Housing

Condominium Cooperative Conversion Tax Adjustment Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1981

Condominium-Cooperative Conversion Tax Adjustment Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat gain from the sale or exchange of residential rental property as ordinary income (rather than capital gains) if such property is converted into a condominium or cooperative within three years of the date of such sale or exchange. Treats such gain as capital gain if the sale of the residential rental property is made to a tenants association which represents more than 50 percent of the households residing in the rental property prior to the sale or exchange. Requires tenant-stockholders of cooperative housing corporations to reside in the cooperatives in which they own shares in order to qualify for preferential tax treatment. Disallows any amounts of income tax deductions related to the rental of a condominium or cooperative which exceed the gross income of the taxpayer. Requires 100 percent recapture of depreciation on condominium and cooperative rental units which are rented for more than half of the period in which they are owned.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to allow a deduction for contributions for the construction or maintenance of buildings housing fraternal organizations.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income, estate, and gift tax deduction for contributions for the construction or maintenance of buildings which house fraternal organizations.

Charles L. Dempsey, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 27 May 1981

Judith L. Tardy, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice William Antonio Medina, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 22 May 1981

Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1981

Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Community and Economic Development - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize combined appropriations for block grants for community development activities and urban development action grants for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Eliminates application requirements for block grants to metropolitan cities and urban counties. Directs any such city or county (entitlement community) and any State or local government seeking a grant to submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: (1) a final statement of community development objectives and the projected use of funds; and (2) certifications that the grant will be administered in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, and that the projected use of funds gives priority to activities to benefit low and moderate income families or to prevent blight. Directs grantees to: (1) furnish information to the public concerning the amount of funds available for proposed community development and housing activities; (2) publish proposed grant statements for public comment; (3) to hold public hearings on community development and housing needs; and (4) to make the final Statement available to the public. Permits grants to be made to an entitlement community only if such community certifies that it is following a current housing assistance plan approved by the Secretary. Requires grantees (entitlement communities and States) to submit performance reports. Directs the Secretary to review the performance of grantees annually to determine: (1) whether each entitlement community has carried out its activities, housing assistance plan, and certifications in a timely manner; and (2) whether each State grantee has distributed funds to local governments in a timely manner and conducted appropriate reviews of the performance of such local governments. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust, reduce, or withdraw grants on the basis of such reviews. Directs State grantees to perform actions of the Secretary concerning the release of funds to units of local government to carry out the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1974. Provides grantees authority to receive grant payments in one lump sum to establish a revolving fund in a private institution to finance rehabilitation activities. Eliminates certain restrictions on the use of block grant funds for the provision of public services not provided by a local government within the last 12 months. Authorizes the use of such funds for the provision of assistance to private, for-profit entities to carry out an economic development project. Limits to ten percent the amount of any grant which may be used fo public service activities. Permits the Secretary to waive such limitation. Revises the formula for the allocation of funds appropriated for community development block grants. Allocates 70 percent of such funds to entitlement communities and 30 percent of such funds to States for nonentitlement areas. Requires the reallocation of funds which are not received by an entitlement community for a fiscal year or which become available as a result of an adjustment of grant amounts following reviews according to the existing dual formula. Requires that the funds allocated to States be distributed to nonentitlement areas: (1) by the State according to its final statement projecting the use of such funds; or (2) by the Secretary if the State elects not to distribute such funds, if the State's performance evaluation warrants such action, or if the State Governor fails to certify that the State: (a) plans for community development activities; (b) provides technical assistance to local governments for such activities; (c) provides State funds for such activities equal to ten percent of the Federal funds allocated; and (d) consults with local officials concerning such distribution. Reduces the total amount of appropriations which may be set aside for the Secretary's special discretionary fund for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Eliminates uses of the fund for making grants for: (1) areawide community development programs; (2) disaster assistance; and (3) correcting inequities resulting from the block grant allocation formula. Prohibits age discrimination under any program or activity funded under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Reduces the amount of appropriations authorized for urban development action grants for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Modifies the contents of grant applications to eliminate requirements for: (1) documentation of results in providing housing for persons of low and moderate income and in providing housing and employment for minorities; (2) an urban development action plan consistent with the community development program, the housing assistance plan, and the overall economic development plan of the area; and (3) preparation of a citizen participation plan and publication of information on fund availability and eligible activities. Revises grant selection criteria to include: (1) the extent to which the grant will stimulate economic recovery by leveraging private investments; (2) the number of jobs to be created; and (3) the extent to which State or local government funding has been committed. Eliminates a requirement that the Secretary allocate such grants equally among programs to restore deteriorated neighborhoods, to reclaim real property for industrial purposes, and to renew commercial employment centers. Directs the Secretary to assure that the amount of any grant is the least necessary to make the project feasible. Permits rehabilitation loans to be made only for urban homesteading programs or multifamily properties after October 1, 1981. Terminates authority for such loans on October 1, 1983. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1983 to carry out the urban homesteading program. Repeals the Neighborhood Self-Help Development Act of 1978. Amends the Housing Act of 1954 to repeal provisions concerning comprehensive planning grants. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on steps to be taken to: (1) target block grant funds on the cities most urgent revitalization needs; (2) develop income eligibility requirements for recipients of block grant supported rehabilitation; and (3) limit rehabilitation work to essential work needed to restore decent, safe, and sanitary or energy-efficient conditions. Title II: Housing Assistance Programs - Increases the Secretary's annual contributions contract authority for low-income housing projects for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 and the corresponding budget authority. Requires the Secretary to allocate a specific portion of the additional contract authority for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for public housing modernization. Restricts the allocation of the remaining contract authority between existing and newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated units. Prohibits the Secretary from reserving more than 30 percent of the total annual budget authority for the last quarter of a fiscal year or more than 15 percent for any month of the last quarter. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for operating subsidies for public housing projects. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding new construction authority from allocation for discretionary use in a fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for operating assistance for troubled multi-family housing projects for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Extends through fiscal year 1983 the Secretary's authority to use amounts in the rental housing assistance fund for such projects. Increases the mortgage purchase authority of the Government National Mortgage Association for fiscal year 1982. Limits the amount available to purchase mortgages of projects containing no federally-assisted units. Increases the amount the Secretary may borrow from the U.S. Treasury to finance the loan program for housing for the elderly or handicapped for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 and the National Housing Act to establish the rent for housing units assisted under such Acts at the highest of: (1) 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted income; (2) ten percent of the family's monthly income; or (3) the portion of any welfare assistance designated for the family's housing costs. Redefines the term "lower income families" to exclude families whose incomes exceed 50 percent of the median area income. Includes as income the value of any asset a family member disposed of within the preceding 24 months to qualify for housing assistance. Requires the Secretary to review annually (currently biennially) the incomes of families living in public housing projects and rental housing projects designed for lower income families. Establishes the amount of monthly assistance payments to owners who provide housing for lower income families as the difference between the maximum rent the owners may charge under terms of the assistance contract and the rent established for tenants of assisted units. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to establish the rent supplement for units provided for lower-income tenants at the lesser of: (1) 70 percent of the fair: market rent; or (2) the amount by which the fair market rent exceeds 30 percent (currently 25 percent) of the tenant's adjusted income. Provides for the delayed application of such revised supplement where immediate application of such revised supplement would violate existing leases or cause extraordinary hardship. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require the Secretary to: (1) assure that newly constructed housing to receive lower-income housing assistance is modest in design; (2) limit increases in contract rents for such housing units to the operating cost increases incurred by owners of comparable projects in the area; (3) give cost considerations a 33 1/3 percent weighted average when reviewing proposals for housing assistance; and (4) give priority to entering contributions contracts with housing projects located on specific tracts of land provided by State or local governments, if affording such priority will be cost-effective. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) providing assistance payments for unoccupied units for more than 30 days; (2) entering into a contributions contract for a newly constructed project if the sizes of the project units exceed the minimum property standards by more than ten percent or the local standards; or (3) denying assistance to projects because project units do not contain bathroom or kitchen facilities. Directs the Secretary to assure that at least 25 percent of the newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated units for the elderly or handicapped to which Federal housing assistance is provided after October 1, 1981, are efficiencies. Requires the Secretary to rescind a regulation requiring owners of federally- assisted housing projects to attempt to select tenant families so that the average family income is at least 40 percent of the median area income. Permits providing lower-income housing assistance to promote mixed income housing only when such assistance aids lower income families in obtaining a decent place to live. Prohibits the owner of an assisted project from renting any project unit to a tenant who is not eligible for assistance unless the satisfactory number of units are occupied by eligible tenants. Permits the Secretary to give preference to applications for assistance for a portion of the units in a project only if that project does not receive other forms of Federal assistance. Eliminates a requirement that public housing agencies select tenants with a broad range of incomes. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into a contract to provide lower-income housing assistance to a project in an area imposing rent controls. Requires the owner of a project receiving such assistance to notify tenants at least six months before increasing the rent after expiration of the assistance contract. Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine the number of assisted housing projects owned by developers with five-year contributions contracts who will not renew their contracts; (2) notify the tenants of such projects of possible rent increases upon the expiration of such contracts; and (3) report to Congress on ways of recapturing the Government's investment in such projects. Directs the Secretary to assure that no State or local official profits by participating in a federally-assisted housing program. Permits public housing agencies to retain the greater of 100 percent of their legal expenses or 50 percent of the amount collected out of judgments obtained in recovering lower-income housing assistance wrongfully paid because of fraud or abuse. Eliminates provisions authorizing only the public housing agency to evict a tenant in an assisted unit. Declares that the tenant's rights shall be determined by the lease and applicable State and local law. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize additional budget authority provided for contributions contracts under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for rent supplements under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to direct the Secretary to dispose of multifamily housing projects owned by the Secretary to tenant-owned cooperatives. Amends the National Housing Act to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary recapture assistance provided to a homeowner when the homeowner fails to make mortgage payments for 90 days or move. Prohibits the Secretary from providing Federal housing assistance for the benefit of any illegal alien. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a revised fee schedule for development managers of lower income housing projects. Establishes an interagency task force composed of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report to Congress on: (1) the least expensive means of financing Federal rental housing assistance programs; (2) the direct and indirect costs on a per-unit basis of providing housing under each such program; and (3) the Federal resources required to prevent financial losses in connection with, and to maintain housing projects currently assisted under such programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review the administration of the subsidy program for the operation of low-income housing projects; (2) report to Congress recommendations for new subsidy formulas containing incentives for good management; and (3) report to Congress on the feasibility of implementing a computer system to be utilized by public housing agencies to comply with reporting requirements. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the Secretary's authority to insure loans for mortgages and home improvement. Extends the Secretary's authority to establish the maximum interest rates for certain mortgage insurance programs. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for research for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the amount of funds authorized to be appropriated to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Increases the maximum amounts of property improvement loans eligible for Federal insurance with respect to existing single family structures or manufactured homes, apartment buildings or dwellings for two or more families, and historic structures. Provides for higher loans where financing of a solar energy system is involved. Increases maximum loan amounts for financing the purchase of single and multi-module manufactured homes and lots for such homes. Permits the Secretary to increase such amounts by a specified sum when necessary to meet higher area costs. Eliminates the distinction between an undeveloped and a developed lot. Increases the maximum loan terms for: (1) property improvement loans where installation of a solar energy system is involved; (2) loans to purchase single-module manufactured homes; and (3) historic preservation loans. Increases the maximum loan amount which the Secretary may insure in connection with a manufactured home park. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to authorize the Secretary to provide low and moderate income tenants with default and delinquency counseling. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to authorize appropriations for various insurance studies during fiscal years 1982 and 1983, and to repeal erosion insurance coverage for the collapse or subsidence of land along a lake caused by waves or currents exceeding anticipated cyclical levels. Amends the National Housing Act to extend the Secretary's authority to provide riot insurance and to repeal erosion insurance coverage for the collapse or subsidence of land along a lake caused by waves or currents exceeding anticipated cyclical levels. Amends the National Housing Act to extend the Secretary's authority to provide riot insurance and to repeal the Secretary's authority to provide crime insurance. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize appropriations for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1975 to direct the President to appoint two of the members of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences selected each year, and to extend the authorization for the Institute through fiscal year 1987. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a model manufactured housing zoning code for use by local authorities, and a demonstration program utilizing lower cost building technology for projects located on vacant inner-city land. Directs the Secretary to publish a complete edition of the basic laws and authorities relating to housing and community development reflecting changes caused by this Act, and to publish revised editions as necessary. Amends the National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act to terminate the authority of the Bank to make new commitments for loans or guarantees and to issue obligations. Directs the Bank to deposit amounts received as loan repayments into the U.S. Treasury. Provides that any housing cooperative existing on March 21, 1980, is eligible for a bank loan regardless of voting control requirements. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating or expending $5,552,000,000 of budget authority provided for fiscal year 1981. Title IV: Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure - Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary to foreclose multifamily mortgages held by the Secretary encumbering real estate located in any State. Sets forth procedures for the designation of a foreclosure commissioner or commissioners by the Secretary. Designates the Secretary as a guarantor of payment of any judgment against such commissioners. Permits a foreclosure by the Secretary to commence upon the breach of a covenant or condition in the mortgage agreement for which foreclosure is authorized under such mortgage. Specifies procedures for: (1) notice of default and foreclosure sale; (2) service of such notice; (3) presale reinstatement and cancellation of foreclosure; (4) conduct of a foreclosure sale; (5) disposition of foreclosure costs and sale proceeds; (6) transfer of title and possession; and (7) recording the foreclosure and sale. Authorizes the Secretary to require, as a condition and term of sale, that the purchaser at a foreclosure sale under this Act agree to the continued operation of the security property in accordance with the appropriate loan program. Title V: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Secretary of Agriculture; (1) to insure and guarantee loans for rural housing, with certain restrictions; (2) to make loans and grants for improvements of rural housing; (3) to provide financial assistance for the provision of low-rent housing for domestic farm labor; (4) for the payment of expenditures respecting construction defects in assisted dwelling units; (5) to provide rental assistance to low and moderate income families in rural areas; and (6) for programs of mutual and self-help housing in rural areas and the Self-Help Housing Land Development Fund. Repeals the current definition of "persons of low income" for purposes of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish income definitions. Removes the requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture provide interest credit subsidies on rural housing loans to persons of low and moderate income. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress concerning: (1) financing for rural housing programs; (2) workable definitions of "low income" and recommendations for contribution requirements to conform Farmers Home Administration housing assistance programs to the housing programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; (3) minimum levels for subsidies to assisted families; and (4) the Administration's efforts to minimize the costs of subsidized housing.

