Housing

Zero-Baseline Budget Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2021

Zero-Baseline Budget Act of 2021 This bill changes the assumptions that the Congressional Budget Office uses to calculate the baseline for discretionary spending. (A baseline is a projection of federal spending and receipts during a fiscal year under current law.) The bill changes the assumptions used for the discretionary spending baseline to exclude emergency and supplemental spending; eliminate adjustments required under current law for inflation, expiring housing contracts, social insurance administrative expenses, pay adjustments, and changes to other personnel benefits; and prohibit other adjustments for inflation or any other factor.

HOPE for HOMES Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2021

HOPE for HOMES Act of 2021 This bill provides support for energy efficiency upgrades in homes. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a grant program that supports training on how to efficiently retrofit homes. In addition, DOE must establish a Home Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program to provide rebates for homeowners to invest in energy efficiency improvements.

Alleviating Stress Test Burdens To Help Investors Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2021

Alleviating Stress Test Burdens To Help Investors Act This bill exempts certain financial companies not primarily regulated by either a federal banking agency or the Federal Housing Finance Agency from requirements to conduct stress tests. These stress tests evaluate the ability of companies to absorb losses as a result of adverse economic conditions. However, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission may require exempted financial companies under their regulatory authority to conduct stress tests.

HOPE for HOMES Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2021

HOPE for HOMES Act of 2021 This bill provides support for energy efficiency upgrades in homes. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a grant program that supports training on how to efficiently retrofit homes. In addition, DOE must establish a Home Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program to provide rebates for homeowners to invest in energy efficiency improvements.

Liberty City Rising Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2021

Liberty City Rising Act This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish standards to ensure the safety and security of federally assisted housing in high-crime areas. Public housing agencies serving high-crime areas must establish anonymous hotlines for tenants to report suspicious activity and crimes in the community.

Diversify Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2021

Diversifying by Investing in Educators and Students to Improve Outcomes For Youth Act or the Diversify Act This bill revises the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program. The TEACH program awards grants to undergraduate and graduate students who commit to teaching in a high-need field and in an elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. First, the bill raises the maximum amount for TEACH grants. Second, the bill allows TEACH grants to cover the full cost of attendance. Currently, these grants may be used only for tuition, fees, and on-campus housing. The bill allows teaching in a high-need early childhood education program to count toward service requirements for the program. Next, the bill eliminates the process for converting a TEACH grant to a loan if a recipient does not complete the requirements of the program. Further, the bill prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from instituting or creating a monetary penalty for failure or refusal to complete the service requirement. In addition, the bill requires ED to send an electronic certificate to grant recipients who have completed their service requirement. The bill also exempts the TEACH program from sequestration, which is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.

Liberty City Rising Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2021

Liberty City Rising Act This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish standards to ensure the safety and security of federally assisted housing in high-crime areas. Public housing agencies serving high-crime areas must establish anonymous hotlines for tenants to report suspicious activity and crimes in the community.

Diversify Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2021

Diversifying by Investing in Educators and Students To Improve Outcomes For Youth Act or the Diversify Act This bill revises the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program. The TEACH program awards grants to undergraduate and graduate students who commit to teaching in a high-need field and in an elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. First, the bill raises the maximum amount for TEACH grants. Second, the bill allows TEACH grants to cover the full cost of attendance. Currently, these grants may be used only for tuition, fees, and on-campus housing. The bill allows teaching in a high-need early childhood education program to count toward service requirements for the program. Next, the bill eliminates the process for converting a TEACH grant to a loan if a recipient does not complete the requirements of the program. Further, the bill prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from instituting or creating a monetary penalty for failure or refusal to complete the service requirement. In addition, the bill requires ED to send an electronic certificate to grant recipients who have completed their service requirement. The bill also exempts the TEACH program from sequestration, which is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.

