjustment of the Dollar Amounts shall be
calculated by the Secretary using 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 calculated by
the Secretary using an alternative indicator after
publishing information about such alternative indicator
in the Federal Register for public comment if the Price
Deflator Index of Multifamily Residential Units Under
Construction is not available or published.''; and
(B) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the
following:
``(b) Rounding.--The dollar amount of any adjustment described in
subsection (a) shall be rounded to the next lower dollar.
``(c) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish in the Federal
Register any adjustments made to the Dollar Amounts.'';
(2) in section 207(c)(3)(A) (12 U.S.C. 1713(c)(3)(A))--
(A) by striking ``$38,025'' and inserting
``$167,310'';
(B) by striking ``$42,120'' and inserting
``$185,328'';
(C) by striking ``$50,310'' and inserting
``$221,364'';
(D) by striking ``$62,010'' and inserting
``$272,844'';
(E) by striking ``$70,200'' and inserting
``$308,880'';
(F) by striking ``, or not to exceed $17,460 per
space'';
(G) by striking ``$43,875'' and inserting
``$193,050'';
(H) by striking ``$49,140'' and inserting
``$216,216'';
(I) by striking ``$60,255'' and inserting
``$265,122'';
(J) by striking ``$75,465'' and inserting
``$332,046''; and
(K) by striking ``$85,328'' and inserting
``$375,443'';
(3) in section 213(b)(2) (12 U.S.C. 1715e(b)(2))--
(A) by striking ``$41,207'' and inserting
``$181,311'';
(B) by striking ``$47,511'' and inserting
``$209,048'';
(C) by striking ``$57,300'' and inserting
``$252,120'';
(D) by striking ``$73,343'' and inserting
``$322,709'';
(E) by striking ``$81,708'' and inserting
``$359,515'';
(F) by striking ``$43,875'' and inserting
``$193,050'';
(G) by striking ``$49,710'' and inserting
``$218,724'';
(H) by striking ``$60,446'' and inserting
``$265,962'';
(I) by striking ``$78,197'' and inserting
``$344,067''; and
(J) by striking ``$85,836'' and inserting
``$377,678'';
(4) in section 220(d)(3)(B)(iii)(I) (12 U.S.C.
1715k(d)(3)(B)(iii)(I))--
(A) by striking ``$38,025'' and inserting
``$167,310'';
(B) by striking ``$42,120'' and inserting
``$185,328'';
(C) by striking ``$50,310'' and inserting
``$221,364'';
(D) by striking ``$62,010'' and inserting
``$272,844'';
(E) by striking ``$70,200'' and inserting
``$308,880'';
(F) by striking ``$43,875'' and inserting
``$193,050'';
(G) by striking ``$49,140'' and inserting
``$216,216'';
(H) by striking ``$60,255'' and inserting
``$265,122'';
(I) by striking ``$75,465'' and inserting
``$332,046''; and
(J) by striking ``$85,328'' and inserting
``$375,443'';
(5) in section 221(d)(4)(ii)(I) (12 U.S.C.
1715l(d)(4)(ii)(I))--
(A) by striking ``$37,843'' and inserting
``$166,509'';
(B) by striking ``$42,954'' and inserting
``$188,997'';
(C) by striking ``$51,920'' and inserting
``$228,448'';
(D) by striking ``$65,169'' and inserting
``$286,744'';
(E) by striking ``$73,846'' and inserting
``$324,922'';
(F) by striking ``$40,876'' and inserting
``$179,854'';
(G) by striking ``$46,859'' and inserting
``$206,180'';
(H) by striking ``$56,979'' and inserting
``$250,708'';
(I) by striking ``$73,710'' and inserting
``$324,324''; and
(J) by striking ``$80,913'' and inserting
``$356,017'';
(6) in section 231(c)(2)(A) (12 U.S.C. 1715v(c)(2)(A))--
(A) by striking ``$35,978'' and inserting
``$166,509'';
(B) by striking ``$40,220'' and inserting
``$188,997'';
(C) by striking ``$48,029'' and inserting
``$228,448'';
(D) by striking ``$57,798'' and inserting
``$286,744'';
(E) by striking ``$67,950'' and inserting
``$324,922'';
(F) by striking ``$40,876'' and inserting
``$179,854'';
(G) by striking ``$46,859'' and inserting
``$206,180'';
(H) by striking ``$56,979'' and inserting
``$250,708'';
(I) by striking ``$73,710'' and inserting
``$324,324''; and
(J) by striking ``$80,913'' and inserting
``$356,017''; and
(7) in section 234(e)(3)(A) (12 U.S.C. 1715y(e)(3)(A))--
(A) by striking ``$42,048'' and inserting
``$185,011'';
(B) by striking ``$48,481'' and inserting
``$213,316'';
(C) by striking ``$58,469'' and inserting
``$257,263'';
(D) by striking ``$74,840'' and inserting
``$329,296'';
(E) by striking ``$83,375'' and inserting
``$366,850'';
(F) by striking ``$44,250'' and inserting
``$194,700'';
(G) by striking ``$50,724'' and inserting
``$223,186'';
(H) by striking ``$61,680'' and inserting
``$271,392'';
(I) by striking ``$79,793'' and inserting
``$351,089''; and
(J) by striking ``$87,588'' and inserting
``$385,387''.
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section or the
amendments made by this section may 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.
SEC. 107. GAO STUDIES.
(a) Workforce Housing Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall conduct a study and submit to the Congress
a report that--
(A) identifies obstacles middle-income households
face when looking to secure affordable housing;
(B) identifies geographic areas where housing is
the most unaffordable and unavailable for middle-income
households;
(C) includes a list of Federal housing programs,
including Federal tax credits, grants, and loan
programs, that are not available to middle-income
households due to their income status, including
Federal housing programs designed to promote
affordability;
(D) recommends income and other parameters to
establish a clear and consistent Federal definition for
the term ``workforce housing'' for use when describing
the segment of housing that could be made available to
such middle-income households in Federal housing
programs if funding commensurate with the additional
eligibility were to be made available; and
(E) analyzes how to modify or newly develop new
Federal housing programs and incentives to include
``workforce housing'' if funding commensurate with the
additional eligibility were to be made available.
(2) Middle-income household defined.--In this subsection,
the term ``middle income household'' means a household with an
income above 80-percent but that does not exceed 120-percent of
the median family income of the area, as determined by the
Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families.
(b) Uniform Building Code Study.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall conduct a study and submit a report to the Congress
that examines the costs and benefits that could be associated with
establishing a Federal uniform residential building code, including
whether such a code could--
(1) reduce the amount of time required for units of local
government to approve new construction;
(2) reduce the cost of residential construction in the
United States; or
(3) increase the quality of available and affordable
residential housing in the United States.
TITLE II--MODERNIZING LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AND RURAL HOUSING PROGRAMS
SEC. 201. HOME REFORM.
