Housing

Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 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 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. Stipulates 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 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 practices 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 permits 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 petition 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 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.

Individual Housing Account Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981

Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction from gross income for cash contributions to a tax-exempt savings account established for the benefit of the taxpayer (or the taxpayer and spouse if married) for the exclusive purpose of purchasing such taxpayer's first principal residence. Limits the maximum annual deduction to $2,500, with a maximum lifetime deduction of $10,000. Excludes distributions from such account from gross income as long as they are used exclusively for the purpose of purchasing the first principal residence of the taxpayer.

Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 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 units who also resides in such dwelling (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption). Makes it unlawful for a person in the business of insuring against hazards to discriminate in the issuance or terms of hazard insurance contracts because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or national origin of persons owning, or residing in or near, the dwelling. 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. Adds handicapped persons as a protected class under other existing prohibitions on discriminatory activities. Modifies the housing financing discrimination provision to proscribe all conduct which denies or "otherwise makes unavailable" financial assistance because of race, color, religion, handicap, or national origin. Includes within such prohibition persons in the business of selling, brokering, or appraising real property. Provides that it is not a violation of title VIII for real property appraisers to take into consideration factors other than race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or handicap. Expands the exemption provision to permit a minimum lot size requirement unless it is imposed with intent to discriminate against a protected class. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to delegate the function of presiding over administrative hearings to administrative law judges, appointed by the Attorney General and serving in the Department of Justice. Requires that administrative hearings, as well as conciliation meetings, be held in the locality where the discriminatory practices allegedly occur. Sets forth the following provisions to insure the independence of such administrative law judges. Forbids such judges from consulting a person or party on a fact in issue, unless notice and opportunity to participate are given. Prohibits Department employees performing investigatory or prosecutory functions from participating in any decision (except as witnesses or counsel). Requires such judges to be appointed from the administrative law judge register established by the Office of Personnel Management. Prohibits any person from functioning as a judge in such a hearing if within the previous two years he or she has functioned in an investigatory or prosecutory function for the Department. Makes such judges removable only by the Attorney General for good cause as determined by the Merit Systems Protection Board. 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. Establishes a legislative veto procedure with respect to any proposed or existing rule promulgated by any agency under the authority of the Fair Housing Act. Requires proposed rules to be submitted to the Congressional judiciary committees. Provides that such a rule does not become effective if: (1) both Houses of Congress adopt a specified concurrent resolution of disapproval within 90 days of the promulgation; or (2) one House adopts such resolution within 60 days and the other House does not disapprove that resolution within 30 days. 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 an alleged discriminatory housing practice on his 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. Continues the current authority of the Secretary to utilize discovery measures. Makes the failure to produce information punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 (current law also permits imprisonment for up to one year). 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. Gives an agency to which a referral has been made 90 days, instead of 30, to commence proceedings. Requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate to avoid duplication of their housing discrimination prevention authority. 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. Requires the determination of reasonable cause to be made within 270 days of the filing of the charge by an aggrieved person. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Requires the Secretary to certify that conciliation has been attempted before commencement of an administrative hearing. Permits an aggrieved person to intervene in such proceeding. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief and a civil penalty of up to $10,000, but provides for a five-day period after the conclusion of the hearing for the purpose of conciliation, before such judge may announce any decision. Prohibits the Secretary from modifying an order or decision of the judge. Permits the filing of a petition for judicial review of a final order in Federal district court within 30 days after service of such order. Directs the court to make a de novo determination of the adequacy of the findings of fact and conclusions of law to which objection is made. Permits the court to receive further evidence or recommit the matter to the administrative law judge under certain circumstances. Authorizes the judge to accept, reject, or modify the findings of fact and conclusions of law. 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 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). Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective October 1, 1981.

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1981

Authorizes the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs from March 1, 1981, through February 28, 1982, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate; (2) employ personnel; and (3) utilize the services of department or agency personnel on a reimbursement basis. Sets forth the limit on expenses by the Committee during such period.

A bill to amend the Mortgage Subsidy Bond Tax Act of 1980 to exempt from the coverage of such Act certain General Obligation mortgage bond issues of the State of Oregon.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981

Amends the Mortgage Subsidy Bond Tax Act of 1980 to permit the issuance of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds not in conformity with the financing requirements of such Act for qualifying veterans under the direction of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the maximum amount payable in Veterans' Administration specially adapted housing assistance, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981

Increases from $30,000 to $35,000 the maximum amount of specially adapted housing assistance available to disabled veterans.

A bill to amend the Mortgage Subsidy Bond Tax Act of 1980 to exempt from the coverage of such Act certain general obligation veterans' mortgage bond issues of the State of Oregon.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981

Amends the Mortgage Subsidy Bond Tax Act of 1980 to permit the issuance of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, not in conformity with the requirements of such Act, for financing for qualifying veterans under the direction of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs.

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

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 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 as an asylee or a refugee, or because his or her deportation has been withheld).

A bill to provide that the interest rate on federally insured mortgages under section 203(b) of the National Housing Act shall be the rate charged for uninsured mortgages.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1981

Amends the National Housing Act to require that mortgages insured under such Act by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development bear interest at the rate charged by the mortgagee for non-insured mortgages. Eliminates the requirement that the Secretary consult with the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to determine the interest rate necessary to meet the mortgage market for guaranteed or insured loans to veterans.

Residential Rental Housing Tax Incentive Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981

Residential Rental Housing Tax Incentive Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect to depreciate residential rental property under the straight line method based on a period of 120 months if the original use of such property begins with the taxpayer or 240 months in any other case. Exempts residential property, residential rental property, and low-income housing from the requirement that construction period interest and taxes related to such property be amortized instead of deducted currently. Expands eligibility for accelerated depreciation of rehabilitation expenditures for all types of rental housing, not just low-income rental rehabilitation expenditures. Increases the eligible amount of depreciable low-income housing rehabilitation expenditures to $30,000. Eliminates provision for recapture of depreciation for rehabilitation expenditures.

Individual Housing Account Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981

Individual Housing Account 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 the taxpayer's first principal residence. Limits the maximum annual deduction to $4,000, with a maximum lifetime deduction of $20,000. Provides that there is no maximum yearly income for eligibility in the program. Limits to 20 percent the amount of the total yearly contribution which may come from earned income. Limits all members of a family to one individual housing account until each member is dependent and files separate tax returns. Allows only one account to be applied against the purchase of a single dwelling. Excludes distributions from such account from gross income so long as they are used exclusively for the purchase of a first principal residence. Provides for recapture of such distribution upon a subsequent sale of such first residence if another house is not purchased with the proceeds.

Uniform Relocation Assistance Act Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1981

Uniform Relocation Assistance Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to require the head of any Federal agency that administers, or provides financial assistance to a State, State agency, or individual for, a program or project which will result in the forced displacement of any person, to provide relocation benefits to such person. Increases the maximum amounts of optional fixed payments for moving expenses and dislocation benefits for displacement from dwellings, farms, and businesses. Eliminates the $15,000 limitation on the Federal payments (exceeding acquisition costs) required to replace a dwelling of a displaced person who owned and occupied such dwelling. Includes in such payments compensation for any increased real property taxes to be incurred by such person during the life of the mortgage of the replacement dwelling. Doubles the maximum payment required for replacement housing expenses for displaced tenants. Declares that the assurances required of relocation assistance advisory services concerning the availability of replacement housing shall: (1) be made prior to Federal approval of a project; (2) be based upon careful analysis of the housing needs of the persons to be displaced and the availability of housing; and (3) include plans for housing replacement by the Federal agency if comparable replacement sale or rental housing is not available. Prohibits a Federal agency from funding any project unless the responsible State, State agency, or individual assures the availabilty of appropriate replacement housing at least six months prior to displacement. Directs the President to designate an agency to establish uniform regulations governing land acquisition and relocation assistance for use by Federal agencies and recipients of Federal assistance. Authorizes such agency to conduct hearings as requested by any aggrieved person to resolve differing agency interpretations of such regulations. Directs the agency to adjust dollar figures for relocation benefits to account for inflation. Authorizes the owner of property to be acquired by the Government to require a second appraisal of the property value. Requires the head of an agency to offer to purchase property which has lost its value because of the agency's acquisition of other property so that the adversely affected owner or occupant would qualify for relocation benefits.