GENE Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2021

Genomics Expenditures and National security Enhancement Act of 2021 or the GENE Act This bill establishes oversight requirements for certain foreign investments in a U.S. business that maintains or collects information about the genetic tests of U.S. citizens (including information relating to genomic sequencing). Specifically, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) must require the parties to specified transactions (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers by or with any foreign person that could result in foreign control of any U.S. business) to submit a mandatory declaration containing basic information regarding the transaction. Further, CFIUS must consult with the Department of Health and Human Services in any review or investigation of a covered transaction that involves this type of investment by a foreign person in a U.S. business. The bill also expands the congressional committees to which CFIUS must give annual testimony concerning foreign investment in the United States to include (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, (2) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, (3) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and (4) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives. Currently, such testimony is only given to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.

Manufactured Housing Community Preservation Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2021

Manufactured Housing Community Preservation Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to award grants to nonprofit organizations, public housing agencies, and other entities for the preservation of manufactured housing communities. Such funds may be used to (1) acquire and preserve manufactured housing communities; (2) make improvements to common areas and community property in such communities; and (3) demolish, remove, and replace dilapidated homes in such communities. A grantee that uses funds to acquire a manufactured housing community must agree to maintain the community for at least 20 years.

Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2021

Manufactured Housing Tenant's Bill of Rights Act of 2021 This bill requires manufactured housing communities and home parks to meet minimum consumer protections to be eligible for certain federally-backed loans for the construction, substantial rehabilitation, or purchase of these communities. Specifically, the Department of Housing and Urban Development is prohibited from insuring such a loan, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are prohibited from purchasing such a loan, unless a borrower provides specified tenant protections, including one-year renewable lease terms, unless there is good cause for nonrenewal; at least a 60-day advance notice of any increase in rent, or of a sale or closure of the community; a five-day grace period for rent payments; and a right for a tenant to sell a manufactured home within a reasonable time period after eviction. The bill sets forth penalties for violations of these protections. The bill also establishes the Manufactured Home Company Lending Standards Commission to propose additional consumer protection standards.

America Wins Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2021

America Wins Act This bill imposes an excise tax on the carbon dioxide content of coal, petroleum and petroleum products, and natural gas sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer and requires the revenues to be used for infrastructure, an energy refund program to provide payments to certain low-income households, and other purposes. Refunds or credits for the tax must be issued for carbon substances that are (1) not emitted due to use as a feedstock or through carbon capture and sequestration, or (2) previously taxed carbon substances used to make another taxable carbon substance. The bill includes border adjustment provisions that require certain fees, credits, or refunds for carbon-intensive goods that are exported or imported. The bill also establishes a Build America Trust Fund and appropriates to the fund amounts equal to the increase in revenues attributable to the tax. Specified amounts of the funds must be used, without further appropriation, for infrastructure related to transportation, water, broadband, education, health care, housing, and energy. Specified portions of the funds must also be used for providing assistance to workers and communities reliant on industries that primarily produce taxable carbon substances or carbon-intensive goods, providing assistance to individuals and communities disproportionately impacted by climate change and greenhouse gas pollutants as well as groups underrepresented in the energy sector, an energy refund program to provide payments to certain low-income households, and a refundable tax credit for households that meet specified income requirements.

Federal Home Loan Banks’ Mission Implementation Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2021

Federal Home Loan Banks' Mission Implementation Act This bill generally expands the ability of Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs) to provide advances and grants for activities related to small businesses, affordable housing, and community development. The 11 regional FHLBs serve as government-sponsored enterprises to support mortgage lending and related community investment through advances to member financial institutions. These advances are secured by assets such as mortgages and other loans. Specifically, the bill allows FHLBs to provide advances that are secured by (1) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, and (2) certain loans made in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and guaranteed or insured by the federal government. The bill also expands the availability of advances to certain community development financial institutions and credit unions. It also gives the Federal Housing Finance Agency discretion in setting the average asset maximum for certain community financial institutions to qualify for an advance. However, this maximum must not be more than $10 billion. Currently, a community financial institution must have less than $1 billion in average total assets to qualify. Furthermore, the bill exempts from taxation for two years after the conclusion of the COVID-19 emergency period certain municipal bonds guaranteed by an FHLB. The bill also increases the percentage of earnings FHLBs must annually contribute to the Affordable Housing Program and sets aside a specified percentage to benefit tribes under this program.