(a) In General.--Section 104 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National
Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12704) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)(B), by striking ``significant''; and
(2) by adding at end the following new paragraph:
``(26) The term `infill housing project' means a
residential housing project that--
``(A) is located 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
``(D) is substantially surrounded by residential or
commercial development, as determined by the
Secretary.''.
(b) Assistance for Low-Income Families.--Title II of the Cranston-
Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12721 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) in section 214(2), by striking ``households that
qualify as low-income families'' and inserting ``families with
a household income that does not exceed 100-percent of the
median-family income of the area, as determined by the
Secretary'';
(2) in section 215--
(A) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``whose
family qualifies as a low-income family'' and inserting
``with a family income that does not exceed 100-percent
of the median-family income of the area as determined
by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and
larger families''; and
(B) in subsection (b)(3)(A)(ii), by striking ``low-
income homebuyers'' and inserting ``homebuyers with a
household income that does not exceed 100-percent of
the median-family income of the area, as determined by
the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger
families''; and
(3) in section 271(c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``low-income''
and inserting ``families with a household income that
does not exceed 100-percent of the median-family income
of the area as determined by the Secretary with
adjustments for smaller and larger families''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``low-income
families'' and inserting ``families with a household
income that does not exceed 100-percent of the median-
family income of the area as determined by the
Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger
families''.
(c) Choices Made by Participating Jurisdictions.--Section 212(a)(2)
of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
12742) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Limitation.--The Secretary may not restrict a
participating jurisdiction's choice of rehabilitation,
substantial rehabilitation, new construction, reconstruction,
acquisition, or other eligible housing uses authorized in
paragraph (1) unless such restriction is explicitly authorized
under section 223(2).''.
(d) Use of Amounts by Certain Jurisdictions for Infrastructure
Improvements.--
(1) In general.--Section 212(a) of the Cranston-Gonzalez
National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)) is amended
by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Infrastructure improvements in nonentitlement
areas.--
``(A) In general.--A participating jurisdiction may
use funds provided under this subtitle for
infrastructure improvements, including the installation
or repair of water and sewer lines, sidewalks, roads,
and utility connections if--
``(i) such participating jurisdiction does
not receive assistance under title I of the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1974;
and
``(ii) such improvements are directly
related to, and located within or immediately
adjacent to--
``(I) housing assisted under this
subtitle; or
``(II) housing assisted under
section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986.
``(B) Application of labor standards.--The labor
standards and requirements set forth in section 110 of
the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42
U.S.C. 5310) shall apply to any infrastructure
improvement conducted using funds provided under this
subtitle.
``(C) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this
paragraph may be construed to impose any requirements
of the HOME Investment Partnerships program on housing
that benefits from an infrastructure improvement
conducted using funds provided under this subtitle but
was not otherwise assisted under the HOME Investment
Partnerships program.''.
(2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue rules
to carry out the amendment made by paragraph (1).
(e) Per Unit Investment Limitations.--Section 212(e)(1) of the
Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
12742(e)(1)) is amended by striking the second sentence.
(f) Affordable Rental Housing Qualifications.--Section 215(a) of
the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
12745(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Qualification exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph
(1)(A), a rental unit shall be considered to qualify as
affordable housing under this title if--
``(A) the unit is occupied by a tenant receiving
tenant-based rental assistance under section 8 of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f);
``(B) the tenant's contribution toward rent does
not exceed the amount permitted under such section 8
assistance; and
``(C) the total rent for the unit does not exceed
the amount approved by the public housing agency
administering the assistance under that program.''.
(g) Affordable Homeownership Housing Qualifications.--Section 215
of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
12745(b)) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``95 percent''
and inserting ``110 percent'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking
``or'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``and'' at the end and inserting ``or''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(C) maintain long-term affordability through a
shared equity ownership model, a community land trust,
a limited equity cooperative, a community development
corporation, or other mechanism approved by the
Secretary, that preserves affordability for future
eligible homebuyers and ensures compliance with the
purposes of this title, including through the use of
purchase options, rights of first refusal or other
preemptive rights to purchase housing; and''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Qualification Exceptions for Homeownership.--
``(1) Military members.--A participating jurisdiction, in
accordance with terms established by the Secretary, may suspend
or waive the income qualifications described in subsection
(b)(2) with respect to housing that otherwise meets the
criteria described in subsection (b) 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.
``(2) Heirs and beneficiaries of deceased owners.--Housing
that meets the criteria described in subsection (b)(3) prior to
the death of an owner of such housing shall continue to qualify
as affordable housing under this title 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.''.
(h) Elimination of Expiration of Right to Draw Home Investment
Trust Funds.--Section 218 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable
Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12748) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (g); and
(2) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (g).
(i) Adjusted Recapture and Reuse of Set-aside for Community Housing
Developmental Organizations.--Section 231(b) of the Cranston-Gonzalez
National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12771(b)) is amended to read
as follows:
``(b) Recapture and Reuse.--If any funds reserved under subsection
(a) remain uninvested for a period of 24 months, the Secretary shall
make such funds available to the participating jurisdiction for any
eligible activities under title II of this Act without regard to
whether a community housing development organization materially
participates in the use of such funds.''.
(j) Asset Recycling Information Dissemination Expansion.--Section
245(b)(2) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42
U.S.C. 12785(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``95 percent'' and inserting
``110 percent''.
(k) Environmental Review Requirements.--
(1) In general.--Section 288 of the Cranston-Gonzalez
National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12838) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(e) Categorical Exemptions.--The following categories of
activities carried out under this title shall be statutorily exempt
from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act
of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and shall not require further review
under such Act--
``(1) new construction infill housing projects;
``(2) acquisition of real property for affordable housing
purposes;
``(3) rehabilitation projects carried out pursuant to
section 212(a)(1); and
``(4) new construction projects of 15 units or less.
``(f) Removing Duplicative Reviews.--
``(1) In general.--To the extent practicable and permitted
by law, the Secretary shall ensure that a project that has
undergone an environmental review under this section shall not
be subject to a duplicative environmental review solely due to
the addition, substitution, or reallocation of other sources of
Federal assistance, if the scope, scale, and location of the
project remain substantially unchanged.
``(2) Coordination of environmental review
responsibilities.--The Secretary shall, by regulation, provide
for coordination of environmental review responsibilities with
other Federal agencies to streamline inter-agency compliance
and avoid unnecessary duplication of effort under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and
other applicable laws.
``(3) Recognition of prior reviews by responsible
entities.--A project may not be subject to an environmental
review under this section if a substantially similar review has
already been completed by an entity designated under section
104(g)(1) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974
(42 U.S.C. 5304(g)(1)) or by another entity the Secretary
determines to have equivalent authority, if the scope, scale,
and location of the project remain substantially unchanged.''.
(2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue such rules
as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the
amendment made by this subsection.
(l) Application of Other Specified Statutory Requirements.--Title
II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
12721 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
sections (and by conforming the table of sections in section 1(b),
accordingly):
``SEC. 291. APPLICATION OF BUILD AMERICA, BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS.
``With respect to activities assisted under this title,
requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act (41 U.S.C. 8301
note) and any implementing regulations or guidance, shall only apply to
infrastructure improvements conducted under section 212(a)(4) using
funds provided under subtitle A.
``SEC. 292. NONAPPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL
PROJECTS.
``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the requirements of
section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C.
1701u), and any implementing regulations or guidance, shall not apply
to an activity assisted under this title that involves rehabilitation,
construction, or other development of housing if--
``(1) the recipient of assistance under this title is--
``(A) a State recipient pursuant to section 216; or
``(B) a participating jurisdiction that received a
total allocation of less than $3,000,000 in the most
recent fiscal year pursuant to section 216; and
``(2) the total number of dwelling units assisted as a part
of such activity is 50 or fewer.''.
(m) Technical Amendments.--The Cranston-Gonzalez National
Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12701 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance
Act'' each place it appears and inserting ``McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act''; and
(2) by striking ``Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban
Affairs'' each place it appears and inserting ``Committee on
Financial Services''.
(n) Reallocation Not Available for Certain Jurisdictions.--Section
217(d) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42
U.S.C. 12747(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking the second sentence and
inserting the following: ``Subject to paragraph (4),
jurisdictions eligible for such reallocations shall include
participating jurisdictions and jurisdictions meeting the
requirements of this title, including the requirements in
paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of section 216.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Reallocation not available for certain
jurisdictions.--The Secretary may decline to make a
reallocation available to a jurisdiction eligible for such
reallocation if such jurisdiction has failed to meet or comply
with any requirement under this title.''.
(o) Amendments to Qualification as Affordable Housing.--Section
215(a) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42
U.S.C. 12745(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(E), by striking ``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 inserting the following: ``except--
``(i) 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; or
``(ii) where existing affordable housing is
no longer financially viable due to unforeseen
acts or occurrences beyond the reasonable
contemplation or control of the participating
jurisdiction in which the affordable housing is
located or the owner of the affordable housing
that significantly impact the financial or
physical condition of the affordable housing,
as determined by the Secretary; and''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Small-scale housing.--
``(A) In general.--Small-scale housing shall
qualify as affordable housing under this title if--
``(i) each dwelling unit in such housing
bears rent in an amount that complies with the
requirements described in paragraph (1)(A);
``(ii) each dwelling unit in such housing
is occupied by a low-income family;
``(iii) no dwelling unit in such housing is
refused for leasing to a holder of a voucher
under section 8 of the United States Housing
Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) because of the
status of the prospective tenant as a holder of
such voucher;
``(iv) such housing complies with the
requirement described in paragraph (1)(E); and
``(v) the participating jurisdiction in
which such small-scale housing is located
monitors the compliance of such housing with
the requirements of this title in a manner
consistent with the purposes of section 226(b),
as determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Small-scale housing defined.--In this
paragraph, the term `small-scale housing' means housing
with not more than 4 dwelling units each of which is
made available for rental.''.
(p) 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) Exception.--Paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) shall not apply to
small-scale housing, as such term is defined in section 215(a)(7).''.
(q) Revision of Definition of Community Land Trust.--Section 104 of
the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12704)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(27) The term `community land trust' means a nonprofit
entity, a State, a unit of local government or instrumentality
of a State or unit of local government that--
``(A) is not managed by, or an affiliate of, a for-
profit organization;
``(B) has as a primary purpose of acquiring,
developing, or holding land to provide housing that is
permanently affordable to low- and moderate-income
persons;
``(C) monitors properties to ensure affordability
is preserved;
``(D) provides housing that is permanently
affordable to low- and moderate-income persons using a
ground lease, deed covenant, or other similar legally
enforceable measure, determined acceptable by the
Secretary, that--
``(i) keeps 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
``(E) maintains preemptive purchase options to
purchase the property if such purchase would allow the
housing to remain affordable to low-and moderate-income
persons.''.
(r) Conforming Amendments.--The Cranston-Gonzalez National
Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12701 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 233 by striking subsection (f); and
(2) in section 233(b)(6), by striking ``to community land
trusts (as such term is defined in subsection (f))'' and
inserting ``to community land trusts (as such term is defined
in section 104)''.
(s) Minimum Allocations.--Section 217(b) of the Cranston-Gonzalez
National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12747 (b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$500,000'' each place
that term appears and inserting ``$750,000'';
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``jurisdictions that are allocated
an amount of $500,000 or more'' and inserting
``jurisdictions that are allocated an amount of
$750,000 or more'';
(B) by striking ``that are allocated an amount less
than $500,000'' and inserting ``that are allocated an
amount less than $500,000 before the date of the
enactment of the Housing for the 21st Century Act or
less than $750,000 on or after the date of the
enactment of the Housing for the 21st Century Act'';
and
(C) by striking ``, except as provided in paragraph
(4)''; and
(3) by striking paragraph (4).
(t) Additional Technical Corrections.--The Cranston-Gonzalez
National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12701 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 108(a)(1), by striking ``section
105(b)(15)'' and inserting ``section 105(b)(18)''; and
(2) in section 217(b)(1)(F), by striking ``Subcommittee on
Housing and Community Development'' and inserting
``Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community
Development''.
SEC. 202. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND AMENDMENTS.
(a) Identifying Regulatory Barriers to Housing Supply.--Section 104
of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(n) Plan to Track and Reduce Overly Burdensome Land Use
Policies.--
``(1) In general.--Beginning 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this subsection, prior to receipt in any fiscal
year of a grant from the Secretary under subsection (b),
(d)(1), or (d)(2)(B) of section 106, each recipient shall have
prepared and submitted, not less frequently than once during
the preceding 5-year period, a description of--
``(A) whether the jurisdiction served by the
recipient has adopted any of the types of land use
policies described in paragraph (2) during the
preceding 5-year period;
``(B) the plans the jurisdiction served by the
recipient has to adopt and implement any of the types
of land use policies described in paragraph (2); and
``(C) any ways in which the jurisdiction served by
the recipient expects the planned adoption of any of
the types of land use policies described in paragraph
(2) would benefit the jurisdiction.
``(2) Types of land use policies.--The types of policies to
be considered for the purposes of the submission of information
required under paragraph (1) include the following:
``(A) Expanding by-right multifamily zoned areas.
``(B) Allowing duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes
in areas zoned primarily for single-family residential
homes.
``(C) Allowing manufactured homes in areas zoned
primarily for single-family residential homes.
``(D) Allowing multifamily development in retail,
office, and light manufacturing zones.
``(E) Allowing single-room occupancy development
wherever multifamily housing is allowed.
``(F) Reducing minimum lot size.
``(G) Ensuring historic preservation requirements
and other land use policies or requirements are
coordinated to encourage creation of housing in
historic buildings and historic districts.
``(H) Increasing the allowable floor area ratio by
allowing a higher ratio of total floor area in a
building in comparison to its lot size.
``(I) Creating transit-oriented development zones.
``(J) Streamlining or shortening permitting
processes and timelines, including through one-stop and
parallel-process permitting.