A bill to amend Title V of the Housing Act of 1949.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981

Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend through fiscal year 1983 the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance through the Farmers Home Administration's rural housing programs at specified funding levels. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for: (1) payments on notes and other obligations issued by the Secretary for the purpose of making direct loans under such programs; (2) loans and grants for the repair and improvement of rural dwellings; (3) financial assistance to provide low-rent housing for domestic farm labor; (4) advances to borrowers for tax and insurance payments; (5) expenditures respecting construction defects in recently constructed rural dwellings; (6) mutual and self-help housing programs; and (7) the Self-Help Housing Land Development Fund. Repeals provisions authorizing the Secretary to provide additional assistance toward housing expenses exceeding 25 percent of the income of persons who are unable to buy a rural dwelling after receiving interest credit subsidies. Provides for a reduction in the rent subsidies the Secretary is required to provide to owners of multifamily housing projects in rural areas by increasing the portion of a tenant's income which the tenant may pay in rent from 25 to 30 percent.

A bill to amend the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 relating to the State and local governmental share of the cost of disaster assistance, the rental of temporary housing, and to authorize funds for fiscal year 1982.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981

Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to limit to 25 percent of all government assistance the State and local share of expenditures for disaster assistance. Adjusts the rental to be charged to occupants of temporary housing who require such housing as a result of a major disaster. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the President to make grants to help repair or replace private nonprofit museums, zoos, libraries, and qualified historical facilities and physical fitness centers which were damaged or destroyed by a major disaster.

Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981

Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Community and Neighborhood Development and Conservation - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to: (1) authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for grants to metropolitan areas for Community Development Programs; (2) limit the amount of commitments to guarantee notes and other obligations which the Secretary may enter into with respect to community development loan guarantees in fiscal year 1982; and (3) include activities designed to assist in the development of a comprehensive community housing and land use plan among activities that may be funded as part of a Community Development Program. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to increase the amount of funds authorized for rehabilitation loans and to limit the amount of commitments to make such loans for fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing Act of 1954 to reduce the funds authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1982 for grants for activities relating to the development of comprehensive plans for community development, employment, and conservation, and to restrict the use of such funds to carrying out the clearinghouse functions required by OMB Circular A-95. Amends the Neighborhood Self-Help Development Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for grants for community development to neighborhood organizations. Amends the Neighborhood Reinvestment Cooperation Act to authorize appropriations for the Corporation for fiscal year 1982. Title II: Assisted Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937: (1) to increase, on October 1, 1981, the maximum amount of annual contributions which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may enter into contracts to make to low-income housing; (2) to limit the amount which may be obligated over the duration of such contracts with respect to additional authority provided after October 1, 1981; (3) to allocate such additional authority; and (4) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for annual contributions for the operation of low-income housing projects. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize fiscal year 1982 appropriations for operating assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects, with restrictions on the use of such funds for operating deficits resulting from failures to amend project contracts. Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit the approval of the appropriation of funds for such assistance after September 30, 1982. Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary to provide additional assistance payments of a specified amount per year to lower income families for acquiring home ownership or membership in a cooperative association; and (2) repeal the requirement that the Secretary recapture such assistance when the homeowner fails to make mortgage payments for 90 days. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary to provide financial assistance to public housing agencies for emergency needs relating to fire-safety standards. Directs the Secretary to: (1) study and report to Congress on the extent to which low-income housing projects do not meet fire-safety standards; (2) study the utilization of an existing provision of the United States Housing Act of 1937 authorizing the Secretary to purchase a building containing assisted units and resell the building to the tenants; and (3) submit to Congress a legislative proposal for utilizing such provision to increase home ownership opportunities for lower income families. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary to provide financial assistance with respect to projects in which all units do not have bathrooms or kitchens if: (1) there is a high demand for such units in the area; and (2) the local government and local public housing agency approve the use of such units. Exempts single individuals from specified qualifications with respect to eligibility for such assistance. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the authority of the Secretary to insure loans for mortgages and home improvement, to make assistance payments for emergency stimulation of the housing market, and to establish the maximum interest rates for certain mortgage insurance programs. Limits the maximum principal amount of loans and mortgages that the Secretary may insure under such Act in fiscal year 1982. Amends the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act of 1974 to extend the authority of the Secretary to direct the Government National Mortgage Association to purchase mortgages and securities. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to limit the amount of loans the Secretary may make for the provision of housing for elderly or handicapped families in fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for research for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in fiscal year 1982. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the amount of funds authorized to be appropriated to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to: (1) increase, on October 1, 1981, the limitation on the total amount of commitments authorized for the Government National Mortgage Association; and (2) limit the aggregate principal amount of mortgages that the Association may purchase and the amount of securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association that the Association may guarantee during fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1975 to direct the President to appoint two of the members of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences selected each year, and to extend the authorization for the Institute through fiscal year 1985. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for the wetherization program for fiscal year 1982 and to require the Secretary to accept and consider applications from Indian tribal organizations for assistance under such program. Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit the Secretary from excluding any sum paid by a purchaser of a unit to a broker acting as the buyer's agent from the principal amount of a mortgage which may be insured under such Act. Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) increase the maximum amount of a Federal loan for the purchase of a manufactured home or a developed lot or rental space for such a home; (2) authorize the Secretary to increase such limit in areas where land or construction costs are high; (3) extend the maturity period for a loan for the purchase of such a home; and (4) permit the owner of a lot purchased without assistance to obtain assistance under such Act to refinance such lot. Title IV: Flood, Crime, and Riot Insurance - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the national flood insurance program until September 30, 1982, and to authorize appropriations for various insurance studies during fiscal year 1982. Declares that the National Flood Insurance Fund shall be available only as approved in appropriation acts, except that the Funds shall be available for all purposes incident to the Government's operation of the program. Permits the Government to purchase insured property which has sustained single casualty damages or to make a low-interest loan to elevate an insured structure only if the property or structure is the principal residence of the owner. Amends the National Housing Act to extend the Secretary's authority: (1) to carry out the Federal riot insurance program and the Federal crime insurance program until September 30, 1982; and (2) to continue riot and crime insurance policies written prior to such date until September 30, 1984. Limits the appropriations authorized for such programs for fiscal year 1982. Title V: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Secretary of Agriculture: (1) to insure and guarantee loans for rural housing, with certain restrictions; (2) to make loans and grants for improvements of rural housing; (3) to provide financial assistance for the provision of low-rent housing for domestic farm labor; (4) to make grants or contracts for the development of programs to assist low-income persons in benefiting from housing programs in rural areas; (5) to insure loans to provide rental housing for persons of moderate income in rural areas; (6) for programs of mutual and self-help in rural areas; and (7) for the Self-Help Housing Land Development Fund. Extends the Secretary's authority to: (1) provide additional financial assistance to families who cannot afford a dwelling after receiving interest credit subsidies; and (2) enter into rental assistance contracts. Title VI: Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure - Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary to foreclose multifamily mortgages held by the Secretary encumbering real estate located in any State. Sets forth procedures for the designation of a foreclosure commissioner or commissioners by the Secretary. Designates the Secretary as a guarantor of payment of any judgment against such commissioners. Permits a foreclosure by the Secretary to commence upon the breach of a covenant or condition in the mortgage agreement for which foreclosure is authorized under such mortgage. Specifies procedures for: (1) notice of default and foreclosure sale; (2) service of such notice; (3) presale reinstatement and cancellation of foreclosure; (4) conduct of a foreclosure sale; (5) disposition of foreclosure costs and sale proceeds; (6) transfer of title and possessions; and (7) recording the foreclosure and sale. Authorizes the Secretary to require, as a condition and term of sale, that the purchaser at a foreclosure sale under this Act agree to the continued operation of the security property in accordance with the appropriate loan program. Title VII: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective on October 1, 1981.

A joint resolution to designate the second week in May, beginning with Mother's Day, May 10, 1981, as "Senior Center Week".

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1981

Requests the President to designate the week beginning May 10, 1981, as "Senior Center Week."

A bill to amend the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to provide that a Federal savings and loan association may not offer a mortgage with a variable interest rate to any person unless such association also offers such person a mortgage with a fixed interest rate.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981

Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to require any Federal savings and loan association which offers a person a mortgage with a variable interest rate to offer such person a 25-year mortgage with an interest rate fixed at the initial rate of the variable rate mortgage.

A concurrent resolution recognizing the month of April as Fair Housing Month.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981

Recognizes the month of April as Fair Housing Month.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that the requirement that mortgage subsidy bonds be used only to provide financing to new homeowners will not apply to financing provided to elderly individuals acquiring stock in certain cooperative housing corporations.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt qualified cooperative elderly housing loans provided through the sale of tax-exempt bonds from the requirement that mortgage subsidy bonds be used only to provide financing to new homeowners.

Stephen May, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Horace Dicken Cherry, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 1 May 1981

A bill to amend the National Housing Act to extend the period of time during which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may provide assistance under section 235(q).

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981

Amends the National Housing Act to extend the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages and make periodic assistance payments to mortgages on behalf of homeowners when the Secretary determines that emergency stimulation of the housing market is needed.

A bill to amend the Housing Act of 1949 to make discretionary the power of the Secretary of Agriculture to provide interest credit subsidy to low and moderate income borrowers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981

Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize rather than require the Secretary of Agriculture to furnish interest credits on certain loans to provide housing aid or farm improvements for elderly, handicapped, or low- and moderate-income persons and families in rural areas. Repeals a requirement that a certain percentage of such loans be provided to low-income persons or families.

A bill to amend the United States Housing Act of 1937.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981

Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, pursuant to applications submitted by State or local governments, to provide second mortgage loans or other assistance to owners of multifamily rental housing projects to assist in financing the construction or rehabilitation of such projects. States that such a loan shall not be amortized, but shall be repayable with simple interest after 30 years. Sets forth conditions for making such a loan for a project, including the owner's agreement to pass on to the tenants the savings resulting from the reduction in debt service payments. Declares that the first mortgage on such a project may be Federally insured under the National Housing Act. Directs the Secretary to consider the population and market conditions of an area when allocating such assistance in order to provide adequate assistance in areas in short supply of rental housing. Prohibits the Secretary from providing such assistance to a local government which has not demonstrated satisfactory progress in meeting its assisted housing needs. Declares that no State or local rent control law shall apply to an assisted project during the period of the second mortgage loan. Directs the Secretary to approve rents charged for units of assisted projects. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the design and workability of the program established by this Act as a housing development incentive. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits the Secretary from expending appropriated funds to issue or refinance public housing agency securities to or through the Federal Financing Bank.

Residential Housing Tax Incentives Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981

Residential Housing Tax Incentives Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income, for income tax purposes, interest earned on qualified housing savings certificates. Limits such exclusion to interest earned on $100,000 certificates ($200,000 if joint return is filed). Defines "qualified housing savings certificates" as investment certificates issued by regulated depository financial institutions with three or five year maturities. Specifies that the proceeds of such certificates be applied to the financing of single-family, owner-occupied residences. Prescribes limitations on the interest rate chargeable for mortgages financed with proceeds from a qualified housing savings certificate. Disqualifies families which have income more than twice the median family income for their area from receiving a mortgage financed from proceeds from a qualified housing savings certificate. Prescribes penalties for the improper use of qualified housing savings certificates.

Section 8 Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981

Section 8 Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Full Cost Disclosure and Fair Allocation Procedures - Establishes an interagency task force composed of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to: (1) identify and report to Congress on the least expensive means of financing Federal rental housing assistance programs; (2) transmit to Congress a report disclosing all direct and indirect costs on a per-unit basis of providing housing under each such program; and (3) report to Congress on the Federal resources required to prevent financial losses in connection with, and to maintain housing projects currently assisted under, such programs. Prohibits the issuance of additional reservations of assistance under any such programs until such reports are submitted to Congress. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit the Secretary from reserving more than 30 percent of the total amount of budget authority provided for a fiscal year for lower-income housing assistance during the last quarter of that year, or more than 15 percent of such amount during any month in that quarter. Declares that contract authority for such assistance which is not reserved shall expire at the end of the fiscal year, and contract authority which is reserved shall expire if the reservation is terminated. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding contract authority involving new construction from allocation for discretionary use in a fiscal year. Title II: Targeting Benefits - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to change the family income requirement for eligibility for lower-income housing assistance from an income not exceeding 80 percent of the median area income to an income not exceeding 50 percent of such median income. Directs the Secretary to rescind a regulation requiring the owner of a federally-assisted housing unit to attempt to select tenant families so that the average family income is at least 40 percent of the median area income. Permits the Secretary to give preference to applications for assistance for a portion of the units in a project only if that project does not receive other forms of Federal assistance. Prohibits a family which is not a very low-income family from occupying an assisted unit built or rehabilitated for occupancy by a very low-income family. Prohibits the Secretary from providing housing assistance for the benefit of any illegal alien. Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine the number of assisted housing projects owned by developers with five-year contributions contracts who will not renew their contracts; and (2) notify the tenants of such projects of possible rent increases and evictions upon the expiration of such contracts. Requires owners of projects under contributions contracts to notify tenants six months before increasing the rent upon the expiration of such a contract. Title III: Modest, Low-Cost Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct the Secretary: (1) to assure that newly constructed housing to receive lower-income housing assistance is modest in design; (2) to give a priority to entering into contributions contracts with housing projects located on specific tracts of land provided by State or local governments; and (3) to give cost considerations a 33 1/3 percent weighted average when reviewing proposals for housing assistance. Prohibits the Secretary from providing assistance payments for unoccupied units for more than 30 days. Exempts projects receiving lower-income housing assistance under such Act from provisions requiring the payment of prevailing rate wages to contract employees involved in the development or operation of such projects. Requires the Secretary to limit increases in contract rents to the amount of certified cost increases incurred by the project owner. Title IV: Fair Tenant Contributions to Rent - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to redefine "income" for purposes of determining a family's eligibility for assisted housing and a family's contribution to rent for assisted housing. Includes as income: (1) social security benefits; (2) food stamps; (3) ACTION stipends; and (4) assets the family sells or gives away to qualify for housing assistance. Excludes the income of any family member who is a full-time student or under 18 years of age. Establishes a minimum rent of $50 to be paid by tenants of federally-assisted housing units ($100 for units of a newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated project). Title V: Increasing State and Local Participation and Responsibilities - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to prohibit the Secretary from approving an application for lower-income housing assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937 if the local government involved objects. Prohibits the Secretary from providing such assistance in areas where rent controls are imposed on newly constructed multifamily residential property. Directs the Secretary to assure that no State or local official profits by participating in a federally-assisted housing program. Title VI: Fraud and Mismanagement Control - Permits public housing agencies to retain the greater of 100 percent of their legal expenses or 50 percent of the amount collected out of judgments obtained in recovering lower-income housing assistance wrongfully paid because of fraud or abuse. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress annually on the cases brought to public housing agencies for prosecution or civil action.

Residential Housing Tax Incentives Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981

Residential Housing Tax Incentives Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income, for income tax purposes, interest earned on qualified housing savings certificates. Limits such exclusion to interest earned on $100,000 certificates ($200,000 if joint return is filed). Defines "qualified housing savings certificates" as investment certificates issued by regulated depository financial institutions with three or five year maturities. Specifies that the proceeds of such certificates be applied to the financing of single-family, owner-occupied residences. Prescribes limitations on the interest rate chargeable for mortgages financed with proceeds from a qualified housing savings certificate. Disqualifies families which have income more than twice the median family income for their area from receiving a mortgage financed from proceeds from a qualified housing savings certificate. Prescribes penalties for the improper use of qualified housing savings certificates.

A bill to provide additional transitional authority to issue mortgage subsidy bonds under the Mortgage Subsidy Bond Tax Act of 1980.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981

Amends the Mortgage Subsidy Bond Tax Act of 1980 to provide additional transitional authority, with respect to the tax treatment of interest on mortgage subsidy bonds, for issues by Carbondale, Illinois.

Stephen J. Bollinger, of Ohio, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Robert Campbell Embry, Jr.

United States · United States Senate · 29 April 1981

A bill to amend the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated as the annual Federal payment to the District of Columbia.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981

Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated as the annual Federal payment to the District of Columbia.

Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981

Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Community and Economic Development - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize combined appropriations for block grants for community development activities and urban development action grants for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Eliminates application requirements for block grants to metropolitan cities and urban counties. Directs any such city or county (entitlement community) and any State seeking a grant to submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: (1) a final statement on community development objectives and the projected use of funds; and (2) certifications that the grant will be administered in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, and that the projected use of funds gives priority to activities to benefit low and moderate income families or to prevent blight. Directs grantees to publish proposed grant statements for public comment, and to make the final statement available to the public. Permits grants to be made to an entitlement community only if such community certifies that it is following a current housing assistance plan approved by the Secretary. Requires grantees (entitlement communities and States) to submit performance reports. Directs the Secretary to review the performance of grantees annually to determine: (1) whether each entitlement community has carried out its activities, housing assistance plan, and certifications in a timely manner; and (2) whether each State grantee has distributed funds to local governments in a timely manner and conducted appropriate reviews of the performance of such local governments. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust, reduce, or withdraw grants to local governments on the basis of such reviews. Directs State grantees to perform actions of the Secretary concerning the release of funds to units of local government to carry out the purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1974. Provides grantees authority to receive grant payments in one lump sum to establish a revolving fund in a private institution to finance rehabilitation activities. Eliminates certain restrictions on the use of block grant funds for the provision of public services not provided by a local government within the last 12 months. Authorizes the use of such funds for the provision of assistance to private, for-profit entities to carry out an economic development project. Limits to ten percent the amount of any grant which may be used for public service activities. Permits the Secretary to waive such limitation. Revises the formula for the allocation of funds appropriated for community development block grants. Allocates 70 percent of such funds for entitlement communities and 30 percent of such funds to States for nonentitlement areas. Requires the reallocation of funds which are not received by an entitlement community for a fiscal year or which become available as a result of an adjustment of grant amounts following reviews according to the existing dual formula. Requires that the funds allocated to States be distributed by the States to units of local government located in nonentitlement areas according to each State's final statement projecting the use of such funds. Permits States to elect not to receive an allocation of funds for fiscal year 1982 in which case the Secretary shall administer the allocation of funds for local governments in accordance with provisions existing prior to enactment of this Act. Reduces the amounts of appropriations which may be set aside for the Secretary's discretionary fund for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Eliminates uses of the funds for making grants for: (1) areawide community development programs; (2) disaster assistance; and (3) correcting inequities resulting from the block grant allocation formula. Reduces the amount of appropriations authorized for urban development action grants for fiscal year 1982. Modifies the contents of grant applications to eliminate requirements for: (1) documentation of results in providing housing for persons of low and moderate income and in providing housing and employment for minorities; (2) an urban development action plan consistent with the community development program, the housing assistance plan, and the overall economic development plan of the area; and (3) preparation of a citizen participation plan and publication of information on fund availability and eligible activities. Revises grant selection criteria to include: (1) the extent to which the grant will stimulate economic recovery by leveraging private investment; (2) the number of jobs to be created; and (3) the extent to which State or local government funding has been committed. Eliminates a requirement that the Secretary allocate such grants equally among programs to restore deteriorated neighborhoods, to reclaim real property for industrial purposes, and to review commercial employment centers. Directs the Secretary to assure that the amount of any grant is the least necessary to make the project feasible. Prohibits the Secretary from making any such grant unless the applicant provides assurances that its program will be conducted in conformity with the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of age or with respect to a handicapped individual under any program or activity funded under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Extends the deadline for submission of the Secretary's annual report to Congress on activities under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1983 to carry out the urban homesteading program. Repeals: (1) the Neighborhood Self-Help Development Act of 1978; (2) provisions of the Housing Act of 1954 governing comprehensive planning grants; (3) the rehabilitation loan program under the Housing Act of 1964; and (4) the weatherization assistance program under the Energy Conservation and Production Act. Title II: Housing Assistance Programs - Increases the Secretary's annual contributions contract authority for low-income housing projects for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 and the corresponding budget authority. Requires the Secretary to allocate a specific portion of the additional contract authority for fiscal year 1982 for public housing modernization. Restricts the allocation of the remaining contract authority between existing and newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated units. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for operating subsidies for public housing projects. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 and the National Housing Act to establish the rent for housing units assisted under such Acts at the highest of: (1) 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted income; (2) 10 percent of the family's monthly income; or (3) the portion of any welfare assistance designated for the family's housing costs. Establishes uniform definitions for the rental assistance program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Redefines the term "lower income families" for purposes of the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude families whose incomes exceed 80 percent of the median area income. Requires that at least 30 percent (currently 20 percent) of the units available for initial occupancy in a public housing project in a fiscal year be occupied by very low income families. Requires the Secretary to review the incomes of families living in public housing projects and rental housing projects designed for lower-income families annually (currently biennially). Establishes the amount of monthly assistance payments to owners who provide housing for lower-income families as the difference between the maximum rent the owners may charge under terms of the assistance contract and the rent established for tenants of assisted units. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to establish the rent supplement for units provided for lower-income tenants at the lesser of: (1) 70 percent of the fair market rent; or (2) the amount by which the fair market rent exceeds 30 percent (currently 25 percent) of the tenant's adjusted income. Provides for delayed application of such revised supplement where immediate application would violate existing leases or cause extraordinary hardship. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for operating assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize additional budget authority provided for contributions contracts under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for rent supplements under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965. Eliminates provisions authorizing only the public housing agency to evict a tenant in an assisted unit. Declares that the tenant's rights shall be determined by the lease and applicable State and local law. Increases the mortgage purchase authority of the Government National Mortgage Association for fiscal year 1982. Authorizes the Secretary to borrow from the U.S. Treasury such sums as may be necessary to finance the loan program for housing for the elderly and handicapped for fiscal year 1983. Amends the National Housing Act to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary recapture assistance provided to a homeowner when the homeowner fails to make mortgage payments for 90 days or more. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the Secretary's authority to insure loans for mortgages and home improvement. Extends the Secretary's authority to establish the maximum interest rates for certain mortgage insurance programs. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for research for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the amount of funds authorized to be appropriated to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Funds. Increases the maximum amounts of property improvement loans eligible for Federal insurance with respect to existing single family structures or manufactured homes, apartment buildings or dwellings for two or more families, and historic structures. Provides for higher loans where financing of a solar energy system is involved. Increases maximum loan amounts for financing the purchase of single and multi-module manufactured homes and lots for such homes. Permits the Secretary to increase such amounts by a specified sum when necessary to meet higher area costs. Eliminates the distinction between an undeveloped and developed lots. Increases the maximum loan terms for: (1) property improvement loans where installation of a solar energy system is involved; (2) loans to purchase single-module manufactured homes; and (3) historic preservation loans. Increases the maximum loan amount which the Secretary may insure in connection with a manufactured home park. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to authorize the Secretary to provide low and moderate income tenants with default and delinquency counseling. Title IV: Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure - Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary to foreclose on multifamily mortgages held by the Secretary encumbering real estate located in any State. Sets forth procedures for the designation of a foreclosure commission or commissioners by the Secretary. Designates the Secretary as a guarantor of payment of any judgment against such commissioners. Permits a foreclosure by the Secretary to commence upon the breach of a covenant or condition in the mortgage agreement for which foreclosure is authorized under such mortgage. Specifies procedures for: (1) notice of default and foreclosure sale; (2) service of such notice; (3) presale reinstatement and cancellation of foreclosure; (4) conduct of a foreclosure sale; (5) disposition of foreclosure costs and sale proceeds; (6) transfer of title and possessions; and (7) recording the foreclosure and sale. Authorizes the Secretary to require, as a condition and term of sale, that the purchaser at a foreclosure sale under this Act agree to the continued operation of the security property in accordance with the appropriate loan program.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 with respect to the definition of a cooperative housing corporation.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to lower from 80 to 50 percent the tenant-stockholder gross income definitional requirement of a cooperative housing corporation, for purposes of the tenant-stockholder income tax deduction for taxes, interest and business depreciation.

Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981

Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Community and Economic Development - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize combined appropriations for block grants for community development activities and urban development action grants for fiscal year 1982 and 1983. Eliminates application requirements for block grants to metropolitan cities and urban counties. Directs any such city or county (entitlement community) and any State seeking a grant to submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: (1) a final statement on community development objectives and the projected use of funds; and (2) certifications that the grant will be administered in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968 and that the projected use of funds gives priority to activities to benefit low and moderate income families or to prevent urban blight. Directs grantees to publish proposed grant statements for public comment, and to make the final statement available to the public. Permits grants to be made to an entitlement community only if such community certifies that it is following a current housing assistance plan approved by the Secretary. Requires grantees (entitlement communities and States) to submit performance reports. Directs the Secretary to review the performance of grantees annually to determine: (1) whether each entitlement community has carried out its activities, housing assistance plan, and certifications in a timely manner; and (2) whether each State grantee has distributed funds to local governments in a timely manner and conducted appropriate review of the performance of such local governments. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust, reduce, or withdraw grants to local governments on the basis of such reviews. Directs State grantees to perform actions of the Secretary concerning the release of funds to units of local government to carry out the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1974. Provides grantees authority to receive grant payments in one lump sum to establish a revolving fund in a private institution to finance rehabilitation activities. Eliminates certain restrictions on the use of block grant funds for the provision of public services not provided by a local government within the last 12 months. Authorizes the use of such funds for the provision of assistance to private, for-profit entities to carry out an economic development project. Limits to ten percent the amount of any grant which may be used for public service activities. Permits the Secretary to waive such limitation. Revises the formula for the allocation of funds appropriated for community development block grants. Allocates 70 percent of such funds for entitlement communities and 30 percent of such funds to States for nonentitlement areas. Requires the reallocation of funds which are not received by an entitlement community for a fiscal year or which become available as a result of an adjustment of grant amounts following reviews according to the existing dual formula. Requires that State allocations be distributed by the States to units of local government located in nonentitlement areas according to each State's final use projection. Permits States to elect not to receive an allocation for fiscal year 1982, in which case the Secretary shall administer the allocation of funds for local governments in accordance with provisions existing prior to enactment of this Act. Reduces the amounts of appropriations which may be set aside for the Secretary's discretionary fund for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Eliminates uses of the fund for making grants for: (1) areawide community development programs; (2) disaster assistance; and (3) correcting inequities resulting from the block grant allocation formula. Reduces the amount of appropriations authorized for urban development action grants for fiscal year 1982. Modifies the contents of grant applications to eliminate requirements for: (1) documentation of results in providing housing for persons of low and moderate income and in providing housing and employment for minorities; (2) an urban development action plan consistent with the community development program, the housing assistance plan, and the overall economic development plan of the area; and (3) preparation of a citizen participation plan and publication of information on fund availability and eligible activities. Revises grant selection criteria to include: (1) the extent to which the grant will stimulate economic recovery by leveraging private investment; (2) the number of jobs to be created; and (3) the extent to which State or local government funding has been committed. Eliminates a requirement that the Secretary allocate such grants equally among programs to restore deteriorated neighborhoods, to retain real property for industrial purposes, and to renew commercial employment centers. Directs the Secretary to assure that the amount of any grant is the least necessary to make the project feasible. Prohibits the Secretary from making any such grant unless the applicant provides assurances that its program will be conducted in conformity with the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of age or with respect to a handicapped individual under any program or activity funded under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Extends the deadline for submission of the Secretary's annual report to Congress on activities under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1983 to carry out the urban homesteading program. Repeals: (1) the Neighborhood Self-Help Development Act of 1978; (2) provisions of the Housing Act of 1954 governing comprehensive planning grants; (3) the rehabilitation loan program under the Housing Act of 1964; and (4) the weatherization assistance program under the Energy Conservation and Production Act. Title II: Housing Assistance Programs - Increases the Secretary's annual contributions contract authority for low-income housing projects for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 and the corresponding budget authority. Requires the Secretary to allocate a specific portion of the additional contract authority for fiscal year 1982 for public housing modernization. Restricts the allocation of the remaining contract authority between existing and newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated units. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for operating subsidies for public housing projects. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 and the National Housing Act to establish the rent for housing units assisted under such Acts at the highest of: (1) 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted income; (2) 10 percent of the family's monthly income; or (3) the portion of any welfare assistance designated for the family's housing costs. Establishes uniform definitions for rental assistance programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Redefines the term "low income families" for purposes of the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude families whose incomes exceed 80 percent of the median area income. Requires that at least 30 percent (currently 20 percent) of the units available for initial occupancy in a public housing project in a fiscal year be occupied by very low income families. Requires the Secretary to review the incomes of families living in public housing projects and rental housing projects designed for lower-income families annually (currently biennially). Establishes the amount of monthly assistance payments to owners who provide housing for lower-income families as the difference between the maximum rent the owners may charge under terms of the assistance contract and the rent established for tenants of assisted units. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to establish the rent supplement for units provided for lower-income tenants at the lesser of: (1) 70 percent of the fair market rent; or (2) the amount by which the fair market rent exceeds 30 percent (currently 25 percent) of the tenant's adjusted income. Provides for delayed application of such revised supplement where immediate application would violate existing leases or cause extraordinary hardship. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for operating assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize additional budget authority provided for contributions contracts under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for rent supplements under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965. Eliminates provisions authorizing only the public housing agency to evict a tenant in an assisted unit. Declares that the tenant's rights shall be determined by the lease and applicable State and local law. Increases the mortgage purchase authority of the Government National Mortgage Association for fiscal year 1982. Authorizes the Secretary to borrow from the U.S. Treasury such sums as may be necessary to finance the loan program for housing for the elderly and handicapped for fiscal year 1983. Amends the National Housing Act to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary recapture assistance provided to a homeowner when the homeowner fails to make mortgage payments for 90 days or more. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the Secretary's authority to insure loans for mortgages and home improvement. Extends the Secretary's authority to establish the maximum interest rates for certain mortgage insurance programs. Limits the maximum principal amount of loans and mortgages that the Secretary may insure under such Act in fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for research for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the amount of funds authorized to be appropriated to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Increases the maximum amounts of property improvement loans eligible for Federal insurance with respect to existing single family structures or manufactured homes, apartment buildings or dwellings for two or more families, and historic structures. Provides for higher loans where financing of a solar energy system is involved. Increases maximum loan amounts for financing the purchase of single and multi-module manufactured homes and lots for such homes. Permits the Secretary to increase such amounts by a specified sum when necessary to meet higher area costs. Eliminates the distinction between an undeveloped and a developed lot. Increases the maximum loan terms for: (1) property improvement loans where installation of a solar energy system is involved; (2) loans to purchase single-module manufactured homes; and (3) historic preservation loans. Increases the maximum loan amount which the Secretary may insure in connection with a manufactured home park. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to authorize the Secretary to provide low and moderate income tenants with default and delinquency counseling. Title IV: Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure - Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary to foreclose multifamily mortgages held by the Secretary encumbering real estate located in any State. Sets forth procedures for the designation of a foreclosure commissioner or commissioners by the Secretary. Designates the Secretary as a guarantor of payment of any judgment against such commissioners. Permits a foreclosure by the Secretary to commence upon the breach of a covenant or condition in the mortgage agreement for which foreclosure is authorized under such mortgage. Specifies procedures for: (1) notice of default and foreclosure sale; (2) service of such notice; (3) presale reinstatement and cancellation of foreclosure; (4) conduct of a foreclosure sale; (5) disposition of foreclosure costs and sale proceeds; (6) transfer of title and possessions; and (7) recording the foreclosure and sale. Authorizes the Secretary to require, as a condition and term of sale, that the purchaser at a foreclosure sale under this Act agree to the continued operation of the security property in accordance with the appropriate loan program.

Antonio Monroig, of Puerto Rico, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Sterling Tucker, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 22 April 1981

A bill to amend the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to provide that State law shall apply to the enforcement of due-on-sale clauses by Federal savings and loan associations.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981

Amends the Home Owner's Loan Act of 1933 to declare that State law shall apply to the enforcement of any due-on-sale provision of a mortgage or promissory note evidencing sums borrowed from a Federal savings and loan association.

Veterans' Disability Compensation, Housing, and Memorial Benefits Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981

Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Act of 1981 - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' compensation for: (1) wartime disability compensation; or (2) additional compensation for dependents; and (3) clothing allowances paid to certain disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for: (1) a surviving spouse; (2) surviving children; and (3) supplemental children's benefits. Title III: Effective Date - States that the provisions of this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1981.

A bill to authorize the use of community development funds with respect to the construction of certain public hospitals located in nonmetropolitan areas.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include as an activity which may be conducted as part of a Community Development Program the construction of a publicly owned and operated medical facility in a nonmetropolitan area if: (1) other Federal assistance is available; and (2) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has received a certification that there is a need for such facility and that there are minimum standards for the licensure and operation of medical facilities in the area of construction.

A joint resolution designation of the second week in May as "Senior Center Week".

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981

Requests the President to designate the week beginning May 16, 1981, as "Senior Center Week."

A bill to amend Sections 593, 7701, and 856 of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to tax treatment of loans secured by stock in cooperative housing corporations.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981

Title I: Tax Treatment of Loans Secured by Shares of Stock in Cooperative Housing Corporations - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify loans secured by stock in a cooperative housing corporation for the tax treatment accorded losses on certain real property loans. Revises the definition of "domestic building and loan association" to include associations at least 60 percent of the total assets of which consists of such loans. Title II: Tax Treatment of Investment by Real Estate Investment Trusts in Loans Secured by Stock in Cooperative Housing Corporations - Includes stock in a cooperative housing corporation in the amount of real estate assets and in the amount of interests in real property used for determining the status of a real estate investment trust.

A concurrent resolution to declare April as "Fair Housing Month".

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981

Recognizes the month of April as "Fair Housing Month."

National Displacement Policy Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981

National Displacement Policy Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require an applicant for a community development block grant to mitigate and end displacement of area residents. Requires the housing assistance plan to demonstrate an effective strategy for ending such displacement. Amends the United States Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to take into consideration whether a family is, or is about to be, without housing as a result of involuntary displacement, for purposes of providing assistance under such Act. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to require the President to transmit to Congress, as part of the biannual Report on Urban Growth required by such Act, a special displacement component analyzing the extent of urban residential displacement and formulating a strategy to combat the adverse effects of such displacement. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to require the appropriate Federal banking supervisory agency to assess a financial institution's record of adopting policies which minimize the displacement of persons from their homes. Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions Act of 1970 to direct the payment of moving and related expenses for displaced persons whenever activities undertaken as a result of a Federal program or project cause such displacement. Declares that payments made to displaced persons shall reflect increases in the cost-of-living. Directs the President to establish a Federal Relocation Assistance Compliance Office for the purpose of carrying out a more uniform and effective administration of relocation assistance. Requires such Office to coordinate the relocation activities of the Federal agencies. States that rental or lease assistance paid to a displaced person shall not exceed 25 percent of such person's income. States that no person shall be required to move from his or her rental dwelling on account of any Federal project or any federally assisted project if: (1) the rental vacancy rate in the area for dwellings similar in size and cost is less than one percent; or (2) there is a waiting list of persons eligible to receive Federal assistance who desire to rent such unit. Directs the President, through the Federal Relocation Assistance Compliance Office, to report annually to the Congress on the extent of involuntary displacement of families and on measures to mitigate such displacement.

A bill to amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include as an activity which may be conducted as part of a Community Development Program the construction of a publicly owned and operated medical facility in a nonmetropolitan area if: (1) other Federal assistance is available; and (2) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has received a certification that there is a need for such facility and that there are minimum standards for the licensure and operation of medical facilities in the area of construction.

A bill to provide supplemental authority to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for the purpose of providing annual contributions for the operation of low-income housing projects.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981

Increases the amount of funds authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development after fiscal year 1980 for annual contributions to public housing agencies for the operation of low-income housing projects.

Individual Housing Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981

Individual Housing Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for cash contributions to a savings account created or organized for the benefit of the taxpayer (or the taxpayer and spouse if married) for the exclusive purpose of purchasing a residence. Limits the maximum annual deduction to $3,000, with a maximum lifetime deduction of $15,000. Provides for separate limitations in the case of married individuals. Excludes distributions from such account from gross income as long as they are used exclusively for the purchase or construction of a residence for the taxpayer. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions from an individual housing account which are not used for the purchase or construction of a residence for the taxpayer. Provides a tax deduction for an individual who purchases a new home for personal purposes in an amount equal to the sales taxes paid on items used in the construction of such home. Provides a refundable tax credit of an amount equal to lost interest on required real property tax prepayments. Stipulates that such lost interest shall be an amount equal to interest computed at the rate of 5.5 percent. Limits such tax credit to $200.

Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1981

Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Community and Neighborhood Development and Conservation - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to: (1) authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for grants to metropolitan areas for Community Development Programs; and (2) to limit the amount of commitments to guarantee notes and other obligations which the Secretary may enter into with respect to community development loan guarantees in fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to increase the amount of funds authorized for rehabilitation loans and to limit the amount of commitments to make such loans for fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing Act of 1954 to reduce the funds authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1982 for grants for activities relating to the development of comprehensive plans for community development, employment, and conservation, and to restrict the use of such funds to carrying out the clearinghouse functions required by OMB Circular A-95. Amends the Neighborhood Self-Help Development Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for grants for community development to neighborhood organizations. Amends the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act to authorize appropriations for the Corporation for fiscal year 1982. Title II: Assisted Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937: (1) to increase, on October 1, 1981, the maximum amount of annual contractual contributions which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may make to low-income housing; (2) to limit the amount which may be obligated over the duration of such contracts with respect to additional authority provided after October 1, 1981; (3) to allocate such additional authority; and (4) to authorize appropriations to fiscal year 1982 for annual contributions for the operation of low-income housing projects. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize fiscal year 1982 appropriations for operating assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects, with restrictions on the use of such funds for operating deficits resulting from failures to amend project contracts. Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit the approval of the appropriation of funds for such assistance after September 30, 1982. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary to provide additional assistance payments of a specified amount per year to lower income families for acquiring home ownership or membership in a cooperative association. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the Secretary's authority to insure loans for mortgages and home improvement. Extends the Secretary's authority to establish the maximum interest rates for certain mortgage insurance programs. Limits the maximum principal amount of loans and mortgages that the Secretary may insure under such Act in fiscal year 1982. Amends the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act of 1974 to extend the authority of the Secretary to direct the Government National Mortgage Association to purchase mortgages and securities. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to limit the amount of loans the Secretary may make for the provision of housing for elderly or handicapped families in fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for research for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in fiscal year 1982. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the amount of funds authorized to be appropriated to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to: (1) increase, on October 1, 1981, the limitation on the total amount of commitments authorized for the Government National Mortgage Association; and (2) to limit the aggregate principal amount of mortgages that the Association may purchase and the amount of securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association that the Association may guarantee during fiscal year 1982. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1975 to direct the President to appoint two of the members of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences selected each year, and to extend the authorization for the Institute through fiscal year 1987. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for the weatherization program for fiscal year 1982. Title IV: Flood, Crime, and Riot Insurance - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the national flood insurance program until September 30, 1983, and to authorize appropriations for various insurance studies during fiscal year 1982. Amends the National Housing Act to extend: (1) the Secretary's powers to enter into contracts with respect to the Federal riot reinsurance program and the Federal crime insurance program until September 30, 1983; and (2) the deadline for submitting a plan for the liquidation of such programs to Congress until September 30, 1986. Title V: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Secretary of Agriculture: (1) to insure and guarantee loans for rural housing, with certain restrictions; (2) to make loans and grants for improvements of rural housing; (3) to provide financial assistance for the provision of low- rent housing for domestic farm labor; (4) to make grants or contract for the development of programs to assist low-income persons in benefiting from housing programs in rural areas; and (5) to insure loans to provide rental housing for persons of moderate income in rural areas. Terminates use of the Rural Housing Insurance Fund for certain rural housing loans as of October 1, 1981. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into contracts to provide: (1) interest credit payments with respect to such loans made during fiscal year 1982; (2) additional assistance payments to low income persons who are unable to afford dwellings with such interest credit payments; and (3) rental assistance payments. Authorizes appropriations for such payments in fiscal year 1982 with annual and aggregate limitations. Authorizes fiscal year 1982 appropriations for: (1) programs of mutual and self-help housing in rural areas; and (2) the Self-Help Housing Land Development Fund.

Smoke Detector Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1981

Smoke Detector Demonstration Act - Directs the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration to establish and conduct, after consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, smoke detector placement demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish criteria applicable to the selection, acquisition, installation, and maintenance of smoke detectors used and the selection of participating households and communities. Directs the Administrator to establish minimum performance requirements for detectors used in the projects. Directs the Administrator to ensure that sufficient opportunity for participation is given to older persons, institutions serving children, and low-income families. Directs the Administrator to submit information on project results to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Directs the Commission to evaluate such information and disseminate to consumers information pertinent to the purchase and effective use of smoke detectors. Authorizes the Commission to require the Administrator to design projects so as to produce information which may be used in promulgating consumer product safety standards. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on implementation of this Act with recommendations. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out this Act.

Elderly Homeowners Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981

Elderly Homeowner's Relief Act - Amends the Home Owner's Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations to offer reverse annuity mortgages on the security of first liens upon residential real property in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Requires the regulations issued by the Board to include provisions which: (1) entitle applicants to withdraw without penalty from the mortgage agreement within 17 days of its consummation; (2) assure notice to consumers of all contingencies under the terms of the mortgage in the event of default; (3) provide all applicants an opportunity for refinancing at the end of the mortgage term; (4) allow prepayment at any one time without penalty; (5) require all associations to purchase annuities from an insurance company licensed by the State of their incorporation; (6) prohibit any variable interest rate on the mortgage loan; and (7) require applicants to receive a written notice of the terms of the mortgage loan containing specified provisions.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide for the establishment of and the deduction of contributions to, education savings accounts and housing savings accounts.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for cash and other personal property contributions to a savings account created or organized exclusively for the purpose of paying the educational expenses of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's child. Limits the amount of such deduction to $1,000 per year, adjusted for inflation. Limits eligibility for such deduction to the taxpayer or the taxpayer's dependent child unless such child has attained age 21 or has attended an institution of higher education as a full-time student for more than four weeks in the year of his twenty-first birthday. Excludes distributions from such an account from the gross income of the payee so long as such distributions are used to defray the beneficiary's tuition, fees, books and supplies, and reasonable living expenses. Specifies sanctions for the use of account funds for other than such educational purposes. Treats qualified distributions as income to the beneficiary for the taxable year in which the beneficiary attains age 25, and for each of the following nine years, in successive apportionments equal to ten percent of the total amount of such distributions. Allows a deduction for cash and other personal property contributions to a savings account created or organized for the benefit of the taxpayer (or the taxpayer and spouse if married) for the exclusive purpose of purchasing such individual's first residence. Limits the maximum annual deduction to $1,500 ($3,000 in the case of married individuals filing jointly), with a maximum lifetime deduction of $15,000 ($30,000 in the case of married individuals filing jointly). Provides for annual inflation adjustment of such amounts. Excludes distributions from such account from gross income so long as they are used exclusively for the purchase of a first residence. Provides for recapture of such distribution upon a subsequent sale of such first residence if another house is not purchased with the proceeds. Requires reduction of the $100,000 exclusion from gross income of proceeds from the sale of a principal residence by a taxpayer 55 years of age or older if such residence had been purchased with distributions from a tax-exempt housing savings account. Limits the amount of such reduction to the amount of any such distribution excluded from gross income.

A bill to restrict the Federal National Mortgage Association with respect to its authority to preclude the assumption of mortgages secured by single-family residences.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1981

Prohibits the Federal National Mortgage Association, for four years after enactment of this Act, from precluding the assumption of a mortgage on a single-family residence, except on the basis: (1) that the person assuming the mortgage is not creditworthy; or (2) of criteria for the condition of the residence which were used in the original mortgage financing determination. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report to Congress on the number of families who were able to purchase a residence because of this Act, the number of families who could purchase a residence in the future if this prohibition were continued, and the reasons, if any, for discontinuing the prohibition.

A bill to prohibit the use of Federal housing assistance with respect to certain aliens.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 to prohibit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from providing housing assistance for the benefit of any alien unless such alien is a U.S. resident and either admitted for permanent residence or lawfully present in the United States under specified conditions (including admission for asylum or as a refugee, or because his or her deportation has been withheld).

John J. Knapp, of New York, to be General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, vice Jane McGraw.

United States · United States Senate · 19 March 1981

A bill for the relief of Orange County Fair Housing Council, Incorporated.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1981

Provides that a named corporation shall be relieved of liability to the United States for certain taxes imposed over a specified period of time.

Philip D. Winn, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Lawrence B. Simons, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 17 March 1981

Emanuel S. Savas, of New Jersey, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Donna Edna Shalala, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 17 March 1981

A bill to prevent inequities in the administration of income determination pertaining to low-rent housing.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981

Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, when determining eligibility for or the rental amount of low-income housing, to exclude $300 from the income of a family for the spouse of the head of the household if the spouse is 62 years of age or older, not a wage earner because of the presence in the household of children under seven years of age, or over 18 years of age and disabled.

A bill to prohibit Federal assistance to rental housing projects for the elderly and handicapped if such projects do not allow tenants to have pets.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1981

Prohibits Federally assisted rental housing projects for the elderly and handicapped from forbidding tenants to have pets or discriminating against persons having pets.

A resolution disapproving the proposed deferral of budget authority to carry out the congregate services program under title IV of the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981

Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (deferral no. 81-70) to carry out the congregate services program under the Housing Community Development Amendments of 1978, as transmitted by the President to the Congress on February 17, 1981, pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1981

Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1981 - Enacts into law the short titles "Civil Rights Act of 1968" and "Fair Housing Act". Amends the Fair Housing Act to expand the definition of "discriminatory housing practice" to include any violation under such Act (thus codifying case law which holds that the obligation of Federal agencies to administer programs affirmatively to further the purposes of fair housing and the prohibition against interference with rights under the Act are separately actionable). Adds new definitions of "handicap" and "aggrieved person". Excludes from the meaning of "handicap" any impairment consisting of alcohol or drug abuse or which would be a direct threat to the property or safety of others. Retains the two current exemptions from the prohibition against the discriminatory sale or rental of housing which are given to: (1) an owner of three or less single-family houses; and (2) the owner of a dwelling consisting of four or fewer family units who also resides in such dwelling (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption). Makes it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent to a handicapped person unless such handicap would prevent a prospective occupant from conforming to specified non-discrimination rules and practices; and (2) discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Includes within such discrimination a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (but only if a renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. States that such discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) make modifications which would unreasonably inconvenience others; and (3) allow architectural modifications which materially decrease the value of a building or alter its intended use. Makes it unlawful for an insurer to discriminate in the provision or terms of insurance against hazards to a dwelling because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or national origin of persons owning or residing in or near the dwelling. Adds handicapped persons as a protected class under other existing prohibitions on discriminatory activities. Modifies the housing financing discrimination provision to prescribe all conduct which denies or "otherwise makes unavailable" financial assistance because of race, color, religion, handicap, or national origin. Includes with such prohibition persons in the business of selling, brokering, or appraising real property. Establishes the Fair Housing Review Commission, composed of three members appointed by the President for staggered six-year terms. Stipulates that no more than two members may be of the same political party. Directs the Commission to: (1) appoint administrative law judges and other employees as necessary to carry out its functions; (2) promulgate a code of ethics to assure the independence of such judges; (3) promulgate rules of discovery for its proceedings consistent insofar as practicable with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and (4) consider appeals from the proposed orders of the administrative law judges upon application of a party. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the executive departments and agencies which are currently required to administer their housing programs in an affirmative manner. Authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial as well as technical assistance to public and private organizations seeking to remedy housing discrimination. Establishes a new administrative enforcement procedure within the Department of Housing and Urban Development in addition to the current enforcement provisions of title VIII (allowing civil actions by private parties and the Attorney General). Directs the Secretary to make an investigation of all alleged discriminatory housing practice on his or her own initiative or upon the filing of a charge by an aggrieved person within one year of the alleged discrimination. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conference, conciliation, and persuasion. Requires the Secretary, if the aggrieved person and respondent consent to binding arbitration, to refer the charge to an arbitrator made available by the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice. Continues the current authority of the Secretary to utilize discovery measures. Retains the current penalty for failing to produce information (up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year's imprisonment). Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. Specifies, with respect to the rights and remedies provided by such agencies, the elements of "substantial equivalency" which permit certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to recall referrals in the interest of justice or to protect the rights of the parties. Prohibits further action by the Secretary unless the agency fails to act in a timely fashion (current law gives the agency 30 days to commence proceedings). Requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate to avoid duplication of their housing discrimination authority. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to permit other agencies to carry out such responsibilities within their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with specified Federal agencies for such purpose with respect to depository institutions. Permits an action for temporary or preliminary relief to be brought on behalf of the Secretary in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when the Secretary establishes that voluntary compliance is unobtainable and prompt judicial action is necessary. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use controls, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief and a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Permits the filing of a position for judicial review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 60 days after entry of such order. Provides that the findings of fact shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the record considered as a whole. Authorizes the administrative law judge to assess civil penalties for noncompliance with a final administrative order. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons under the Fair Housing Act. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Permits the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the current provision permitting the appointment of counsel. Removes the existing $1,000 limit on punitive damages for willful violations. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to title VIII rights has occurred. Permits the intervention of aggrieved persons in such actions. Permits the award of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to prevailing parties in court and administrative proceedings (current law permits an award of attorney's fees only to prevailing parties who are financially unable to assume them). Directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to report to Congress on the need for and cost of retrofitting housing for handicapped persons. Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective October 1, 1981.