Donald I. Hovde, of Wisconsin, to be Under Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Victor Marrero.

United States · United States Senate · 30 January 1981

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to allow a deduction for expenses incurred by a taxpayer in making repairs and improvements to his residence, and to allow the owner of rental housing to amortize at an accelerated rate the cost of rehabilitating or restoring such housing.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a nonitemizing taxpayer to claim an income tax deduction for expenses incurred in making repairs and improvements to his principal residence. Limits the amount of such deduction to $750 for the taxable year. Allows an income tax deduction with respect to the amortization of the adjusted basis of rental housing which is rehabilitated or restored by its owner. Bases the amortization on a period of 60 months.

Low Income Housing Emergency Tax Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Low-Income Housing Emergency Tax Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to delay until 1984 the application to low-income housing of the provision for amortization of real property construction period interest and taxes.

A bill to amend section 802 of title 38, United States Code, to increase specially adapted housing benefits for certain seriously service-connected disabled veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Increases the adapted housing benefit ceiling for veterans with specified permanent and total service-connected disabilities.

A bill to amend the United States Housing Act of 1937 to enable local public housing agencies to enter into security arrangements designed to prevent crimes and otherwise insure the safety and well-being of public housing tenants.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make annual contributions to enable public housing agencies to enter into security arrangements designed to prevent crimes and to insure the safety and well-being of public housing tenants. Authorizes appropriations.

Individual Housing Account Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a income tax deduction from gross income for cash contributions to a tax-exempt savings account established for the benefit of the taxpayer (or the taxpayer and spouse if married) for the exclusive purpose of purchasing a principal residence. Limits the maximum annual deduction to $2,500, with a maximum lifetime deduction of $10,000. Excludes distributions from such account from gross income so long as they are used exclusively for the purpose of purchasing a principal residence.

A bill to amend section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 for the purpose of providing more housing alternatives for lower income persons.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into annual contribution contracts in order to make assistance available for lower income persons living in single-room housing units. Directs the Secretary to establish minimum property standards for such units and to provide for periodic inspections.

Samuel R. Pierce, Jr., of New York, to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

United States · United States Senate · 20 January 1981

A bill to provide that each State must establish a workfare program, and require participation therein by all residents of the State who are receiving benefits or assistance under the aid to families with dependent children, food stamp, and public housing programs, as a condition of the State's eligibility for Federal assistance in connection with those programs.

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1981

Requires that each State establish and maintain an approved workfare program as a condition of its eligibility for Federal payments or other assistance under the: (1) program of aid to families with dependent children under the Social Security Act; (2) food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) public housing and assisted housing programs under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires that such State workfare program shall require every State resident applying for or receiving aid under such Federal public assistance program to perform work in return for, and as a condition for, such aid. Directs the appropriate Federal agencies to promulgate guidelines for approval, supervision, and oversight of such State workfare programs. Exempts from required participation in such programs those who are: (1) under age 18 or over age 65; (2) disabled; (3) regularly employed for at least 40 hours a week; or (4) primarily responsible for the care of a child less than three years old (or for the care of a child more than two but less than six years old if suitable child care is not available at reasonable cost). Requires that each State workfare program must provide that if any individual who is required to participate in such program refuses to accept a bona fide offer of qualified employment or to perform qualified employment, in any month, neither such individual nor any other person in the family or household of which such individual is a member shall be eligible to receive any aid under such Federal public assistance programs for that month. Requires that State workfare programs include provision for job counseling, assistance in obtaining employment outside the program, and job search activities. Provides for: (1) Federal matching funds to cover administrative costs of such State programs; (2) Federal cut-offs of funds to State agencies for failure to comply with this Act; and (3) Federal agency reports to Congress on such State programs. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to amend title XX of the Social Security Act to increase Federal payments to States for services which will assist in removing people from institutions, including the provision of alternative housing, sheltered employment, and similar services.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981

Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to: (1) increase Federal payments to States for services directed toward the goal of preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care; and (2) authorize appropriations for alternative housing, sheltered employment, and related items directed toward such goal.

A bill to provide that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may not approve any application for rental increases in federally assisted housing unless the amount of such increase is permitted under State and local law.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981

Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from approving any application for rental increases in federally assisted housing unless the amount of such increase is permitted under State and local law.

A bill to amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide for grants to be made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to cities, urban counties, and Indian tribes for energy development and conservation action.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1981

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize additional appropriations for supplemental grant assistance for energy development and conservation action grants authorized under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make energy development and conservation action grants to cities, urban counties, and Indian tribes to help alleviate physical and economic deterioration and to promote energy development and conservation by subsidizing the rehabilitation, expansion, and development of energy supply or conservation systems of proven technology, such as district heating, geothermal projects, industrial cogeneration, municipal solid waste heat recovery, and small head hydropower. Stipulates that such grants shall be made only to those cities, counties, and Indian tribes which have provided low and moderate income housing and equal opportunity in housing and employment for low and moderate income persons and minority group members. Sets forth application procedures and criteria for selecting grant recipients. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such grant program with other agency programs, and to review and audit grant recipients.

A bill to amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide for grants to be made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to local governmental units and Indian tribes for the development of energy conservation plans and programs.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1981

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the energy conservation block grant program established pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make energy conservation block grants to units of general local government and Indian tribes for development of energy conservation plans and programs. Sets forth eligibility and application requirements for obtaining such grants. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy and to review and audit grant recipients. Authorizes the Secretary to set aside a portion of the moneys appropriated under this Act for technical and other assistance to eligible jurisdictions, for the publications of relevant studies, for evaluations, research and planning, and for other specified uses designed to promote the purposes of this Act.

Economic Disaster Community Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981

Economic Disaster Community Assistance Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 by adding title VI: Emergency Economic Disaster Community Relief. Establishes within the Department of Commerce an Office of Aid to Economic Disaster Communities to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the President to designate as an economic disaster community any area without regard to political or geographic boundaries where: (1) the average unemployment rate for at least three consecutive months is 150 percent of the average national unemployment rate for the preceding calendar year; (2) the current unemployment rate exceeds the national unemployment rate for the prior month and has increased by at least 100 percent within the past 12 months; or (3) the current unemployment rate is at least six percent and there are such other critical economic conditions as the President determines warrant assistance under this Act. Directs the appointment of Federal and State coordinating officers for areas designated economic disaster communities. Authorizes all Federal agencies to assist such areas by making available real property, personnel, equipment, and other resources. Authorizes the President, with the concurrence of the Director of the Office, to direct any Federal agency charged with the administration of a Federal grant-in-aid program to modify conditions for assistance in order to facilitate the delivery of aid to economic disaster communities. Establishes a separate Federal economic recovery fund within the Treasury. Authorizes appropriations to maintain such Fund at a specified level. Directs the heads of Federal agencies and the Director of the Office to select existing Federal grant-in-aid and loan and loan guarantee programs to be assisted by the fund. Authorizes the allocation of fund monies for certain other purposes, including: (1) loans to individuals and businesses to enable them to meet mortgage payments; (2) unrestricted grants to States and local governments to implement local initiatives and projects designed to relieve unemployment and stimulate the economy but which are not eligible for existing grants; (3) grants to accelerate Federal, State, or local projects; (4) relocation assistance for unemployed individuals and their families; (5) unemployment assistance; (6) housing assistance; (7) grants to States and local governments to enable them to pay the State share of other Federal grant-in-aid programs; and (8) grants or loans to nonprofit organizations and loan guarantees to private profitmaking organizations for job creation and holding major employers in the area. Directs that areas designated as economic disaster communities shall remain eligible for assistance under this Act for at least one year after which time benefits will be phased out if the area no longer meets eligibility criteria.

A bill to amend section 312 of the Housing Act of 1964 for the purpose of authorizing $245,000,000 to be appropriated under such section for rehabilitation loans for fiscal year 1982.

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981

Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to authorize appropriations for rehabilitation loans for fiscal year 1982.

National Condominium Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981

National Condominium Act of 1981 - Provides for the designation of an Assistant Secretary for Condominiums within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist in the planning, development, construction, or operation of condominiums or the purchase of condominium units. Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from making any housing loan to a developer of a condominium project unless the developer discloses information assuring compliance with specified standards governing the sale and conversion of condominiums. Allows any purchaser of a federally-assisted condominium at least 30 days after signing a purchase agreement to cancel such agreement. Directs the Secretary to assist State and local governments to establish standards to protect purchasers of condominiums and residents of structures being converted to condominiums. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to such governments for the establishment of offices to enforce such standards. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes penalties for violations of this Act.

A bill to permit Federal financial assistance provided by section 8 housing to be made available in Chicago, Illinois, through existing Federal programs without regard to criteria which presently prohibit the use of such assistance for such purpose.

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981

Permits low-income housing assistance under the Housing Act of 1937 to Chicago, Illinois, without regard to criteria which restrict new construction of housing within any census tract where 30 percent or more of the population is nonwhite, or within a distance of one mile from the outer perimeter of any such tract.

Residential Rental Housing Tax Incentive Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981

Residential Rental Housing Tax Incentive Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer election to depreciate new: (1) residential rental property under the straight line method based on a period of 120 months; and (2) low-income rental housing under the same method based on a period of 96 months. Exempts residential property, residential rental property, and low-income housing from the requirement that construction period interest and taxes related to such property be amortized instead of deducted currently. Expands eligibility for accelerated depreciation of rehabilitation expenditures for all types of rental housing, not just low-income rental housing. Increases the eligible amount of depreciable low-income housing rehabilitation expenditures to $30,000.

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 · 5 January 1981

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax 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 and the taxpayer's child unless such child reaches age 21 by the year of contribution to the account, or is enrolled in an institution of higher education or vocational school for more than four weeks during such year. 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 principal 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 principal 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.

Individual Housing Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 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 the taxpayer's first principal residence. Limits the maximum annual deduction to $3,000, with a maximum lifetime deduction of $12,000. Excludes distributions from such account from gross income so long as they are used exclusively for the purchase of a first principal residence. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions from an individual housing account which are not used for the purchase of a principal residence.

A bill to amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to provide for the payment of a special housing allowance to each recipient of supplemental security income benefits whose housing expenses exceed an amount equal to 25 per centum of his or her income, so as to reduce such expenses to that amount.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Amends title XVI (Supplemental Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to pay a special housing allowance to each eligible individual whose housing expenses exceed either 25 percent of income or $1,200 a year, whichever is less.

A bill to amend the National Housing Act and other Acts for the purpose of providing assistance for outpatient geriatric clinics and for multipurpose senior centers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to give special emphasis to insuring mortgages covering medical practice facilities used primarily for providing preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services to elderly outpatients. Directs the Secretary to insure mortgages made in connection with senior centers offering health, nutritional, recreational, and social facilities to elderly persons, regardless of whether such centers offer housing facilities. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to entitle a grant recipient to an additional grant if such recipient plans to use such additional grant for the construction or maintenance of a senior center providing recreational, health, and nutritional services. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to provide for the inclusion of emergency power equipment in federally assisted multi-family housing facilities which are designed for occupancy in whole or substantial part by the elderly, and to authorize Federal loans to finance the provision of such equipment for those facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to determine that a multifamily housing facility for the elderly is equipped with an emergency generator or other emergency power equipment, which is adequate to furnish electrical power for essential utilities in the event of power failure, before extending mortgage insurance, grants, loans or other assistance for such a facility. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and to insure loans made by financial institutions to the owners or sponsors of multifamily housing facilities for the elderly to pay the full cost of providing such equipment. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to amend section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 for the purpose of reducing the amount of rent required to be paid by elderly families residing in dwelling units assisted by Federal contributions authorized by such section.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Amends the Housing Act of 1937 to reduce the amount of rent required to be paid by elderly families residing in dwelling units assisted by Federal contributions.

A bill to provide that elderly persons residing in dwelling units receiving Federal assistance shall be provided with certain rights in the lease agreements between the elderly persons and the owners of the units.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to require that any lease or rental agreement entered into or renewed by a person aged 62 or over with respect to a dwelling unit assisted by a Federal housing program shall contain provisions entitling such person to terminate, without penalty, the lease or rental agreement if such person or his or her spouse dies or incurs any mental or physical disability during the period of the lease or rental agreement.

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

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to require Federal savings and loan associations to offer a 30 year standard mortgage with an interest rate fixed at the same rate as the original rate of a renegotiable rate mortgage, if such a renegotiable rate mortgage is offered.

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 · 5 January 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.

A bill to provide that each state must establish a workfare program, and require participation therein by all residents of the State who are receiving benefits or assistance under the aid to families with dependent children, food stamp, and public housing programs, as a condition of the State's eligibility for Federal assistance in connection with those programs.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Requires that each State establish and maintain an approved workfare program as a condition of its eligibility for Federal payments or other assistance under the: (1) program of aid to families with dependent children under the Social Security Act; (2) food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) public housing and assisted housing programs under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires that such State workfare program shall require every State resident applying for or receiving aid under such Federal public assistance program to perform work in return for, and as a condition for, such aid. Directs the appropriate Federal agencies to promulgate guidelines for approval, supervision, and oversight of such State workfare programs. Exempts from required participation in such programs those who are: (1) under age 18 or over age 65; (2) disabled; (3) regularly employed for at least 40 hours a week; or (4) primarily responsible for the care of a child less than three years old (or for the care of a child more than two but less than six years old if suitable child care is not available at reasonable cost). Requires that each State workfare program must provide that if any individual who is required to participate in such program refuses to accept a bona fide offer of qualified employment or to perform qualified employment, in any month, neither such individual nor any other person in the family or household of which such individual is a member shall be eligible to receive any aid under such Federal public assistance programs for that month. Requires that State workfare programs include provision for job counseling, assistance in obtaining employment outside the program, and job search activities. Provides for: (1) Federal matching funds to cover administrative costs of such State programs; (2) Federal cut-offs of funds to State agencies for failure to comply with this Act; and (3) Federal agency reports to Congress on such State programs. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to provide that elderly persons residing in dwelling units receiving Federal assistance shall be provided with certain rights in the lease agreements between the elderly persons and the owners of the units.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to require that any lease or rental agreement entered into or renewed by a person aged 62 or over with respect to a dwelling unit assisted by a Federal housing program shall contain provisions entitling such person to terminate, without penalty, the lease or rental agreement if such person or his or her spouse dies or incurs any mental or physical disability during the period of the lease or rental agreement.

A bill to provide for assistance to certain urban counties under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include within the term "urban county" for purposes of awarding Federal assistance, any county in a metropolitan area which: (1) State law authorizes to undertake housing and community development in unincorporated areas; (2) has at least one metropolitan city within its boundaries; (3) has a population in excess of 125,000 persons in its unincorporated areas; and (4) offers at least three of the following governmental services: health, welfare, library, education, recreation, law enforcement, or a judicial system.

A bill to provide that social security benefit increases occurring after May 1981 shall not be considered as income or resources for the purposes of determining the eligibility for or amount of assistance which any individual or family is provided under certain Federal housing laws.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Prohibits the consideration of any cost-of-living or general benefit increase of Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance benefits, after May, 1981, for purposes of determining the eligibility for or amount of assistance which any individual or family is provided under the United States Housing Act of 1937, the National Housing Act, the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965, or the Housing Act of 1949.

A bill to amend the urban development action grant program with respect to determining the level of physical and economic distress of certain urban counties.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, if so requested by an urban county, to exclude areas of such county consolidated with a city having a population of over 100,000 from determinations of distress levels for purposes of the urban development action grant program.

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 · 5 January 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.

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 saving accounts.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 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.