``(K) Eliminating or reducing off-street parking
requirements.
``(L) Ensuring impact and utility investment fees
accurately reflect required infrastructure needs and
related impacts on housing affordability are otherwise
mitigated.
``(M) Allowing off-site construction, including
prefabricated construction.
``(N) Reducing or eliminating minimum unit square
footage requirements.
``(O) Allowing the conversion of office units to
apartments.
``(P) Allowing the subdivision of single-family
homes into duplexes.
``(Q) Allowing accessory dwelling units, including
detached accessory dwelling units, on all lots with
single-family homes.
``(R) Establishing density bonuses.
``(S) Eliminating or relaxing residential property
height limitations.
``(T) Using property tax abatements to enable
higher density and mixed-income communities.
``(U) Donating vacant land for affordable housing
development.
``(V) Enacting other relevant high-density, single-
family, and multifamily zoning policies that the
recipient chooses to report.
``(3) Effect of submission.--A submission under this
subsection shall not be binding with respect to the use or
distribution of amounts received under section 106.
``(4) Acceptance or nonacceptance of plan.--The acceptance
or nonacceptance of any plan submitted under this subsection in
which the information required under this subsection is
provided may not be considered an endorsement or approval of
the plan, policies, or methodologies, or lack thereof.
``(5) Prohibition on use of information for enforcement.--
Information provided by a recipient to the Secretary under this
subsection may not be used as the basis for any enforcement
action.''.
(b) Addition of Affordable Housing Construction as an Eligible
Activity.--
(1) Eligible activity.--Section 105(a) of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (25)(D), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(B) in paragraph (26), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(27) the new construction of affordable housing, within
the meaning given such term under section 215 of the Cranston-
Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12745), and
which shall not exceed 20-percent of the amounts allocated to
the recipient.''.
(2) Low- and moderate-income requirement.--Section
105(c)(3) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974
(42 U.S.C. 5305(c)(3)) is amended by striking ``or
rehabilitation'' and inserting ``, rehabilitation, or new
construction''.
(3) Applicability.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply with respect only to amounts appropriated after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Databases of Publicly Owned Land.--
(1) In general.--Section 104(b) of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304(b)) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) the grantee maintains, on a publicly accessible
website, a searchable database that identifies all parcels of
undeveloped land owned by the grantee.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall take effect on October 1, 2026.
SEC. 203. GRANTS FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION ASSOCIATED WITH
AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
shall, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
section, establish a program to award grants on a competitive basis to
eligible entities to assist planning and implementation activities
associated with affordable housing.
(b) Use of Amounts.--
(1) By regional planning agencies.--If an eligible entity
that receives amounts under this section is a regional planning
agency or consortia of regional planning agencies, such
eligible entity shall use such amounts to assist planning
activities with respect to affordable housing, including--
(A) the development of housing plans;
(B) the substantial improvement of State or local
housing strategies;
(C) the development of new regulatory requirements
and processes;
(D) updating zoning codes;
(E) increasing the capacity to conduct housing
inspections;
(F) increasing the capacity to reduce barriers to
housing supply elasticity and housing affordability;
(G) the development of local or regional plans for
community development; and
(H) the substantial improvement of community
development strategies, including strategies designed
to--
(i) increase the availability of affordable
housing and access to affordable housing;
(ii) increase access to public
transportation; and
(iii) advance sustainable or location-
efficient community development goals.
(2) By states, insular areas, metropolitan cities, and
urban counties.--If an eligible entity that receives amounts
under this section is a State, insular area, metropolitan city,
or urban county, such eligible entity shall use such amounts
to--
(A) implement and administer housing strategies and
housing plans;
(B) implement and administer any plans to increase
housing choice, address disparities in housing needs,
and provide greater access to opportunity;
(C) fund any community investments that support
goals identified in a housing strategy or housing plan;
(D) implement and administer regulatory
requirements and processes with respect to reformed
zoning codes;
(E) increase the capacity to conduct housing
inspections;
(F) increase the capacity to reduce barriers to
housing supply elasticity and housing affordability;
(G) implement and administer local or regional
plans for community development; and
(H) fund any planning to increase--
(i) the availability of affordable housing
and access to affordable housing;
(ii) access to public transportation; and
(iii) any location-efficient community
development goals.
(3) Use for administrative costs.--A eligible entity that
receives amounts under this section may not use more than 10-
percent of such amounts for administrative costs.
(c) Coordination.--To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall
coordinate with the Federal Transit Administrator in carrying out this
section.
(d) Additional Uses of Amounts.--
(1) Housing construction.--Expenditures on new construction
of housing shall be an eligible expense under this section.
(2) Buildings for general conduct of government.--
Expenditures on building for the general conduct of government,
other than the Federal Government, shall be eligible under this
section when necessary and appropriate as a part of a natural
hazard mitigation project.
(e) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a State, insular area, metropolitan city, or
urban county, as such terms are defined in section 102
of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974;
or
(B) a regional planning agency or consortia of
regional planning agencies.
(2) Housing plan.--The term ``housing plan'' means a plan
to, with respect to an area within the jurisdiction of an
eligible entity--
(A) increase the amount of available housing to
meet the demand for such housing and any projected
increase in the demand for such housing;
(B) increase the affordability of housing;
(C) increase the accessibility of housing for
people with disabilities, including location-efficient
housing;
(D) preserve or improve the quality of housing;
(E) reduce barriers to housing development; and
(F) coordinate with transportation-related
agencies.
(3) Housing strategy.--The term ``housing strategy'' means
a housing strategy required under section 105 of the Cranston-
Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.
SEC. 204. RURAL HOUSING SERVICE PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS.
(a) In General.--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'';
and
(2) by striking ``$7,500'' and inserting ``$15,000''.
(b) 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:
``SEC. 545. ANNUAL REPORT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and publish on a
website of the Department of Agriculture an annual report on the rural
housing programs carried out under this title.
``(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall
include significant details on the information about the health of the
programs carried out by the Rural Housing Service, including--
``(1) raw data about loan performance that can be sorted by
program and region;
``(2) a description of the housing stock of such programs;
``(3) information about why properties end participation in
such programs, including maturation prepayment, foreclosure, or
other servicing issues; and
``(4) risk ratings for properties assisted under such
programs.
``(c) Protection of Information.--Data included in a report
required under subsection (a) may be aggregated or anonymized to
protect the financial information and personal information of program
participants.''.
(c) Application Review.--
(1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of the 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 that--
(i) details the timeliness of eligibility
determinations and final determinations with
respect to applications under section 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) includes recommendations to shorten
the timeline for notifications of eligibility
determinations described in subparagraph (A) to
not more than 90 days.
(B) Date described.--The date described in this
paragraph 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.
(d) 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 the 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.
SEC. 205. CHOICE IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
(a) Preapproval 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 family 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 the
requirements in this subparagraph and
subparagraph (C) if the new landlord
enters into a lease agreement with a
family 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).''.