Federal Home Loan Banks' Mission Implementation Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2021

Federal Home Loan Banks' Mission Implementation Act This bill generally expands the ability of Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs) to provide advances and grants for activities related to small businesses, affordable housing, and community development. The 11 regional FHLBs serve as government-sponsored enterprises to support mortgage lending and related community investment through advances to member financial institutions. These advances are secured by assets such as mortgages and other loans. Specifically, the bill allows FHLBs to provide advances that are secured by (1) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, and (2) certain loans made in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and guaranteed or insured by the federal government. The bill also expands the availability of advances to certain community development financial institutions and credit unions. It also gives the Federal Housing Finance Agency discretion in setting the average asset maximum for certain community financial institutions to qualify for an advance. However, this maximum must not be more than $10 billion. Currently, a community financial institution must have less than $1 billion in average total assets to qualify. Furthermore, the bill exempts from taxation for two years after the conclusion of the COVID-19 emergency period certain municipal bonds guaranteed by an FHLB. The bill also increases the percentage of earnings FHLBs must annually contribute to the Affordable Housing Program and sets aside a specified percentage to benefit tribes under this program.

Affordable Housing Production Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2021

Affordable Housing Production Act This bill allows the Department of the Treasury to transfer Troubled Asset Relief Program funds to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Housing Trust Fund. This fund provides grants to states to (1) increase and preserve the supply of rental housing for extremely low-income and very low-income families, including homeless families; and (2) increase homeownership for extremely low-income and very low-income families.

HUD Inspection Oversight Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2021

HUD Inspection Oversight Act of 2021 This bill modifies inspection and oversight protocols under the Housing Choice Voucher Program, including by directing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to take certain enforcement actions when a property's inspection score falls below a specified threshold. In recent years, language directing HUD to take specific actions in such circumstances has been included in annual appropriations bills.

Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2021 This bill specifies that (1) an individual may not be denied occupancy of federally assisted housing on the basis of using marijuana in compliance with state law, and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development may not prohibit or discourage the use of marijuana in federally assisted housing if such use is in compliance with state law.

HELPER Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2021 or the HELPER Act of 2021 This bill establishes a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers, firefighters, or other first responders. Specifically, these individuals may be eligible for a one-time mortgage on a primary family residence with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance premium.

Yes In My Backyard Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

Yes In My Backyard Act This bill requires certain Community Development Block Grant program recipients to submit to the Department of Housing and Urban Development information regarding their implementation of certain land-use policies, such as policies for expanding high-density single-family and multifamily zoning.

Yes In My Backyard Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

Yes In My Backyard Act This bill requires certain Community Development Block Grant program recipients to submit to the Department of Housing and Urban Development information regarding their implementation of certain land-use policies, such as policies for expanding high-density single-family and multifamily zoning.

COMMUTE Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

Connecting Opportunities through Mobility Metrics and Unlocking Transportation Efficiencies Act or the COMMUTE Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation to establish an accessibility data pilot program. The purpose of the pilot program is to develop or procure an accessibility data set and make such data available for states and metropolitan or rural planning organizations to improve their transportation planning by measuring the level of access to important destinations such as jobs, health care facilities, child care services, educational and workforce training facilities, affordable housing, and food sources; disaggregating the level of access by multiple transportation modes by a variety of population categories, including minority populations; assessing the change in accessibility that would result from new transportation investments; and providing data necessary to prioritize transportation investments that will improve access by all modes of travel.

HEALTH for MOM Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

Harnessing Effective and Appropriate Long-Term Health for Moms On Medicaid Act of 2021 or the HEALTH for MOM Act of 2021 This bill allows state Medicaid programs to cover services that are provided by maternity health homes (designated providers or health teams that provide pregnancy and postpartum coordinated care services). Participating maternity health homes must meet standards set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including the ability to coordinate prompt access to services, develop individualized care plans, provide supportive services, and coordinate with pediatric care providers. States must conduct outreach to providers, pregnant women, and other relevant stakeholders on the availability of such health homes and must report specified information relating to the implementation and outcomes of such services. The CMS must award grants to states to develop plans for implementation. The bill also temporarily increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for maternity health home services.

Disaster Relief Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2021

Disaster Relief Transparency Act This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to report on the allocation and applicant approval rates of specified assistance programs related to disaster recovery.

Safe Temperature Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2021

Safe Temperature Act of 2021 This bill allows the Department of Housing and Urban Development to require units in public housing, supportive housing for the elderly, and dwellings receiving low-income housing choice voucher assistance to maintain a temperature level ranging from 71 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit.

Safe Temperature Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2021

Safe Temperature Act of 2021 This bill allows the Department of Housing and Urban Development to require units in public housing, supportive housing for the elderly, and dwellings receiving low-income housing choice voucher assistance to maintain a temperature level ranging from 71 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit.

CARE for Kids Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2021

Caregivers, Access, and Responsible Expansion for Kids Act of 2021 or the CARE for Kids Act of 20 21 This bill extends eligibility for the National School Lunch Program and school breakfast program of the Department of Agriculture. A local educational agency (including any school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education) may certify as eligible for free lunches or breakfasts the following: children whose placement with a caregiver was carried out with the involvement of an agency that administers a state plan or a tribal child welfare agency, without regard to whether the agency is responsible for the care and placement of the child; children being raised by a relative who receives adoption or guardianship assistance; and children of a family that lives in housing dedicated to low-income families with a caregiver who is a grandparent or another older person that cares for the child full-time or that receives housing or housing assistance under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. The bill also extends eligibility for free or reduced-price school lunches for children who were determined to be eligible in the school year prior to placement with a grandparent or relative for the school year immediately following placement. The bill provides children who receive medical assistance under the Medicaid program with direct certification for free lunches and breakfasts under the school lunch and breakfast programs.

Grandfamily Housing Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

Grandfamily Housing Act of 2021 This bill establishes grants through the Department of Housing and Urban Development for owners of intergenerational dwellings. Grants must be used to (1) provide services such as tutoring, health care services, and after-school care; (2) perform outreach to intergenerational families in the surrounding community; and (3) maintain spaces within the property to be used for programs and services for intergenerational families.

Student Food Security Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

Student Food Security Act of 2021 This bill expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and establishes programs to address food insecurity among college students. Specifically, the bill permanently modifies the eligibility requirements to allow additional college students to receive SNAP benefits, and it establishes a demonstration program to allow college students to use SNAP benefits on college campuses instead of meal plans. The bill also advances implementation of certain data-sharing agreements and notifications to help students who apply for federal financial aid to also apply for and receive other federal means-tested benefits (e.g., Section 8 tenant-based housing assistance, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income). In addition, the bill (1) requires questions about food and housing insecurity to be incorporated into the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, and (2) establishes a grant program to support research and address incidences of food and housing insecurity among college students.

Defund Cities that Defund the Police Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

Defund Cities that Defund the Police Act of 2021 This bill prohibits state or local governments that abolish or defund police departments from receiving certain Economic Development Administration grants or Community Development Block Grant funds. Specifically, the bill applies to state or local governments that abolish or disband the police or significantly reduce the police department's budget without reallocating a portion of those funds to any other community policing program. Further, a state or local government that abolishes or defunds a police department must return any Community Development Block Grant funds it has already received.

Student Food Security Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

Student Food Security Act of 2021 This bill expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and establishes programs to address food insecurity among college students. Specifically, the bill permanently modifies the eligibility requirements to allow additional college students to receive SNAP benefits, and it establishes a demonstration program to allow college students to use SNAP benefits on college campuses instead of meal plans. The bill also advances implementation of certain data-sharing agreements and notifications to help students who apply for federal financial aid to also apply for and receive other federal means-tested benefits (e.g., Section 8 tenant-based housing assistance, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income). In addition, the bill (1) requires questions about food and housing insecurity to be incorporated into the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, and (2) establishes a grant program to support research and address incidences of food and housing insecurity among college students.

MOMMIES Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2021

Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services Act or the MOMMIES Act This bill establishes a series of programs and requirements under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) relating to maternal health. For example, the bill expands eligibility for coverage under Medicaid and CHIP from 60 days to one year after the last day of pregnancy and requires such coverage to include oral health services. The bill also establishes a demonstration program in which states receive grants to implement or expand models for maternity care homes that provide services to Medicaid or CHIP beneficiaries. The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) gaps in coverage under Medicaid and CHIP for pregnant and postpartum women, and (2) the use of telehealth by state Medicaid programs to increase access to maternity care.

EQUITABLE ALGORITHMS: HOW HUMAN-CENTERED AI CAN ADDRESS SYSTEMIC RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE IN HOUSING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 May 2021

Improving Language Access in Mortgage Servicing Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Improving Language Access in Mortgage Servicing Act of 2021 This bill establishes language translation requirements related to residential mortgage applications and servicing. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) must create a standard language preference form. Creditors and servicers must provide this form to consumers along with residential mortgage applications and certain notices related to a mortgage loan. Upon notice of a consumer's language preference, creditors and servicers must provide (1) oral interpretation services; and (2) translated documents, if available. The CFPB and the Federal Housing Finance Agency must publish translated documents used in association with a residential mortgage.

Promoting Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Promoting Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency Act This bill provides for the continuation of assistance for public housing residents through certain service programs. Specifically, the bill allows residents of properties that have been converted through the Rental Assistance Demonstration Program to project-based subsidy contracts to continue to receive assistance through (1) the Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency grant program, (2) the Jobs Plus Initiative program, and (3) certain congregate housing services.

Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2021 This bill makes certain individuals and households eligible for housing assistance in connection with a major disaster, including Hurricane Maria of 2017. To be eligible, an individual or household must be (1) residing on property located in the area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documented ownership rights to and is not renting such property, or (2) residing or have resided in an area for which the major disaster was declared during the designated incident period. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must consider alternative forms of proof to determine the eligibility of an individual or household for assistance. FEMA shall create and distribute a declarative form statement that applicants for assistance can use to self-certify eligibility for assistance and shall make the statement available in specified languages at all active Disaster Recovery Centers and on its website and social media. FEMA may provide financial assistance for repairs to ensure that residences are habitable during longer-term recovery and for permanent housing construction if the President determines that such assistance is a cost effective alternative to other housing solutions. FEMA shall conduct an analysis comparing the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of assistance provided under the Disaster Housing Assistance Program, including any case management services provided, with other temporary housing options provided by FEMA.

Homebuyer Assistance Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Homebuyer Assistance Act of 2021 This bill modifies requirements for appraisers of Federal Housing Administration-insured mortgages. Currently, an appraiser must be certified by certain state or national entities. The bill removes the national entities from the list of approved certification entities and allows an appraiser for a mortgage for single-family housing to be state-licensed rather than state-certified to meet requirements. The bill also provides specified educational requirements for appraisers for mortgages for single-family housing.

MOMMIES Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services Act or the MOMMIES Act This bill establishes a series of programs and requirements under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) relating to maternal health. For example, the bill expands eligibility for coverage under Medicaid and CHIP from 60 days to one year after the last day of pregnancy and requires such coverage to include oral health services. The bill also establishes a demonstration program in which states receive grants to implement or expand models for maternity care homes that provide services to Medicaid or CHIP beneficiaries. The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) gaps in coverage under Medicaid and CHIP for pregnant and postpartum women, and (2) the use of telehealth by state Medicaid programs to increase access to maternity care.

BUILT TO LAST: EXAMINING HOUSING RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 4 May 2021

Naomi Schwartz Safe Parking Program Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2021

Naomi Schwartz Safe Parking Program Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish a grant program for safe parking programs operated by local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and certain organizations that assist the homeless. Safe parking programs provide homeless individuals living in vehicles with (1) a safe place to park overnight to facilitate a transition to stable housing, and (2) services including rehousing assistance and case management.

Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities Program Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2021

Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities Program Authorization Act This bill requires the Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to award a competitive grant to a nonprofit organization to train and support institutions of higher education (IHEs) in assisting local governments by leveraging existing graduate and undergraduate classes for projects of need. Project of need refers to a project that (1) is identified by a local government that would benefit from the expertise of an IHE's faculty and students, and (2) advances a sustainable development goal (e.g., a goal related to climate change and housing affordability).

Direct CARE Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2021

Direct Creation, Advancement, and Retention of Employment Opportunity Act or the Direct CARE Opportunity Act This bill directs the Department of Labor to award grants to eligible entities to develop and carry out projects to recruit, retain, or provide advancement opportunities to direct care workers. The term direct care worker includes home health aides, psychiatric aides, nursing assistants, and personal care aides who assist seniors and persons with disabilities in their homes. After the completion of each project assisted with a grant, the Government Accountability Office must study and report to Congress on (1) an assessment of how the project assisted in the recruitment, retention, or advancement of direct care workers; and (2) recommendations for appropriate legislative or administrative actions.

Original Fair Housing Resolution of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2021

This resolution expresses support for the goals and values of the 53rd anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and for efforts to strengthen housing protections, particularly during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Rebate Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2021

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Rebate Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish a rebate program to encourage investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The program must provide rebates for certain expenses associated with electric vehicle supply equipment located at workplaces, multi-unit housing structures, and publicly accessible locations.

THRIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2021

Transform, Heal, and Renew by Investing in a Vibrant Economy Act or the THRIVE Act This bill establishes a program to address the economy, racial justice, and climate change. The President must establish a board to advise the President and the heads of federal departments and agencies regarding the implementation of this bill. The President, in consultation with the board, must establish a 10-year plan to create a society that enables and supports greater racial, Indigenous, gender, environmental, and economic justice; work opportunities; healthy communities; a stable climate; and healthy ecosystems. In addition, the President, in consultation with the board, must implement a program that provides support to public or private entities that carry out qualified programs. The programs must meet certain labor, equity, and environmental conditions and support infrastructure, including to expand access to pollution-free, renewable, and affordable energy; care workers and social infrastructure (e.g., health care infrastructure); expanded access to housing; efforts to protect and restore biodiversity or natural habitats and efforts to remediate pollution in communities harmed by environmental, economic, or socioeconomic injustice; agriculture, including agricultural workers; or the development and transformation of the U.S. industrial base, including by expanding manufacturing of clean technologies.

THRIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2021

Transform, Heal, and Renew by Investing in a Vibrant Economy Act or the THRIVE Act This bill establishes a program to address the economy, racial justice, and climate change. The President must establish a board to advise the President and the heads of federal departments and agencies regarding the implementation of this bill. The President, in consultation with the board, must establish a 10-year plan to create a society that enables and supports greater racial, Indigenous, gender, environmental, and economic justice; work opportunities; healthy communities; a stable climate; and healthy ecosystems. In addition, the President, in consultation with the board, must implement a program that provides support to public or private entities that carry out qualified programs. The programs must meet certain labor, equity, and environmental conditions and support infrastructure, including to expand access to pollution-free, renewable, and affordable energy; care workers and social infrastructure (e.g., health care infrastructure); expanded access to housing; efforts to protect and restore biodiversity or natural habitats and efforts to remediate pollution in communities harmed by environmental, economic, or socioeconomic injustice; agriculture, including agricultural workers; or the development and transformation of the U.S. industrial base, including by expanding manufacturing of clean technologies.

Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2021

Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2021 This bill modifies the discount given by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on single-family mortgage-insurance premium payments for first-time homebuyers who complete a financial-management counseling program. Under current law, the maximum premium amount for such homebuyers is 2.75% of the original insured principal obligation of the mortgage (compared to 3% for other homebuyers). The bill instead requires that the premium amount for such homebuyers be 25 basis points (0.25% of the original insured principal obligation of mortgage) lower than the amount otherwise established by the FHA. The bill also specifies that first-time homebuyers must complete the financial-management counseling program prior to applying for a mortgage or entering into a sales agreement.

Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2021

Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2021 This bill modifies 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, including the Continuum of Care program. Specifically, the bill aligns these terms with the definitions of homeless used to verify eligibility for other federal assistance programs. The definitions are also amended to increase access to federal homeless programs by homeless children, youth, and families. Additionally, the community-wide homeless management information system shall be made available to the public on HUD's website.

Mark Colon, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Neal J. Rackleff.

United States · United States Senate · 28 April 2021

Solomon Jeffrey Greene, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Seth Daniel Appleton, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 27 April 2021

Puppy Protection Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2021

Puppy Protection Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. Specifically, the standards must require dog dealers to provide to dogs adequate housing, exercise, and veterinary care; appropriate and nutritious food; continuous access to potable water; and meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day. The standards must also include requirements for breeders to use safe breeding practices and make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs.