Housing

21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2017

21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps Act This bill authorizes the President, in order to relieve widespread unemployment, restore depleted natural resources in the United States, and advance public works programs, to establish a Civilian Conservation Corps to employ unemployed or underemployed U.S. citizens in the construction, maintenance, and carrying on of works of a public nature, such as forestation of U.S. and state lands, prevention of forest fires, floods, and soil erosion, and construction and repair of National Park System paths and trails. The President may extend corps activities to state- and private-owned lands to prevent and control forest fires and floods and attacks of forest tree pests and diseases. The President, based on certain criteria, must give preference to the employment of additional persons in the corps in the following order: (1) unemployed Armed Forces veterans (including Reserve members); (2) unemployed U.S. citizens who have exhausted their unemployment compensation; (3) unemployed U.S. citizens who are eligible for unemployment compensation immediately before employment in the corps, including any additional compensation or extended compensation; and (4) other unemployed or underemployed U.S. citizens. The President is authorized to provide housing and transportation for corps employees. Discrimination is prohibited in the hiring of corps employees.

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2017

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act This bill requires the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and specified public housing programs to subject individuals to substance-abuse screening and to deny benefits for individuals who test positive for a controlled substance.

CLEARR Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2017

Community Lending Enhancement and Regulatory Relief Act of 2017 or the CLEARR Act of 2017 This bill exempts small banks from certain mortgage escrow requirements and from mandatory disclosures of loan servicing transfers; exempts small mortgage loans from specified property appraisal requirements; requires federal banking agencies to revise regulations regarding capital requirements for mortgage servicing assets; modifies the authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) over unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts; limits the institutions over which the CFPB has a supervisory role; limits prohibitions on discrimination under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act to intentional acts; modifies certain mortgage loan recordkeeping and disclosure requirements; limits the authority of a federal banking agency to request or order a deposit institution to terminate a customer account; limits the liability of creditors and mortgage originators for violating certain ability-to-pay requirements; and otherwise modifies provisions related to financial institutions.

Senior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2017

Senior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act This bill amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Administration on Aging to: carry out an initiative to coordinate federal resources to provide home modifications for older individuals to support enabling them to live independently and safely in a home environment; and identify and publish an educational brochure on home modifications and repairs for use by older individuals attempting to live independently and safely in their homes and by their caregivers.

Disability Integration Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2017

Disability Integration Act of 2017 This bill prohibits states or local governments that provide institutional placements for individuals with disabilities who need long-term assistance with daily living activities or health-related tasks, and prohibits insurance providers that fund such long-term services, from denying community-based services that would enable such individuals to live in the community and lead an independent life. States, local governments, or insurance providers may not discriminate against such individuals in the provision of community-based services by: (1) imposing prohibited eligibility criteria, cost caps, waiting lists, or payment structures; (2) failing to provide a specific community-based service; or (3) requiring an individual to receive a service in a congregate or disability-specific setting. Community-based services must be offered to individuals with such disabilities prior to institutionalization. Institutionalized individuals must be notified regularly of community-based alternatives. States, local governments, and public insurance providers must assess: (1) transportation barriers that prevent individuals from receiving services in integrated settings, and (2) the availability of integrated employment opportunities. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must issue regulations requiring states, local governments, or insurance providers to offer community-based long-term services to individuals with such disabilities who would otherwise qualify for institutional placement. State and local governments, in conjunction with housing agencies, must ensure sufficient availability of affordable, accessible, and integrated housing that is not a disability-specific residential setting or a setting where services are tied to tenancy. Such regulations must also require states and local governments to begin implementing a transition plan to achieve the requirements of this bill within 12 years after its enactment. For 10 years after issuance of the regulations, HHS must determine annually whether each state is complying with the transition plan. If a state is complying, HHS must increase by five percentage points the federal medical assistance percentage for a state requesting an increase for expenditures on home and community-based services furnished under the state Medicaid plan under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, or a waiver of such plan, that are identified as: (1) improvements to ensure accessibility or self-directed receipt of such services, (2) funding shifts from institutional settings to integrated community-based services, or (3) environmental modifications for housing targeted toward the lowest income individuals. The bill provides for DOJ enforcement and allows civil actions by individuals subjected to, or about to be subjected to, a violation of this bill.

Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2017

Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act of 2017 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to include within the definition of "families" a child who is in foster care and has attained an age such that the provision of foster care for such child will end by reason of the age of the child within six months. Preference is given, subject to certain terms and conditions, for public housing occupancy and section 8 housing assistance under such Act to certain otherwise eligible children who are aging out of foster care and are at-risk for homelessness. The bill amends the Housing Act of 1949 to give preference for rural rental assistance to certain otherwise eligible children who are aging out of foster care and are at-risk of homelessness.

Ending Homelessness Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2017

Ending Homelessness Act of 2017 This bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to make additional FY2018-FY2022 appropriations available for: (1) emergency relief grants to address the unmet needs of homeless populations in jurisdictions with the highest need, (2) rental assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for persons and households who are homeless, and (3) homeless outreach and coordination services. Beginning in FY2018, the bill provides annual additional funds for: (1) the Housing Trust Fund to provide grants to states for use to increase homeownership and the supply of rental housing for extremely low- and very low-income families, including homeless families; and (2) incremental project-based voucher or rental assistance under the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992. During the first five fiscal years such amounts are made available, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must ensure that priority for occupancy in dwelling units located in housing that was provided or is receiving such assistance be given to persons and households who are homeless. When HUD allocates grants to states from the fund for rental housing, the dwelling units must be subject to legally binding commitments to ensure that the residing family's contribution toward rent does not exceed 30% of the family's adjusted income. The bill provides funding to HUD to expand the Healthcare and Housing (H2) Systems Integration Initiative by assisting states and localities in coordinating policies among Medicaid programs, behavioral health providers, housing providers, and finance support services for homeless persons. The bill makes permanent: (1) certain housing assistance programs under the Homeless Assistance Act, and (2) the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Education Relief and Restoration Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2017

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Education Relief and Restoration Act of 2017 This bill declares that, if a veteran is forced to discontinue a course as a result of a a permanent school closure and did not receive credit or lost training time toward completion of the education program, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance payments shall not, for a specified period of time, be: charged against the individual's entitlement to educational assistance, or counted against the aggregate period for which such assistance may be provided. The bill applies to courses and programs of education discontinued beginning with FY2015. The VA may continue to pay educational assistance and subsistence allowances to eligible veterans and eligible persons enrolled in specified courses for up to 4 weeks in any 12-month period when schools are temporarily closed under an established policy based on an executive order of the President or due to an emergency situation. The VA may also continue to pay a monthly housing stipend following a permanent school closure, but only until the earlier of: (1) the date of the end of the term, quarter, or semester during which the school closure occurred; and (2) the date that is four months after the school closure.

Strengthen Employment And Seasonal Opportunities Now (SEASON) Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2017

Strengthen Employment And Seasonal Opportunities Now (SEASON) Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide, effective as if enacted on January 1, 2017, that a returning H-2B visa alien (temporary nonagricultural worker) who has already been counted toward the applicable numerical limitation during a fiscal year: (1) shall not again be counted toward such limitation during each succeeding consecutive fiscal year in which the alien is issued an H-2B visa or otherwise provided such status, but (2) shall be considered a returning worker. "Other temporary service or labor" for H-2B purposes means that an employer's need for labor will not exceed 1 year and is a seasonal (not to exceed 10 months), peak load, or intermittent need, unless it is a one-time occurrence not exceeding 3 years. An H-2B employer shall file an employee petition with the Department of Homeland Security. Additional filings with the Department of Labor are not required. H-2B employer requirements are set forth regarding: (1) petitions, (2) admissions and maximum stay in status, (3) housing, (4) enforcement, (5) transportation, (6) recruitment, (7) U.S. worker protections, and (8) wages. An H-2B worker shall not be entitled to: (1) tax credit assistance for a qualified health plan, and shall be subject to plan rules applicable to individuals not lawfully present in the United States; (2) the child tax credit; and (3) the earned income tax credit.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to notify the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives and certain Members of Congress before the expiration or termination of a HUD-VASH contract, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2017

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to notify the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees and each Member of Congress from the jurisdiction covered by a HUD-VASH contract at least 90 days before the contract terminates or expires. "HUD-VASH contract" refers to a contract for low-income housing assistance, a rental voucher for VA-supported housing. The VA shall notify such committees and members within 60 days after such notification of the VA's plan to provide assistance to veterans served under such contract.

Homeless Veterans Legal Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2017

Homeless Veterans Legal Services Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into partnerships with public or private entities to fund a portion of the legal services such entities provide to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness related to housing, family law, income support, and criminal defense.

VET TEC Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2017

Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses Act or the VET TEC Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a five-year pilot program to provide eligible veterans with the opportunity to enroll in high technology programs of education. An "eligible veteran" is one who is entitled to educational assistance under the laws administered by the VA. A "high technology program of education" is one that is offered by an entity other than an institution of higher learning, does not lead to a degree, and provides instruction in computer programming, computer software, media application, data processing, or information sciences. The VA shall enter into contracts with multiple qualified providers of such programs, under which the VA shall pay: (1) 25% of the cost of providing the program upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran, (2) 25% of such cost when the veteran completes the program, and (3) 50% of such cost upon the veteran's employment following completion. The VA shall give preference to a qualified provider that offers tuition reimbursement for any student who completes the program and does not find full-time meaningful employment within 180 days. The VA shall pay a monthly housing stipend to each eligible veteran enrolled full-time in such a program.

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

United States · United States Senate · 5 April 2017

Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2017

Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2017 This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination against or regarding survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault in: the sale or rental of housing and related activities, residential real estate-related transactions, and the provision of real estate brokerage services. This bill declares that nothing in the Act shall prohibit federal, state, or local government or other assistance or a preference program designed to assist or benefit domestic violence or sexual assault survivors in seeking, securing, or maintaining dwellings, shelters or any other form of housing. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 is amended to prohibit intimidation in fair housing tranactions regarding survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Right to Rent Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2017

Right to Rent Act of 2017 This bill temporarily allows an eligible mortgagor who is subject to foreclosure proceedings to remain in the foreclosed home as a renter for up to five years, subject to specified requirements. The bill applies to a mortgage originated prior to 2009 on a single-family home that: (1) has been used as a primary residence for at least two years, and (2) had a purchase price that is less than the median purchase price for residences in the area. The bill specifies notice requirements and establishes a formula for determining fair-market rent. The Department of Housing and Urban Development shall: (1) monitor compliance with the bill, (2) provide assistance to eligible mortgagors in exercising their rights under the bill, and (3) conduct outreach activities.

Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2017

Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2017 This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination against or regarding survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault in: the sale or rental of housing and related activities, residential real estate-related transactions, and the provision of real estate brokerage services. This bill declares that nothing in the Act shall prohibit federal, state, or local government or other assistance or a preference program designed to assist or benefit domestic violence or sexual assault survivors in seeking, securing, or maintaining dwellings, shelters or any other form of housing. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 is amended to prohibit intimidation in fair housing tranactions regarding survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2017

Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish in the Treasury the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund to provide services to homeless veterans; (2) allow individual taxpayers to designate on their tax returns a portion of any overpayment of tax or an additional contribution for the fund; and (3) require the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, and Housing and Urban Development, to include in the President's budget, beginning with FY2019, a description of the uses of the fund during the previous fiscal year and the proposed uses for the next fiscal year.

Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2017

Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2017 This bill amends various provisions of law and sets forth new provisions: to eliminate regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act for marijuana-related activities authorized by state or tribal law (i.e., state-authorized); to allow businesses that sell marijuana in compliance with state or tribal law to claim certain federal tax credits and deductions; to eliminate restrictions on print and broadcast advertising of state-authorized marijuana-related activities; to create protections for depository institutions that provide financial services to marijuana-related businesses; to specify that a marijuana-related business is entitled to federal bankruptcy protections; to establish a process to expunge criminal records related to certain marijuana-related convictions; to reestablish federal student aid eligibility for certain students convicted of a misdemeanor offense for marijuana possession; to exempt real property from civil forfeiture due to state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; to prohibit the inadmissibility or deportability of aliens for state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; to specify that drug-related criminal activity, which is prohibited in federally assisted housing, does not include state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; to establish a new, separate registration process to facilitate medical marijuana research; to authorize health care providers employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to recommend participation in state marijuana programs; and to authorize medical providers through an Indian health program to make medical recommendations regarding marijuana.

Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2017

Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare that, effective as if enacted on January 1, 2017, a returning H-2B visa alien (temporary nonagricultural worker) who has already been counted toward the applicable numerical limitation shall: not again be counted toward that limitation during the fiscal year, but shall be considered a returning worker; or shall be counted again toward the limitation if the alien departs the United States for a period longer than one year, was not counted toward the limitation in any of the three most recent fiscal years, or violated his or her status during the authorized period of stay. "Other temporary service or labor" for H-2B purposes means that an employer's labor need will last: (1) at most 1 year if peak load or intermittent, unless it is a one-time occurrence not to exceed 3 years; or (2) not to exceed 10 months if the employer's need is seasonal. An H-2B employer shall file an employee petition with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which shall have exclusive authority to issue rules and final determinations for the H-2B visa program. H-2B employer requirements are set forth regarding: (1) petitions, (2) admissions and maximum stay in status, (3) housing, (4) enforcement, (5) transportation, (6) recruitment, (7) U.S. worker protections, (8) wages, and (9) absconding workers. DHS shall consult with the Department of State to develop an electronic notification system to notify the latter within 48 hours after an H-2B petition's final approval.

Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2017

Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2017 This bill amends various provisions of law and sets forth new provisions: to eliminate regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act for marijuana-related activities authorized by state or tribal law (i.e., state-authorized); to allow businesses that sell marijuana in compliance with state or tribal law to claim certain federal tax credits and deductions; to eliminate restrictions on print and broadcast advertising of state-authorized marijuana-related activities; to create protections for depository institutions that provide financial services to marijuana-related businesses; to specify that a marijuana-related business is entitled to federal bankruptcy protections; to establish a process to expunge criminal records related to certain marijuana-related convictions; to reestablish federal student aid eligibility for certain students convicted of a misdemeanor offense for marijuana possession; to exempt real property from civil forfeiture due to state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; to prohibit the inadmissibility or deportability of aliens for state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; to specify that drug-related criminal activity, which is prohibited in federally assisted housing, does not include state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; to establish a new, separate registration process to facilitate medical marijuana research; to authorize health care providers employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to recommend participation in state marijuana programs; and to authorize medical providers through an Indian health program to make medical recommendations regarding marijuana.

Senior Accessible Housing Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2017

Senior Accessible Housing Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable personal tax credit for senior citizens who modify their residences to enhance their ability to remain living safely, independently, and comfortably in the residences. The credit applies to up to $30,000 of the expenses that individuals who are at least 60 years old incur over their lifetime to make modifications to their residences, including: the installation of entrance and exit ramps; the widening of doorways; the installation of handrails or grab bars; the installation of non-slip flooring; and other modifications that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) includes on a list of modifications that would enhance the ability of the individuals to remain living safely, independently, and comfortably in their residences. The IRS must establish and maintain the list of acceptable modifications after consulting with the Department of Health and Human Services and receiving input from the public

National Park Service Legacy Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2017

National Park Service Legacy Act of 2017 This bill: (1) establishes the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund, and (2) requires specified amounts of federal mineral revenues that are not otherwise credited, covered, or deposited pursuant to federal law to be deposited into such fund each fiscal year through FY2047. Amounts in the fund shall be used for meeting high-priority deferred maintenance needs of the National Park Service (NPS) as follows: 20% shall be allocated to transportation-related projects that may be eligible for funding made available to the NPS through the federal lands transportation program or any similar federal land highway program administered by the Department of Transportation; and 80% shall be allocated for the repair and rehabilitation of assets for certain projects that are not eligible for funding under such programs, including historic assets, nonhistoric assets related to visitor access, health and safety, and recreation, and visitor facilities, water and utility systems, and employee housing. No fund amounts may be used by the NPS to acquire land or to supplant discretionary funding made available for annually recurring facility operations and maintenance needs. As part of its annual budget submission, the NPS shall submit a prioritized list of deferred maintenance projects proposed to be funded by such fund during the fiscal year.

A bill to strengthen the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2017

This bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to reauthorize the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness indefinitely and repeal its termination date.

Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2017

Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure grants to certain tax-exempt social clubs (e.g., college fraternities and sororities) which apply such grants to their collegiate housing property. A "collegiate housing and infrastructure grant" is a grant to provide, improve, operate, or maintain collegiate housing property that may involve more than incidental social, recreational, or private purposes. The grant must be for purposes that would be permissible for a dormitory or other residential facility of the college or university with which the collegiate housing property is associated. The grant may not be used to provide physical fitness facilities.

Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2017

Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2017 This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) to specify that a retailer of manufactured housing is generally not a "mortgage originator" subject to requirements under that Act. Similarly, the bill amends the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to specify that such a retailer is generally not a "loan originator" subject to requirements under that Act. In addition, the bill increases the annual percentage rates and transaction values at which mortgages for certain dwellings are considered "high-cost mortgages" under TILA.

Disaster Assistance Support for Communities and Homeowners Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2017

Disaster Assistance Support for Communities and Homeowners Act of 2017 This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide technical assistance to a common interest community that provides essential services of a governmental nature on actions such community may take to be eligible to receive reimbursement from a grantee that receives FEMA funds for certain activities performed following a disaster declaration. FEMA shall provide recommendations to Congress on how common areas of condominiums and housing cooperatives may be eligible for assistance.

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2017

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low-income housing credit, to rename the credit "the affordable housing credit" and make several modifications to the credit. The bill revises tenant eligibility requirements, with respect to: the average income test, income eligibility for rural projects, increased tenant income, student occupancy rules, and tenant voucher payments that are taken into account as rent. The bill revises various requirements to: establish a 4% minimum credit rate for certain projects, permit relocation costs to be taken into account as rehabilitation expenditures, repeal the qualified census tract population cap, require housing credit agencies to make certain determinations regarding community revitalization plans, prohibit local approval and contribution requirements, increase the credit for certain projects designated to serve extremely low-income households, increase the credit for certain bond-financed projects designated by state agencies, increase the population cap for difficult development areas, and eliminate the basis reduction for a property that receives the tax credit for investments in energy property if the affordable housing credit is allowed for the property. The bill also modifies requirements regarding the reconstruction or replacement period after a casualty loss, rights related to building purchases, the prohibition on claiming acquisition credits for properties placed in service in the previous 10 years, foreclosures, and projects that assist Native Americans.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Latino AIDS Awareness Day" on October 15, 2017, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2017

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day; (2) the implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy; (3) effective and comprehensive HIV prevention education programs; (4) appropriate funding of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment, research, and housing; and (5) a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy that empowers stakeholders to engage their communities to help decrease violence, discrimination, and stigma towards individuals who disclose their sexual orientation or HIV status and to normalize voluntary testing practices. Encourages individuals, especially Latinos, to get tested for HIV. Commends the work of organizations providing services to people living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

HOME Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2017

Housing Opportunities Made Easier Act or the HOME Act This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem mortgage appraisal services donated by a fee appraiser to an organization that is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions to be customary and reasonable.

Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2017

Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2017 This bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to modify definitions relating to homeless individuals and homeless children or youth as used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to verify eligibility for HUD homeless assistance programs and to align them with the definitions of "homeless" used to verify eligibility for other federal assistance programs. (The amended definitions would increase access to federal homeless programs by homeless children, youth, and families.) The community-wide homeless management information system shall be made publicly available on HUD's website.

Fair Lending Discovery Clarification Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2017

Fair Lending Discovery Clarification Act of 2017 This bill amends the statute of limitations for civil liability under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act to: (1) extend the period for an aggrieved person to bring an equal credit action to five years after the applicant knows or has notice that the applicant was a victim of discrimination (currently, five years after the violation); and (2) specify that the two-year period for an aggrieved person to bring a fair housing action excludes any time during which the aggrieved person did not know or have notice of the existence of the discriminatory housing practice or the breach of the conciliation agreement.

Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2017

Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2017 This bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to modify definitions relating to homeless individuals and homeless children or youth as used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to verify eligibility for HUD homeless assistance programs to align them with the definitions of "homeless" used to verify eligibility for other federal assistance programs. (The amended definitions would increase access to federal homeless programs by homeless children, youth, and families.) The community-wide homeless management information system shall be made publicly available on HUD's website.

Recognizing the 50th anniversary of Lake of the Woods Association of Orange County, Virginia.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2017

Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Lake of the Woods Association in Orange County, Virginia.

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2018

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 March 2017

Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2017

Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act This bill revises a variety of programs to encourage energy efficiency in buildings, industry, the federal government, and certain appliances, including by: requiring states and Indian tribes to measure their compliance with certain residential and commercial building energy codes; requiring the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide grants for establishing building training and assessment centers at institutions of higher education; requiring DOE to establish a process to recognize schools for implementing energy efficient and renewable energy projects; directing DOE to carry out an industry-government partnership program to research, develop, and demonstrate new sustainable manufacturing and industrial technologies and processes; establishing a Supply Star program within DOE to identify and promote practices, recognize companies, and recognize products that use highly efficient supply chains that conserve energy, water, and other resources; requiring DOE to establish rebate programs concerning energy efficient electric motors or transformers; revising requirements concerning the energy performance of federal buildings, certification under the Energy Star Program, certification of green buildings, and energy efficiency in federal real estate transactions and programs; and requiring the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish a demonstration program for energy and water conservation improvements at multifamily residential units.

Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2017

Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2017 This bill amends the Fair Housing Act (FHA) under the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to add sexual orientation and gender identity as classes protected against discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing. (Currently, the FHA prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.) The bill defines: (1) "gender identity" as gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, without regard to the individual's designated sex at birth; and (2) "sexual orientation" as homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality. The bill also extends prohibitions against housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, handicap, familial status, or national origin to include discrimination based on: (1) an individual's association with another person who is a member of such a protected class; and (2) a perception or belief, even if inaccurate, that an individual is a member of such a protected class.

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

United States · United States Senate · 8 March 2017

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2017

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low-income housing credit, to rename the credit "the affordable housing credit" and make several modifications to the credit. The bill increases state allocations for the credit and modifies the cost-of-living adjustments. It also revises tenant eligibility requirements, with respect to: the average income test, income eligibility for rural projects, increased tenant income, student occupancy rules, and tenant voucher payments that are taken into account as rent. The bill revises various requirements to: establish a 4% minimum credit rate for certain projects, permit relocation costs to be taken into account as rehabilitation expenditures, repeal the qualified census tract population cap, require housing credit agencies to make certain determinations regarding community revitalization plans, prohibit local approval and contribution requirements, increase the credit for certain projects designated to serve extremely low-income households, increase the credit for certain bond-financed projects designated by state agencies, increase the population cap for difficult development areas, and eliminate the basis reduction for affordable housing properties that are allowed the credit and receive certain energy-related tax credits and deductions. The bill also modifies requirements regarding the reconstruction or replacement period after a casualty loss, rights related to building purchases, the prohibition on claiming acquisition credits for properties placed in service in the previous 10 years, foreclosures, and projects that assist Native Americans.

Continuing Appropriations Amendments Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2017

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 Provides FY2017 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities. Excludes military construction, military family housing, civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, and nuclear warheads, which are all considered in other appropriations bills. Provides appropriations to DOD for: Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. Provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including: the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug-Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. Provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund and the Intelligence Community Management Account. Provides appropriations for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism. Rescinds specified unobligated balances from prior appropriations to DOD. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Seller Finance Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2017

Seller Finance Enhancement Act This bill amends the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to exempt from certain licensing and registration requirements a person (other than a depository institution) that: (1) originates not more than 24 residential mortgage loans in a 12-month period, and (2) originates residential mortgage loans only with respect to property owned by the person. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury shall jointly study and report to Congress on specified issues related to seller financing.

To amend the National Housing Act to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to issue guidance to reduce up-front premiums for FHA-insured mortgages if the capital ratio of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund exceeds the statutory limit, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2017

This bill amends the National Housing Act to require the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) on a monthly basis, review the capital ratio of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund; and (2) upon determining whether the fund's capital ratio exceeds a specified limit, either issue guidance to reduce up-front premiums on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or report to Congress on why HUD has determined not to reduce such premiums.

GRAND Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2017

Generational Residences and Nurturing Dwellings Act or the GRAND Act This bill establishes in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a program to provide assistance for each fiscal year to up to five eligible nonprofit organizations to expand the supply of specialized housing and social services for qualified elderly relatives, age 60 or older, who are raising a child of whom they are not a parent either by blood or marriage. Nothing in this bill shall preclude a recipient of such assistance from applying for or receiving financial assistance under any other HUD program. The assistance must be in the form of: financing for the construction, reconstruction, moderate or substantial rehabilitation, or acquisition of a structure or a portion of a structure to be used as specialized housing; tenant-based rental (voucher) assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for entities meeting certain criteria for use only by qualified relatives who are raising a child and are eligible for such assistance for rental of a dwelling unit that qualifies as specialized housing; elderly housing project rental assistance under the Housing Act of 1959 for entities meeting certain criteria in connection with dwelling units that qualify as specialized housing and are made available for occupancy only by qualified relatives who are raising a child and are eligible for occupancy in such housing; and help with ongoing operational expenses of any specialized housing, including costs of supportive services required for such housing.

Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2017

Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure grants to certain tax-exempt social clubs (e.g., college fraternities and sororities) which apply such grants to their collegiate housing property. A "collegiate housing and infrastructure grant" is a grant to provide, improve, operate, or maintain collegiate housing property that may involve more than incidental social, recreational, or private purposes. The grant must be for purposes that would be permissible for a dormitory or other residential facility of the college or university with which the collegiate housing property is associated. The grant may not be used to provide physical fitness facilities.

Mortgage Choice Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Mortgage Choice Act of 2017 This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to specify that neither escrow charges for insurance nor affiliated title charges shall be considered "points and fees" for purposes of determining whether a mortgage is a "high-cost mortgage."

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017, October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018, and October 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees for March 1, 2017-September 30, 2017, for FY2018, and for October 1, 2018-February 28, 2019: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (11) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; (12) Judiciary; (13) Rules and Administration; (14) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (15) Veterans' Affairs; (16) Special Committee on Aging; (17) Select Committee on Intelligence; and (18) Indian Affairs. Requires committee expenses, with specified exceptions, to be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved by the chairman of the applicable committee. Authorizes establishment of a special reserve within funds in the Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations account, to be available to any committee to meet specified unpaid obligations or expenses.

Housing for Homeless Students Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Housing for Homeless Students Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low-income housing tax credit, to qualify low-income building units that provide housing for homeless children, youth, or veterans who are full-time students for the credit. To qualify for the credit, the full-time student must have been a homeless child or youth during any portion of the seven-year period prior to occupying the housing unit or a homeless veteran during any portion of the five-year period prior to occupying the unit.

ACE Kids Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Advancing Care for Exceptional Kids Act of 2017 or the ACE Kids Act of 2017 This bill allows a state Medicaid program or child health plan to provide coordinated care through enhanced pediatric health homes (EPHHs) for children who have complex medical conditions. Pursuant to an agreement with a state, an EPHH offers: (1) comprehensive pediatric care management, (2) care coordination and health promotion, (3) comprehensive transitional care, (4) patient and family support, (5) referrals to community and social support services, (6) the use of health information technology to link services, and (7) coordination of access to the full range of pediatric specialty and subspecialty medical services. In general, an EPHH must enroll any eligible child who requests enrollment. A child who opts to enroll shall have the option to disenroll from the EPHH and instead receive covered services under the state Medicaid program or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Each state shall develop a methodology for payment to EPHHs under the state plan. The bill establishes requirements related to data collection and quality assurance. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall issue guidance to states on best practices for ensuring that children with complex medical conditions receive prompt care from out-of-state providers when medically necessary. The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission must report to Congress and the CMS on specified information related to children with complex medical conditions.

Equal Opportunity for Residential Representation Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Equal Opportunity for Residential Representation Act This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Office of Community Planning and Development to carry out a program to make grants to organizations to provide legal services and other related supportive services on behalf of low-income families (including individuals and victims of domestic violence) who reside in a rental dwelling unit and have an income that does not exceed 80% of the median income for the area in which the family resides. The following organizations may receive such grants: nonprofit organizations that provide legal services to persons or families of limited income, including organizations that receive funding from the Legal Services Corporation; legal clinics sponsored by law schools or other organizations; and such other entities as HUD considers appropriate. These grants may be used only to provide legal services and other related supportive services in connection with: (1) an eviction of such a family, (2) the prevention of such eviction, (3) a dispute between the landlord and a tenant who is a family member, or (4) enforcing the family's legal rights regarding tenancy or fair housing. Funds for such program shall be derived from revenues resulting from amendments by this bill to the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the limitation on the mortgage interest deduction for the acquisition indebtedness of certain taxpayers.

Housing for Homeless Students Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Housing for Homeless Students Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low-income housing tax credit, to qualify low-income building units that provide housing for homeless children, youth, or veterans who are full-time students for the credit. To qualify for the credit, the full-time student must have been a homeless child or youth during any portion of the seven-year period prior to occupying the housing unit or a homeless veteran during any portion of the five-year period prior to occupying the unit.

Equality for All Resolution of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Equality for All Resolution of 2017 Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals are valuable, contributing members of society who deserve equal treatment under the law. Declares that: (1) discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is a serious problem; (2) existing federal protections are inadequate to ensure nondiscrimination; and (3) Congress should pass legislation that prohibits such discrimination in areas including credit, employment, education, federally funded programs, housing, jury service, and public accommodations. Encourages states to prohibit such discrimination and to reject laws that undermine nondiscrimination protections.