(b) 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)) 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;
``(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 provided
that the remote or video inspection--
``(I) covers a substantially
similar review of the relevant aspects
of the unit compared to an in-person
inspection;
``(II) does not misrepresent the
condition of the unit; and
``(III) provides the information
necessary to fully and accurately
evaluate the conditions of the unit to
ensure that the unit meets the
applicable standards.
``(v) Rule of construction.--Nothing in
clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) may be
construed to affect the operation of a housing
program described in, or authorized under a
provision of law described in, that clause.''.
TITLE III--EXPANDING MANUFACTURED AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE
OPPORTUNITIES
SEC. 301. MANUFACTURED HOUSING INNOVATIONS.
(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) Standards for Manufactured Homes Built Without a Permanent
Chassis.--Section 604(a) 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:
``(7) Standards for manufactured homes built without a
permanent chassis.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall issue
revised standards for manufactured homes built without
a permanent chassis and shall consult with the
consensus committee in the development of such revised
standards, using the process described in paragraph
(4).
``(B) Creating final standards.--The Secretary
shall, after consulting and conferring with the
consensus committee, establish standards to ensure
manufactured homes without a permanent chassis have--
``(i) a distinct label to be issued by the
Secretary distinguishing manufactured homes
built without a permanent chassis from
manufactured homes built on a permanent
chassis;
``(ii) a data plate, as described in
section 3280.5 of title 24, Code of Federal
Regulations, distinguishing manufactured homes
built without a permanent chassis from
manufactured homes built on a permanent
chassis; and
``(iii) a notation on any invoice produced
by the manufacturer of a manufactured home that
is distinguishable from the invoice for a
manufactured home constructed with a permanent
chassis.''.
(c) Manufactured Home Standards and 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 Standards and Certifications.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Initial certification.--Subject to
subparagraph (B), not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this subsection, a State shall submit
to the Secretary an initial certification that the laws
and regulations of the State--
``(i) treat a manufactured home without a
chassis 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 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 section 623(c) of the National
Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards
Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5422(c)) shall contain the
required State certification under subparagraph (A) or
paragraph (3) 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 this subsection.
``(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 do 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 this subsection.
``(B) Building, installation, and sale.--If a State
does not submit a certification under paragraph (1)(A)
or paragraph (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.''.
(d) 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 (that is 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 (that is 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.
(e) 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).''.
(f) Preemption.--Nothing in this section or the amendments made by
this section may 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)).
(g) Primary Authority to Establish Manufactured Home Construction
and Safety Standards.--The National Manufactured Housing Construction
and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5401 et seq.) is further
amended--
(1) in section 603(7), by inserting ``energy efficiency,''
after ``design,''; and
(2) in section 604, by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Primary Authority to Establish Standards.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall have the primary
authority to establish Federal manufactured home construction
and safety standards.
``(2) Approval from secretary.--
``(A) In general.--The head of any Federal agency
that seeks to establish a manufactured home
construction and safety standard on or after the date
of the enactment of this subsection--
``(i) shall submit to the Secretary a
proposal describing such standard; and
``(ii) may not establish such standard
without approval from the Secretary.
``(B) Rejection of standards.--The Secretary shall
reject a standard submitted to the Secretary for
approval under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) if the standard would significantly
increase the cost of producing manufactured
homes, as determined by the Secretary;
``(ii) if the standard would conflict with
existing manufactured home construction and
safety standards established by the Secretary;
or
``(iii) for any other reason as determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
``(C) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this
subsection may be construed to require the Secretary to
establish new or revised Federal manufactured home
construction and safety standards.''.
SEC. 302. FHA SMALL-DOLLAR MORTGAGES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development, acting through the Federal Housing Commissioner, may
establish a pilot program to increase access to small-dollar mortgages
for mortgagors which may include--
(1) authorizing direct payments to mortgagees to
incentivize the origination of small-dollar mortgages;
(2) adjusting terms and costs imposed by the Federal
Housing Administration with respect to small-dollar mortgages;
(3) providing direct grants for mortgagors who obtain
small-dollar mortgages to cover costs associated with--
(A) down payments;
(B) closing costs;
(C) appraisals; and
(D) title insurance;
(4) conducting outreach to potential mortgagors about the
availability of small-dollar mortgages; and
(5) providing technical assistance for mortgagees that
originate small-dollar mortgages.
(b) Report.--Beginning not later than 1 year after the
establishment of the pilot program under subsection (a) and ending 1
year after the sunset of the pilot program, the Federal Housing
Commissioner shall submit to the Congress an annual report that--
(1) tracks and evaluates the outcomes of small-dollar
mortgages originated by mortgagees as a result of support
provided under subsection (a);
(2) analyzes risks of the pilot program to the solvency of
the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund;
(3) includes data with respect to--
(A) the number of small-dollar mortgages originated
in the 10-year period preceding the date of the
enactment of this section, including small-dollar
mortgages insured or guaranteed by the Federal
Government and small-dollar mortgages not insured by
the Federal Government;
(B) the original principal balance of each small-
dollar mortgage identified under subparagraph (A);
(C) demographic information about the mortgagors
associated with each such small-dollar mortgages; and
(D) the number and type of mortgagees that offer
small-dollar mortgages;
(4) provides a description of the fixed costs that are
associated with mortgages and the impact of such costs on the
ability of lenders to earn a market rate return on small-dollar
mortgages; and
(5) includes analysis, by regions of the United States,
including rural regions, that identifies regions with the
greatest need for, and the highest likelihood of, the
origination of small-dollar mortgages and regions that could
benefit the most from increased availability of small-dollar
mortgages.
(c) Sunset.--The pilot program established under subsection (a)
shall terminate on the date that is 4 years after the date on which the
pilot program is established under subsection (a).
(d) Expiration of Authority.--After the expiration of the 3-year
period beginning on the date of enactment of this section, neither the
Federal Housing Commissioner nor the Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development may newly establish a pilot program to increase access to
small-dollar mortgages for mortgagors.
(e) Small-dollar Mortgage Defined.--The term ``small-dollar
mortgage'' means a mortgage that--
(1) has an original principal balance of $100,000 or less;
and
(2) is secured by a 1- to 4-unit property that is the
principal residence of the mortgagor.
SEC. 303. COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AND PROSPERITY.
(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 it
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 it appears and inserting ``20''.
(c) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this section, and every 2 years thereafter, the Comptroller of the
Currency and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall
each submit to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs of the Senate, a report, after consulting with the other agency
in the development of such report, about public welfare investments
that were made by associations under section 5136 of the Revised
Statutes of the United States and State member banks under section
9(23) of the Federal Reserve Act in the 2 previous calendar years,
that--
(1) identifies the number of such investments, broken down
by--
(A) purpose;
(B) type;
(C) amount of assets of the association or State
member bank that made the investment, using not less
than 4 categories to describe the amount of assets of
the associations and banks; and
(D) State, or other location;
(2) identifies the dollar amounts of such investments,
broken down by--
(A) purpose;
(B) type;
(C) amount of assets of the association or State
member bank that made the investment, using not less
than 4 categories to describe the amount of assets of
the associations and banks; and
(D) State or other location; and
(3) for each type of public welfare investment identified
under paragraphs (1) and (2), a description of the substantive
and procedural requirements that apply to each type of
investment made under--
(A) in the case of a report by the Comptroller of
the Currency, section 5136 of the Revised Statutes of
the United States; or
(B) in the case of a report by the Board of
Governors, section 9(23) of the Federal Reserve Act.
TITLE IV--PROTECTING BORROWERS AND ASSISTED FAMILIES
SEC. 401. EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN DISABILITY BENEFITS.
(a) In General.--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) 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 may not apply to the definition of
adjusted income;
``(v) 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 may not
apply to the definition of adjusted income;''.
(b) Service-connected Disability Compensation.--Section 102(a)(20)
of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C.
5302(a)(20)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Service-connected disability compensation.--
When determining whether a person is a person of low-
and moderate-income, a person of low-income or a person
of moderate-income under this paragraph, a State, unit
of general local government, or Indian Tribe shall
exclude any service-connected disability compensation
received by such person from the Department of Veterans
Affairs.''.
(c) Treatment of Certain Disability Benefits.--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 of Housing and
Urban Development and not yet in existence at the time of the enactment
of this section, 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.
(d) Report.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall,
not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
submit to the Congress a report that--
(1) examines how service-connected disability compensation
is treated for the purposes of determining eligibility for all
programs administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development;
(2) identifies any instances where service-connected
disability compensation is treated in a manner inconsistent
with the amendments made by subsections (a) and (b); and
(3) with respect to each program administered by the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in which service-
connected disability compensation is treated inconsistently,
provides legislative recommendations relating to how such
program could better serve veteran populations, and underserved
communities.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Department property.--The term ``Department property''
has the meaning given the term in section 901 of title 38,
United States Code.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development.
SEC. 402. MILITARY SERVICE QUESTION.
(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:
``SEC. 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
which shall be above the signature line 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 the Congress a report on whether or
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. 403. HUD-USDA-VA INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.
(a) Memorandum of Understanding.--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 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 1 year 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, the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial
Services, the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that
describes opportunities for increased collaboration between the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of
Agriculture, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve
efficiencies in housing programs.
(2) Publication.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall, prior to submission, be published in the Federal
Register and open for comment for a period of 30 days.
SEC. 404. FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY ESCROW EXPANSION PILOT PROGRAM.
Title I of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 39. ESCROW EXPANSION PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered family.--The term `covered family' means a
family that--
``(A) receives assistance under section 8 or 9 of
this Act;
``(B) is enrolled in the pilot program; and
``(C) has an adjusted income that does not exceed
80-percent of the area-median income at the time of
enrollment in the pilot program.
``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an
entity described in subsection (c)(2) of section 23.
``(3) Pilot program.--The term `pilot program' means the
pilot program established under this section.
``(4) 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.
``(b) Program Establishment.--The Secretary shall, not later than 1
year after the date of the enactment of this section, 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 a total of 5,000 covered families, in accordance with this
section.
``(c) Escrow Accounts.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible entity selected to
participate in the pilot program--
``(A) 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 family during
the participation of such covered family in the pilot
program; and
``(B) notwithstanding any other provision of law,
may use existing funds made available to such entity at
any time under section 8 or 9 for the purposes of
making the escrow deposit for a covered family assisted
under, or residing in a unit assisted under, section 8
or 9 provided that such amounts are offset by the
increase in the amount of rent paid by the covered
family.
``(2) Withdrawals.--A covered family may withdraw funds,
including any interest earned, from an escrow account
established by an eligible entity under the pilot program for
such covered family--
``(A) after the covered family ceases to receive
welfare assistance; and
``(B)(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 for good cause as
determined by the Secretary.
``(3) Interim recertification.--For the purposes of the
pilot program established under this section, a covered family
shall recertify the income of such family not less than once
each year.
``(4) Contract or plan.--An eligible entity may not require
a covered family to--
``(A) complete a contract that requires the
participation of the covered family in the pilot
program established under this section; or
``(B) participate in any individual training or
services plan as a condition for participating in the
pilot program.
``(d) Effect of Increases in Family Income.--The amount equal to
any increase in the earned income of a covered family from the date of
enrollment of the covered family in the pilot program established under
this section through the date all funds are withdrawn from the escrow
account established for such family under this section may not be
considered as income or a resource for purposes of eligibility of the
covered family for other benefits, or amount of benefits payable to the
family, under any program administered by the Secretary.
``(e) Application.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible entity seeking to
participate in the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary
an application--
``(A) at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Secretary may require by
notice; and
``(B) that includes the number of covered families
to which the eligible entity intends to provide escrow
accounts under this section.
``(2) Geographic and entity variety.--The Secretary shall
ensure that eligible entities selected to participate in the
pilot program--
``(A) are located across various States and in both
urban and rural areas; and
``(B) vary by size and type, including both public
housing agencies and private owners of projects
receiving project-based rental assistance under section
8.
``(f) Notification and Opt-out.--An eligible entity participating
in the pilot program shall--
``(1) notify each covered family of their enrollment in the
pilot program;
``(2) provide each covered family with a detailed
description of the pilot program, including how the pilot
program will impact their rent and finances;
``(3) inform each covered family that the family may not
simultaneously participate in the pilot program and the Family
Self-Sufficiency program under this section; and
``(4) provide each covered family with the ability to elect
not to participate in the pilot program--
``(A) not less than 2 weeks before the date on
which the escrow account is established under
subsection (c); and
``(B) at any point during the duration of the pilot
program.
``(g) 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 section 3 or 8(o), as applicable.
``(h) Pilot Program Timeline.--
``(1) Awards.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall select the
eligible entities to participate in the pilot program.
``(2) Establishment and terms of accounts.--An eligible
entity selected to participate in the pilot program shall--
``(A) not later than 6 months after selection,
establish escrow accounts under subsection (c) for
covered families; and
``(B) 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.
``(i) Nonparticipation and Housing Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--A family that elects not to participate
in the pilot program may not be delayed or denied assistance
under section 8 or 9 for reason of such election.
``(2) No termination.--Housing assistance may not be
terminated as a consequence of participating, or not
participating, in the pilot program under this section for any
period of time.
``(j) Study.--Not later than 8 years after the date the Secretary
selects eligible entities to participate in the pilot program under
this section, 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 that participated in 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.
``(k) Waivers.--The Secretary may, upon the written request of an
eligible entity receiving amounts under this section, waive
requirements under this section that relate to the administration of
the pilot program for the eligible entity that submitted the request if
such waiver would allow such eligible entity to effectively administer
the pilot program and make the required escrow account deposits under
this section.
``(l) Termination.--The pilot program established under this
section shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of
enactment of this section.''.
SEC. 405. 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 reviews; and
``(B) shall conduct performance reviews of all
organizations receiving assistance under this section
that--
``(i) consist of a review of the
organization's or entity's compliance with all
program requirements; and
``(ii) may take into account the
organization's or entity'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) 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 existing
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 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 and
housing cooperatives) 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)).''.
SEC. 406. ESTABLISHMENT OF EVICTION HELPLINE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
shall, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
Act--
(1) establish a hotline to provide tenants of covered
federally assisted rental dwelling units with counseling,
resources, and referrals to available assistance relating to
eviction-related matters; and
(2) provide information about such hotline to tenants of
covered federally assisted rental dwelling units by publishing
information about such hotline in common areas of each
federally assisted rental dwellings and through other means
determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Assistance.--The term ``assistance'' means any grant,
loan, subsidy, contract, cooperative agreement, or other form
of financial assistance, but such term does not include the
insurance or guarantee of a loan, mortgage, or pool of loans or
mortgages.
(2) Covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit.--The
term ``covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit'' means
a residential dwelling unit--
(A) that is made available for rental; and
(B)(i) for which assistance is provided, or that is
part of a housing project for which assistance is
provided, under any program administered by the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, including--
(I) the public housing program under the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
1437 et seq.);
(II) the program for rental assistance
under section 8 of the United States Housing
Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f);
(III) the HOME Investment Partnerships
program under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez
National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
12721 et seq.);
(IV) title IV of the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360 et
seq.);
(V) the Housing Trust Fund program under
section 1338 of the Housing and Community
Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4568);
(VI) the program for supportive housing for
the elderly under section 202 of the Housing
Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q);
(VII) the program for supportive housing
for persons with disabilities under section 811
of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable
Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013);
(VIII) the AIDS Housing Opportunities
program under subtitle D of title VIII of the
Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing
Act (42 U.S.C. 12901 et seq.);
(IX) the program for Native American
housing under the Native American Housing
Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996
(25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.); and
(X) the program for housing assistance for
Native Hawaiians under title VIII of the Native
American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4221 et
seq.); or
(ii) that is a property, or is on or in a property,
that has a federally backed mortgage loan or federally
backed multifamily mortgage loan, as such terms are
defined in section 4024(a) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C.
9058(a)).
SEC. 407. TEMPERATURE SENSOR PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
shall establish a temperature sensor 3-year pilot program to provide
grants to public housing agencies and owners of covered federally
assisted rental dwelling units to acquire, install, and test the
efficacy of approved temperature sensors in residential dwelling units
to ensure such units remain in compliance with temperature
requirements.
(b) Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, establish
eligibility criteria for public housing agencies and owners of
covered federally assisted rental dwelling units to participate
in the pilot program established pursuant to subsection (a).
(2) Criteria.--In establishing the eligibility criteria
described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure--
(A) the pilot program includes a diverse range of
participants that represent different geographic
regions, climate regions, unit sizes, and types of
housing; and
(B) that the functionality of an approved
temperature sensor will be installed and tested using
amounts awarded under this section, including internet
connectivity requirements.
(c) Installation.--Each public housing agency or owner of a covered
federally assisted rental dwelling unit that acquires 1 or more
approved temperature sensors under this section shall, after receiving
written permission from the resident of a dwelling unit, install such
temperature sensor and monitor the data from such temperature sensor.
(d) Collection of Complaint Records.--
(1) In general.--Each public housing agency or owner of a
covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit that installs 1
or more approved temperature sensors under this section shall
collect and retain information about temperature-related
complaints and violations.
(2) Definitions.--The Secretary shall, not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, define the
terms ``temperature-related complaints'' and ``temperature-
related violations'' for the purposes of this section.
(e) Data Collection.--
(1) In general.--Data collected from temperature sensors
acquired and installed by public housing agencies and owners of
covered federally assisted rental dwelling units under this
section shall be retained until the Secretary notifies the
public housing agency or owner that the pilot program and the
evaluation of the pilot program are complete.
(2) Personally identifiable information.--The Secretary
shall, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, establish standards for the protection of
personally identifiably information collected during the pilot
program by public housing agencies, owners of federally
assisted rental dwelling units, and the Secretary.
(f) Pilot Program Evaluation.--
(1) Interim evaluation.--Not later than 12 months after the
establishment of the pilot program under this section, the
Secretary shall publicly publish and submit to the Congress a
report that--
(A) examines the number of temperature-related
complaints and violations in federally assisted rental
dwelling units with temperature sensors, disaggregated
by temperature sensor technology and climate region--
(i) that occurred before the installation
of such sensor, if known; and
(ii) that occurred after the installation
of such sensor; and
(B) identifies any barriers to full utility of
temperature sensor capabilities, including broadband
internet access and tenant participation.
(2) Final evaluation.--Not later than 36 months after the
conclusion of the pilot program established by the Secretary
under this section, the Secretary shall publicly publish and
submit to the Congress a report that--
(A) examines the number of temperature-related
complaints and violations in federally assisted rental
dwelling units with temperature sensors, disaggregated
by temperature sensor technology and climate region--
(i) that occurred before the installation
of such sensor; and
(ii) that occurred after the installation
of such sensor;
(B) identifies any barriers to full utility of
temperature sensor capabilities, including broadband
internet access and tenant participation; and
(C) compares the utility of various temperature
sensor technologies based on--
(i) climate zones;
(ii) cost;
(iii) features; and
(iv) any other factors identified by the
Secretary.
(g) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section:
(1) Approved temperature sensor.--The term ``approved
temperature sensor'' means an internet capable temperature
reporting device able to measure ambient air temperature to the
tenth degree Fahrenheit and Celsius selected from a list of
such devices approved in advance by the Secretary.
(2) Assistance.--The term ``assistance'' means any grant,
loan, subsidy, contract, cooperative agreement, or other form
of financial assistance, but such term does not include the
insurance or guarantee of a loan, mortgage, or pool of loans or
mortgages.
(3) Covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit.--The
term ``covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit'' means
a residential dwelling unit that is made available for rental
and for which assistance is provided, or that is part of a
housing project for which assistance is provided, under--
(A) the program for project-based rental assistance
under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of
1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f);
(B) the public housing program under the United
States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.);
(C) the program for supportive housing for the
elderly under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959
(12 U.S.C. 1701q); or
(D) the program for supportive housing for persons
with disabilities under section 811 of the Cranston-
Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
8013).
(4) Owner.--The term ``owner'' means--
(A) with respect to the program for project-based
rental assistance under section 8 of the United States
Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f), any private
person or entity, including a cooperative, an agency of
the Federal Government, or a public housing agency,
having the legal right to lease or sublease dwelling
units;
(B) with respect to the public housing program
under the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
1437 et seq.), a public housing agency or an owner
entity of public housing units as defined in section
905.108 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations;
(C) with respect to the program for supportive
housing for the elderly under section 202 of the
Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q), a private
nonprofit organization as defined under section
202(k)(4) of the Housing Act of 1959; and
(D) with respect to the program for supportive
housing for persons with disabilities under section 811
of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing
Act (42 U.S.C. 8013), a private nonprofit organization
as defined under section 811(k)(5) of the Cranston-
Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.
SEC. 408. GAO STUDIES.
(a) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall carry out a study and submit to the Congress a report that
identifies options to remove barriers and improve housing for persons
who are elderly or disabled, including any potential impacts of
providing capital advances for--
(1) the program for supportive housing for the elderly
under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q);
and
(2) the program for supportive housing for persons with
disabilities under section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez
National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013).
(b) GAO Study to Determine Proximity of Housing to Superfund
Sites.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall carry out a
study and submit to the Congress a report that identifies how many
residential dwelling units, and how many dwelling units that are a part
of public housing (as such term is defined in section 3(b) of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b))), are located
less than 1 mile from a site that is included on the National
Priorities List established pursuant to section 105 of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9605).
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall carry out a study and submit to the Committee on Financial
Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a report that--
(1) establishes a comprehensive definition of residential
heirs property, or family land inherited without a will or
legal documentation of ownership;
(2) examines the occurrence of and consequences to owners
of residential heirs property, and provides an estimate
regarding the number of current residential heirs properties;
(3) describes the objectives and requirements of the
Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act as approved by the
National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in
2010;
(4) details the various resources that may be available to
the owners of residential heirs properties, including housing
counseling, legal services, and financial assistance to resolve
residential heirs property title issues from the Federal
Government, nonprofits, and institutes of higher education; and
(5) makes recommendations with respect to how to reduce the
number of residential heirs properties, including--
(A) by incentivizing States and other jurisdictions
which enact or adopt the Uniform Partition of Heirs
Property Act or similar such reforms;
(B) by awarding grants to States and other
jurisdictions to assist residents of such States and
jurisdictions to establish and document property
ownership rights or settle a decedent's estate;
(C) by awarding grants to entities which provide
housing counseling, legal assistance, and financial
assistance to homeowners and their heirs relating to
title clearing and home retention efforts of heirs'
property and which target services to low- and
moderate-income persons or provide services in
neighborhoods that have a high concentration of low-
and moderate-income persons; and
(D) by conducting other activities that assist
individuals to clear title with respect to heirs'
property and with general estate planning.
TITLE V--ENHANCING OVERSIGHT OF HOUSING PROVIDERS
SEC. 501. REQUIREMENT TO TESTIFY.
Section 7 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act
(42 U.S.C. 3535) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(u) Annual Testimony.--The Secretary shall appear before the
Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate at an
annual hearing and present testimony regarding the operations of the
Department during the preceding year, including--
``(1) the current programs and operations of the
Department;
``(2) the physical condition of all public housing and
other housing assisted by the Department;
``(3) the financial health of the mortgage insurance funds
of the Federal Housing Agency;
``(4) oversight by the Department of grantees and
subgrantees for purposes of preventing waste, fraud, and abuse;
``(5) the progress made by the Federal Government in ending
the affordable housing and homelessness crises;
``(6) the capacity of the Department to deliver on its
statutory mission; and
``(7) other ongoing activities of the Department, as
appropriate.''.
SEC. 502. IMPROVING PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall require each covered public
housing agency to provide a notice each year to the Secretary that--
(1) indicates that if a receiver or Federal monitor remains
appointed for the covered public housing agency as of October 1
of the calendar year to which such notice relates;
(2) provides the date on which the receiver or Federal
monitor was first appointed and the projected date, if known,
the appointment of the receiver or Federal monitor will be
terminated; and
(3) identifies the current receiver or Federal monitor
appointed to oversee the public housing agency.
(b) Federal Monitor and Receiver Transparency.--
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later
than October 1 of each year, each receiver or Federal monitor
that is currently appointed to oversee a covered public housing
agency shall provide to the Committee on Financial Services of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a written assessment
that--
(A) describes the management and oversight
activities of the receiver or Federal monitor for the
covered public housing agency;
(B) identifies the significant factors that led to
the appointment of the receiver or Federal monitor for
the covered public housing agency;
(C) identifies the factors that remain unresolved
at the covered public housing agency that have led to
the continued oversight of the receiver or Federal
monitor; and
(D) includes a timeline developed by the receiver
or Federal monitor that projects when the factors
identified under subparagraphs (B) and (C) will be
resolved.
(2) In addition to the written assessment required in
paragraph (1), upon written request by the Committee on
Financial Services of the House of Representatives or the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate,
each receiver or Federal monitor appointed to oversee a covered
public housing agency shall promptly furnish additional or
supplemental information requested by the Committee on
Financial Services of the House of Representatives or the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate
with respect to the covered public housing agency which such
receiver or Federal monitor is appointed to oversee, including
presenting testimony upon request.
(c) Disclosure Required.--The Secretary shall, not later than 1
year after the date of the enactment of this section, require each
covered public housing agency to publicly disclose, on the website of
the covered public housing agency, with respect to each contract
entered into by such covered public housing agency in the preceding
year, the following information:
(1) All material information about the contract, including
the goods and service provided.
(2) The identity of the vendor selected to receive the
contract.
(3) The date of the solicitation of the contract.
(4) The relevant information pertaining to the bids and
quotes solicited for the contract.
(5) The name of the official who solicited the contract.
(d) Inspector General Review.--Not later than 180 days after
receiving a written request from the Committee on Financial Services of
the House of Representatives or the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs of the Senate, the inspector general shall provide to the
requesting committee an analysis of--
(1) the status of any covered public housing agency's
compliance with any agreements entered into between the covered
public housing agency and the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, including specific areas of deficiency and
progress toward compliance;
(2) a review of actions taken by the receiver or Federal
monitor appointed to oversee a covered public housing agency
and any private sector housing development partners pursuant to
such agreement, including any gaps in oversight by the receiver
or Federal monitor;
(3) an assessment of the physical conditions of housing
provided by the covered public housing agency, including the
status of the covered public housing agency's compliance with
relevant health and safety requirements;
(4) an examination of any allegations of waste, fraud,
abuse or violations of Federal law committed by employees or
contractors of the covered public housing agency;
(5) any additional pertinent information, as determined
necessary and appropriate by the inspector general; and
(6) any recommendations of the inspector general that
relate to how to improve the compliance of the covered public
housing agency with any agreements entered into with the
Department of Housing and Urban Development or enhance the
oversight of the receiver or Federal monitor over such covered
public housing agency.
(e) Definitions.--
(1) Covered public housing agency.--The term ``covered
public housing agency'' means a public housing agency (as such
term is defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing
Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b))) for which an administrative
or judicial receiver or Federal monitor was appointed.
(2) Inspector general.--The term ``inspector general''
means the inspector general of the Department of Housing and
Urban Development.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development.
Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to increase the
supply of housing in America, and for other purposes.''.
Union Calendar No. 392
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6644
[Report No. 119-457, Part I]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
A bill to increase the supply of housing in America, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
January 15, 2026
Reported from the Committee on Financial Services with amendments
January 15, 2026
Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged; committed to the Committee
of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed