Housing

Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 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.

Military Hunger Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2017

Military Hunger Prevention Act This bill excludes the value of a housing allowance for a member of a uniformed service from any income, assets, or resources calculation for determining eligibility for any federal program issuing benefits for nutrition assistance (including the family subsistence supplemental allowance program).

Permanently Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017

Permanently Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2015 This bill restores and revives the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009, and any regulations promulgated pursuant to it, as if the Act had not expired after 2014.

Pet and Women Safety Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017

Pet and Women Safety Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to broaden the definition of stalking to include conduct that causes a person to experience a reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury to his or her pet. Additionally, an interstate violation of a protection order includes interstate travel with the intent to violate a protection order against a pet that is included within the scope of the protection order. The bill specifies the applicable criminal penalty—a prison term of up to five years, a fine, or both—for a person who commits an interstate violation of a protection order against a pet. With respect to a defendant who commits a domestic violence offense or an interstate violation of a protection order, mandatory restitution in the "full amount of victim's losses" includes costs incurred for veterinary services related to the pet. The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to award grants for shelter and housing assistance and support services for domestic violence victims with pets. Finally, it expresses the sense of Congress that states should include, in domestic violence protection orders, protections against violence or threats against a person's pet.

Common Sense Housing Investment Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017

Common Sense Housing Investment Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax deduction for mortgage interest, to: (1) allow, in lieu of such deduction, a tax credit for 15% of mortgage interest paid in a taxable year for the taxpayer's principal residence and one other residence; (2) provide for a phaseout of the tax deduction for mortgage interest between 2017 and 2021; (3) allow a deduction for interest and taxes relating to land for dwelling purposes owned or leased by cooperative housing corporations; and (4) increase the state housing credit ceiling for the low-income housing tax credit. The bill directs the Department of the Treasury to apply the savings from the enactment of this bill to the Housing Trust Fund, rental assistance programs, and the Public Housing Capital Fund. The Department of Housing and Urban Development must revise regulations for the Housing Trust Fund to: (1) increase the limitation on funds that are available for operating assistance for housing, (2) allow public housing agencies and tribally designated housing entities to be the recipients of grants that are allocated to a state or a state designated entity, and (3) eliminate the applicability of rules for the fund that are based on the HOME Investment Partnerships Act.

Permanently Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017

Permanently Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2015 This bill restores and revives the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009, and any regulations promulgated pursuant to it, as if the Act had not expired after 2014.

Pet and Women Safety Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017

Pet and Women Safety Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to broaden the definition of stalking to include conduct that causes a person to experience a reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury to his or her pet. Additionally, an interstate violation of a protection order includes interstate travel with the intent to violate a protection order against a pet that is included within the scope of the protection order. The bill specifies the applicable criminal penalty—a prison term of up to five years, a fine, or both—for a person who commits an interstate violation of a protection order against a pet. With respect to a defendant who commits a domestic violence offense or an interstate violation of a protection order, mandatory restitution in the "full amount of victim's losses" includes costs incurred for veterinary services related to the pet. The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to award grants for shelter and housing assistance and support services for domestic violence victims with pets. Finally, it expresses the sense of Congress that states should include, in domestic violence protection orders, protections against violence or threats against a person's pet.

Buy American Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017

Buy American Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Buy American Act and federal grant programs to: (1) standardize guidelines for federal agencies to waive Buy American requirements for their construction contracts and direct purchases of materials for public buildings, uses, or works; and (2) extend domestic content requirements to additional grant programs that federal agencies administer to fund states and other entities carrying out transportation and infrastructure projects. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) must require agencies to: (1) publicly disclose and justify their Buy American waivers, (2) ensure projects are not disaggregated to avoid such requirements, (3) be subject to investigations for improper waivers, and (4) minimize waivers that would decrease employment in the United States. The bill: (1) directs the OFPP to issue rules to evaluate domestic content in "manufactured end product," (2) requires domestic component costs to exceed 75% before manufactured materials are considered manufactured "substantially all" from U.S. materials, (3) excludes project start-up costs from a domestic offer in comparisons of offers between domestic and nondomestic entities, (4) prohibits agencies from determining that the acquisition costs of U.S. materials is unreasonable unless it would increase overall acquisition cost by more than 25%, and (5) applies Buy American requirements to materials for use outside the United States that are not needed on an urgent basis or that are acquired on a regular basis. An agency is prohibited from determining that a material is not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality unless: (1) domestic production cannot be initiated without significantly delaying the project; and (2) a substitutable material is not in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality. The bill amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to require the Department of Homeland Security to procure from U.S. sources certain national security items used to construct border protection barriers and roads under the Illegal Immigration and Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. The bill prohibits the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) from waiving Buy America requirements for states applying to use federal-aid funds to purchase buses, vehicles, or other rolling stock under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program unless: (1) the cost of components and subcomponents produced in the United States is more than 60% of the cost of all components of the rolling stock; and (2) final assembly of the rolling stock has occurred in the United States. The bill requires involvement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and a domestic supplier scouting process for domestic content waivers that: (1) the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issues to Amtrak for rail projects, and (2) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues to grant recipients under the airport improvement program. The FAA may approve an airport improvement project financed with passenger facility charges only if the steel and manufactured goods are produced in the United States. The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), and the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to add domestic source requirements, and require public notice and comment before any waivers of such requirements, for projects supported by: the Environmental Protection Agency's grants to state drinking water treatment or water pollution control revolving loan funds; the Rural Utilities Service; the Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Department of the Interior for the construction of treatment works for rural water projects; or the FRA.

Credit Score Competition Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017

Credit Score Competition Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to allow the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), when determining whether to purchase a residential mortgage, to consider a borrower's credit score only if certain procedural requirements are met with respect to the validation and approval of credit-scoring models. The Federal Housing Finance Agency may, by regulation, establish standards and criteria for processes used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to validate and approve credit-scoring models in accordance with the bill.

A bill to clarify that nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity may accept donated mortgage appraisals, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2017

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.

Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2017

Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2017 This bill amends the National Housing Act to modify 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 maximum 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.

Military Infrastructure Consolidation and Efficiency Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2017

Military Infrastructure Consolidation and Efficiency Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1) develop a force structure plan (plan) for the Armed Forces based on a DOD assessment of threats to U.S. national security for FY2018-FY2038; (2) conduct a comprehensive inventory of military installations world-wide for each military department; and (3) submit a certification of whether the need exists for DOD to consolidate, close, or realign military installations (installation actions). DOD may begin a round for the selection of installation actions only after Congress has had 90 days to consider such certification. The President may not begin such actions if Congress enacts a joint resolution of disapproval of the plan, inventory, or certification during such period. DOD must certify that a round of installation actions will result in annual net savings within five years. In developing its installation action recommendations, DOD shall consider an affected local government's approval of such an action. The bill prescribes final selection criteria for such recommendations, which shall include military value criteria. The bill establishes an independent Military Infrastructure Consolidation and Efficiency Commission of 2019 if: (1) DOD certifies that the need exists for a round for the selection of installation actions, and (2) Congress does not enact such a joint resolution of disapproval within the prescribed 90 days. The bill provides for: (1) commission review of, and authority to make changes to, DOD recommendations; and (2) presidential review of commission recommendations for the consolidation, closure, and realignment of military installations inside the United States. DOD may provide economic adjustment assistance to an affected community. DOD shall establish a new Field Activity to act as the executive agent for the management and disposal of excess real property resulting from installation actions. The General Services Administration shall delegate to DOD the authority to utilize excess property and dispose of surplus property located at a military installation closed or realigned under this Act. The bill sets forth: (1) provisions governing the transfer of property located at an affected installation, (2) the responsibilities of the redevelopment authorities for such installations, and (3) the duties of the Department of Housing and Urban Development s regarding how redevelopment plans address the needs of the homeless. The bill provides for establishment of the Military Infrastructure Consolidation and Efficiency 2019 account to be used for approved installation actions. This bill shall be the exclusive authority for selecting or carrying out installation actions inside the United States until April 15, 2020, excluding specified closures and realignments carried out for reasons of national security or a military emergency.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a pilot program to expand telehealth options under the Medicare program for individuals residing in public housing located in health professional shortage areas, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2017

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a five-year pilot program to expand Medicare coverage of telehealth services for enrollees who reside in public housing. Specifically, the program shall provide for Medicare coverage with respect to "store-and-forward technologies" (i.e., the electronic transmission of medical information, such as digital images), which are covered as telehealth services under current law only with respect to demonstration programs conducted in Alaska and Hawaii. In addition, the program shall provide for increased flexibility with respect to geographic and other requirements.

Housing America's Workforce Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2017

Housing America's Workforce Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business-related tax credit for up to 50% (100% for small business employers) of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. The bill defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. The bill limits the annual amount of such credit per employee to the lesser of $10,000 or 6% of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $5,000 for rental assistance, adjusted for inflation after 2017. The bill excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may award grants in FY2017-FY2019, on a competitive basis, to nonprofit housing organizations or local governments for certain costs, including operating costs and technical assistance costs, of employer-assisted housing programs. HUD must establish a national clearinghouse, including a website, to provide information about employer-assisted housing programs to federal, state, and local governments; and other interested entities. The Government Accountability Office must conduct a study of employer-assisted housing programs and provide HUD with an interim report by January 1, 2020, and final report by December 31, 2021.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a refundable credit against tax for landlords of veterans receiving rental assistance under the Veterans Affairs Supported Housing program.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for the owner of a dwelling unit that is occupied by a veteran on whose behalf rental assistance is provided by the Veterans Affairs Supported Housing program under the United States Housing Act of 1937. The credit is equal to 10% of the amount of rental assistance received by the person for the year.

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

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017

Authorizes expenditures by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for the 115th Congress. Limits expenses of such committee to specified amounts from: (1) March 1, 2017, through September 30, 2017, (2) October 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018, and (3) October 1, 2018, through February 28, 2019.

BARN Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017

Better Agriculture Resources Now Act or the BARN Act This bill revises the H-2A nonimmigrant agricultural worker visa program, including with respect to: (1) agricultural labor and services, (2) application requirements, (3) wages, (4) period of authorized nonimmigrant status, (5) housing, (6) legal assistance, and (7) violations.

Protect Our Schools from Tax Delinquents Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2017

Protect Our Schools from Tax Delinquents Act of 201 7 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require that each housing assistance payments contract entered into under the Section 8 rental assistance voucher program by a public housing agency (PHA) and the owner of a dwelling unit provide that such owner pay, on a timely basis, all covered taxes validly assessed against the property in which the unit is located. A "covered tax" is any tax under state or local law assessed upon real property or the revenue of which is dedicated for use only for schools or for costs of education. The bill allows a contract to provide that, upon notification and identification of a tax delinquency by a taxing authority, the PHA shall abate all of the rental assistance amounts for the property, transferring them monthly to the taxing authority, until the delinquency is eliminated. The bill does not authorize or establish any cause or grounds for the termination of the tenancy of any tenant from any dwelling unit assisted under the rental assistance voucher program. The Department of Housing and Urban Development must maintain a database of information regarding owners of dwelling units: (1) assisted under the program whose housing assistance payments contracts have been terminated for noncompliance with the requirements of this bill, and (2) with respect to whom assistance amounts have been abated and transferred to a taxing authority.

Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., of Florida, to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

United States · United States Senate · 20 January 2017

HUD Inspection Process and Enforcement Reform Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2017

HUD Inspection Process and Enforcement Reform Act of 2017 This bill allows the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to remove certain HUD employees from civil service or to reduce their grade or pay for misconduct or performance. HUD employees may challenge a removal or reduction in grade or pay by filing an appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board. This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require an entity receiving section 8 housing assistance payments under a payment contract to: (1) maintain decent, safe, and sanitary conditions for dwelling units covered under such payment contract; and (2) comply with any standards under applicable state or local laws, rules, ordinances, or regulations relating to the physical condition of the dwelling units. HUD must, under certain conditions, take enforcement actions for violations of dwelling-unit physical condition standards. HUD may provide tenant-based assistance for dwelling units covered under a section 8 payment contract if: (1) the dwelling units' owner has received a Notice of Default; or (2) the units pose an imminent health and safety risk to tenants. A Notice of Default cites deficiencies in the physical condition of a section 8 dwelling unit and provides a specified period of time for correction of such deficiencies. HUD must issue a publicly available report on its website regarding Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) inspections of all properties assisted, insured, or both, under a HUD program. The Government Accountability Office must issue a report on its website regarding such REAC inspection areas that should be reformed and improved.

Energy Efficient Manufactured Home Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2017

Energy Efficient Manufactured Home Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to carry out a program to provide grants and loans to assist low-income owners of manufactured homes constructed before December 31, 1994, in decommissioning their dated homes and replacing them with Energy Star-qualified manufactured or modular homes. Grants or loans may be made only to a low-income owner of a dated manufactured home who has used that home as a primary residence on a year-round basis for at least the preceding 24 months. Each household may only receive one grant or loan under the program. The bill sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) ownership of the land on which the new manufactured or modular home is to be sited, and (2) the decommissioning of a dated home.

NOMINATION OF DR. BENJAMIN CARSON, OF MICHIGAN, TO BE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

United States · United States Senate · 12 January 2017

Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017

Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture, acting jointly, to designate, before January 1, 2019, not more than 40 areas as Promise Zones for purposes of priority consideration in federal grant programs and initiatives. Twelve of such areas shall be outside of a metropolitan statistical area or shall be determined to be rural areas. A "Promise Zone" is any area with a continuous boundary and a population of not more than 200,000 that is nominated by one or more local governments or Indian tribes and designated on the basis of unemployment rates, poverty rates, vacancy rates, crime rates, household income, home ownership, labor force participation, and educational attainment. An application for designation as a Promise Zone shall include a competitiveness plan that addresses the need of the area to attract investment and jobs and improve educational opportunities. The bill allows: (1) a Promise Zone employment tax credit for wages paid to a qualified zone or resident employee, and (2) expensing of Promise Zone property. A "Promise Zone property" is a property that is: (1) tangible property with a recovery period of 20 years or less for depreciation purposes, water utility property, computer software, or qualified leasehold improvement property; (2) acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business; and (3) originally placed in service in a Promise Zone.

Recognizing the anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, honoring those who lost their lives in the earthquake and in Hurricane Matthew in October 2016, and expressing continued solidarity with the Haitian people.

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017

Honors: (1) those who lost their lives in Haiti due to the earthquake on January 12, 2010, and Hurricane Matthew in October 2016; and (2) the sacrifice of the men and women of the government of Haiti, the U.S. government, the United Nations (U.N.), and the international community for their response to those affected by these calamities. Expresses solidarity with the people of Haiti as they work to prevent malnutrition and hunger, mitigate the effects of climate change, and rebuild their homes, neighborhoods, livelihoods, and country. Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to support long-term Haitian development and disaster preparedness. Supports the Administration's efforts to: (1) increase food security in Haiti through sustainable agriculture programs; (2) shore up housing initiatives; (3) prevent the spread of cholera and treat persons who contract the disease; (4) provide technical assistance to the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population; and (5) improve water, sanitation, and health systems. Urges the President and the international community to: (1) focus assistance on building the capacity of Haiti's public sector and reinforcing the systems it employs to provide basic services, (2) develop and improve communications and participatory mechanisms to more substantially involve Haitian civil society at all stages of post-disaster responses, and (3) give priority to programs that protect vulnerable populations. Urges the President to: (1) make necessary resources available to U.S. and U.N. agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private volunteer organizations, and regional institutions; (2) support U.N. efforts to fully execute the U.N.'s new two-track response to eradicate cholera from Haiti and provide material assistance to those Haitians most directly affected; (3) lead humanitarian and development and disaster risk reduction efforts with the government of Haiti, the Haitian Diaspora, and international actors; (4) maximize responsible local and regional procurement; (5) improve the monitoring of U.S. government-funded aid programs; and (6) work with Haitian authorities and private landowners to prevent evictions of internally displaced person communities.

Safe Recovery and Community Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017

Safe Recovery and Community Empowerment Act This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to provide that nothing in federal law relating to protections for persons with disabilities prohibits a local, state, or federal government body from: requiring a reasonable minimum distance between residential recovery facilities within a particular area zoned for residential housing if such requirement is necessary to preserve the residential character of the area and allows for some of such facilities to be located within such area; and requiring that such a facility obtain an operating license or use permit or satisfy a set of consumer protection standards, which may include a maximum capacity requirement. A residential recovery facility is a residence that provides housing to individuals in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction with the promise of providing a clean and sober environment in return for direct or indirect payment to an owner, operator, or compensated staff person. Facilities receiving payments from a federal health care program, or via private insurance purchased on a federal exchange or federally subsidized, for either housing, recovery services, or testing or monitoring for drugs or alcohol shall ensure that residents: (1) are provided a safe living environment completely free from illicit drugs, alcohol, firearms, harassment, abuse, or harm; and (2) live in a licensed or registered residence that has committed to following standards approved by states and localities.

End Unnecessary Borrowing Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017

End Unnecessary Borrowing Act of 2017 This bill amends the National Housing Act with respect to the requirement that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) endeavor to ensure that the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMI Fund) attains a capital ratio of not less than 2% within 10 years after enactment of that requirement (November 5, 1990) and to ensure that the fund maintains at least that capital ratio at all times thereafter. The bill prohibits these requirements from being construed to authorize or require HUD to borrow any amounts to comply with the capital ratio requirement. Any HUD authority to borrow from the Treasury for the MMI Fund may be used only to the extent necessary to pay claims on mortgage insurance that is an obligation of such fund.

Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017

Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2017 This bill nullifies: the final Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule entitled "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing" and any successor rule substantially similar to it, and the notice relating to the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Assessment Tool and any successor notice or rule substantially similar to it. No federal funds may be used to design, build, maintain, utilize, or provide access to a federal database of geospatial information on community racial disparities or disparities in access to affordable housing. HUD is required to: (1) consult with state, local government, and public housing agency officials to develop recommendations, consistent with applicable rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court, to further the Fair Housing Act's purposes and policies; and (2) make a final report publicly available online within 12 months after enactment of this bill.

The Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2017 This bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow the reporting of certain positive consumer-credit information to consumer reporting agencies. Specifically, a person or the Department of Housing and Urban Development may report information related to a consumer's performance in making payments either under a lease agreement for a dwelling or pursuant to a contract for a utility or telecommunications service. However, information about a consumer's usage of any utility or telecommunications service may be reported only to the extent that the information relates to payment by the consumer for such service or other terms of the provision of that service. Furthermore, an energy-utility firm may not report a consumer's outstanding balance as late if the firm and the consumer have entered into a payment plan and the consumer is meeting the obligations of that plan. Specified provisions of the Consumer Credit Protection Act that establish civil liability with respect to furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies shall not apply to any violation of the bill.

Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2017 This bill nullifies: the final Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule entitled "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing" and any successor rule substantially similar to it, and the notice relating to the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Assessment Tool and any successor notice or rule substantially similar to it. No federal funds may be used to design, build, maintain, utilize, or provide access to a federal database of geospatial information on community racial disparities or disparities in access to affordable housing. HUD is required to: (1) consult with state, local government, and public housing agency officials to develop recommendations, consistent with applicable rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court, to further the Fair Housing Act's purposes and policies; and (2) make a final report publicly available online within 12 months after enactment of this bill.

Early Intervention for Veterans and their Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2017

Early Intervention for Veterans and their Families Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a three-year pilot program with community partners (private nonprofit organizations) to provide intensive community care coordination and supportive services to disabled veteran families who lack access to direct wellness services provided by the VA or other entities. Such services may include: care coordination and case management services; outreach services; assistance in obtaining VA benefits, including vocational and rehabilitation counseling, employment and training service, educational assistance, and health care services; assistance in obtaining and coordinating the provision of other public benefits provided by government agencies or community partners, including marriage counseling, services for children, suicide prevention, substance abuse awareness and treatment, mental health awareness and treatment, financial counseling, anger management counseling, domestic violence awareness and prevention, employment assistance, transportation services, child care, housing counseling, preparing and updating family care plans, development of strategies for living with a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, and accessing emergency financial assistance through philanthropic efforts; and direct services that are necessary to improve the well-being and address the needs of the disabled veteran families but that are otherwise unavailable through existing public or private programs.

Supporting a uniform adoption process for foster youth.

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2017

Supports a uniform adoption process of children from foster care. Promotes the enactment by all states of the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children to ensure more children in the United States are placed in safe, loving, and permanent homes.

Housing Accountability Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2017

Housing Accountability Act of 2017 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide statutory authority for the requirement for an entity receiving low-income housing assistance payments for existing public housing units to maintain decent, safe, and sanitary conditions for any structure covered under a payment contract. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall develop a process by which a Performance-Based Contract Administrator shall, on a semiannual basis, conduct a survey of the tenants of each such structure to identify consistent or persistent problems with the structure's physical condition or its manager's performance. A structure shall be referred to HUD for remediation if the administrator identifies such a problem based on the survey or any other observation made by the administrator during the normal course of business. HUD may impose a penalty on the structure's owner if the structure does not satisfactorily meet this bill's requirements or is repeatedly referred to HUD for remediation by an administrator through the process. Collected amounts shall be used solely for supporting safe and sanitary conditions at applicable structures or for HUD designated tenant relocation, with priority given to tenants of the penalized structure. This bill shall not apply to voucher program property.

Community Parks Revitalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017

Community Parks Revitalization Act This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a community revitalization program of federal grants to eligible local governments located within standard metropolitan statistical areas for various park and recreation purposes, including grants for rehabilitation and construction, innovation and recreation programming, and recovery action programs. HUD may designate local governments not located in standard metropolitan statistical areas to receive such grants under a partial eligibility waiver. The bill prescribes requirements, including matching requirements, for rehabilitation and construction and for innovation and recreation grants. This bill limits to 10% the use of funds appropriated for rehabilitation and construction grants for acquisition of land or interests in land. A recipient may transfer a grant in whole or in part to private nonprofit agencies for recreational areas and facilities they own or operate which offer recreational opportunities to the general population. For project approval, an applicant must submit to HUD evidence of its commitment to ongoing planning, rehabilitation, service, operation, and maintenance programs for its park and recreation systems, expressed in a five-year local park and recreation recovery action program. The bill prescribes requirements for the five-year park and recreation recovery action program under an at-risk youth recreation grant. HUD may increase federal rehabilitation and construction, innovation, and at-risk youth recreation grants to a state under this bill by an additional match of up to 15% (but not more than 15%) of total project or program cost. The bill limits the aggregate amount of the grant and the additional grant amounts to 85% of total project or program cost. The bill prohibits the conversion, without HUD approval, of any property improved or developed with assistance under this bill for uses other than for public recreation.

Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017

Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of State shall provide assistance: (1) to address the health care needs of covered individuals, (2) to institutions in Vietnam that provide health care to such individuals, (3) to repair and rebuild substandard homes in Vietnam for covered individuals and their families, and (4) to remediate geographic areas of Vietnam that contain high levels of Agent Orange. A "covered individual" is defined as an individual who is a Vietnam resident and who: (1) is affected by health issues related to Agent Orange exposure which took place between January 1, 1961, and May 7, 1975; (2) lives or had lived in or near geographic areas in Vietnam that continue to contain high levels of Agent Orange; or (3) is the child or descendant of such an individual and is affected by such health issues. State and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall provide assistance to support research relating to health issues of individuals affected by Agent Orange. The Department of Health and Human Services shall: (1) make grants to appropriate public health organizations and Vietnamese-American organizations to conduct a broad health assessment of Vietnamese-Americans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange and their children or descendants; and (2) establish centers in U.S. locations where large populations of Vietnamese-Americans reside to provide assessment, counseling, and treatment for conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. The bill amends veterans benefits provisions to provide benefits to the children of male (currently only female) Vietnam veterans who are affected by certain birth defects. The VA shall require any health care provider with whom the VA enters into a contract for the provision of health care to such children to provide the VA access to the medical records of such children for research into the intergenerational effects of Agent Orange exposure.

Adult Day Center Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017

Adult Day Center Enhancement Act This bill requires the Administration on Aging (AOA) to initiate a comprehensive survey of current adult day programs that provide care and support to individuals with neurological diseases or conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or traumatic brain injury. The AOA must identify ongoing successful adult day programs and which of these serve young adults with neurological conditions and develop best practices to guide the establishment of additional successful adult day programs. The AOA must award grants for adult day programs that serve younger people with neurological conditions. An "adult day program" is defined as a program that provides comprehensive care and support services to individuals with neurological conditions and to their family caregivers and that may assist participants in ways that: maintain or improve their functional abilities or otherwise help them adjust to their changing functional abilities; prevent the onset of complications associated with severe forms of the condition; promote alternatives to placement in nursing homes; reduce the strain on family caregivers of individuals with neurological conditions; focus on supporting the emotional, social, and intellectual needs of a younger adult population; or address the needs of veterans with neurological conditions.

Military Family Stability Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017

Military Family Stability Act of 2017 This bill allows a member of the Armed Forces undergoing a permanent change of station and the member's spouse to elect jointly that the spouse may relocate to the new location at the time during the covered relocation period as the member and spouse jointly select. A member and spouse may make such an election if: the spouse is employed, or enrolled in a degree-, certificate-, or license-granting program, at the beginning of the covered relocation period; the member and spouse have one or more children in school; the spouse or children are covered under the Exceptional Family Member Program; the member and spouse are caring for an immediate family member with a chronic or long-term illness; or the member is undergoing a permanent change of station as an individual augmentee or other deployment arrangement. Families with other needs may receive exceptions granted by military commanders on a case-by-case basis. A member undergoing a permanent change of station who has one or more specified dependents and is no longer married to the individual who is or was the parent of such dependents at the beginning of the covered period of relocation may make an election that such dependents relocate to the new location: by the member alone, if the former spouse is dead or has no custodial rights, or by the member and the former spouse jointly in all other circumstances. A member may not make: more than three elections; or any election unless the member's period of obligated service, or the time remaining under the member's enlistment contract, at the time of election is at least 24 months. The bill prescribes related housing and housing allowance requirements. Transportation allowances authorized for personal property of a member and spouse may be allocated as the member and spouse select. The Department of Defense shall establish a single application approval process for coverage under this bill, which shall apply uniformly among the Armed Forces.

Veterans' Education Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017

Veterans' Education Equity Act This bill provides that the monthly housing allowance under the Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 educational assistance program shall be based on the location of the campus where an individual physically participates in a majority of classes rather than the location of the institution of higher learning at which an individual is enrolled.

HOT-R Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017

Honoring Our Trust Relationships Act of 2017 or the HOT-R Act This bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to exempt specified American Indian and Alaska Native programs from sequestration, including programs administered by the Departments of the Interior, Education, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, and Health and Human Services. (Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.)

Comprehensive Homes for Heroes Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017

Comprehensive Homes for Heroes Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for very low-income veterans' families (families with incomes not exceeding 50% of the area median income). The bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) make housing rental vouchers available to all homeless veterans, regardless of medical condition; and (2) include veterans in public housing planning. Veterans' benefits are excluded from income for purposes of HUD assisted housing rental determinations. HUD is required to: (1) make grants to nonprofit entities for technical assistance in sponsoring HUD housing projects for veterans, and (2) report annually to specified congressional committees and the Department of Veterans Affairs on HUD activities relating to veterans.

To improve the Department of Housing and Urban Development's regulations on hazardous storage containers.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017

This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to prescribe, or amend existing, regulations concerning the siting of HUD-assisted projects near hazardous operations handling conventional fuels or chemicals of an explosive or flammable nature to include as an exception from the definition of the term "hazard" any stationary container which stores, handles, or processes hazardous substances of an explosive or fire-prone nature that: (1) has a capacity of 1,320 gallons or less; (2) is intended to contain common liquid fuels such as gasoline, fuel oil, kerosene, diesel, or crude oil; (3) is sited on land or property that contains a one- to four-family dwelling; and (4) is intended to be used solely by residents of such dwelling and exclusively for non-commercial, non-industrial purposes.

Landlord Accountability Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017

Landlord Accountability Act of 2017 This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to make it unlawful to discriminate in connection with the rental of a dwelling because the current or prospective tenant holds a housing voucher for rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937. An owner of a dwelling unit available for rental may not take any action, or fail to take any action, with the intent to make the unit insufficiently decent, safe, sanitary, or inhabitable so that the dwelling fails to qualify for assistance within the jurisdiction of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD shall increase the staffing level for the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line operated by its Multifamily Housing Clearinghouse to handle the volume of calls received without unreasonable waiting periods. HUD shall also carry out a Multifamily Housing Complaint Resolution Program to receive and resolve complaints about multifamily housing projects from resident voucher users and local governmental officials. HUD shall disclose on a departmental website information about each complaint received, identifying the multifamily housing project to which it relates. The Internal Revenue Code is amended to allow an eligible landlord a low-income housing maintenance credit of $2,500 multiplied by the number of low-income housing units owned up to a certain maximum for the landlord's annual low-income housing maintenance expenses. An owner of a multifamily housing project in which three or more voucher users reside shall display, at all times and in clear and conspicuous location on every floor, a written notice of tenant rights under federal law and the phone numbers for the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line and for a regional or local HUD office. HUD may also make grants to states, Indian tribes, local governments, and nonprofit, nongovernmental affordable housing organizations to develop or assist tenant harassment prevention programs meeting specified requirements.

Home Foreclosure Reduction Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017

Home Foreclosure Reduction Act of 2017 This bill amends federal bankruptcy law governing a Chapter 13 debtor (adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income) to exclude from the computation of debts the secured or unsecured portions of: (1) debts secured by the debtor's principal residence if the value of the residence is less than the applicable maximum amount of noncontingent, liquidated, secured debts; or (2) debts secured or formerly secured by the debtor's principal residence that was either sold in foreclosure or surrendered to the creditor if the property's value was less than the applicable maximum amount of noncontingent, liquidated, secured debts. The bill applies the credit counseling requirement to a Chapter 13 debtor who certifies receipt of notice that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence may commence a foreclosure on it. Courts must disallow a claim that is subject to any remedy for rescission under the Truth in Lending Act, notwithstanding the prior entry of a foreclosure judgment. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan may modify the rights of claim holders with respect to a claim for a loan originated before the effective date of this bill and secured by a security interest in the debtor's principal residence that is the subject of a foreclosure notice The bill authorizes reduction of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence, but only in specified circumstances, particularly if the debtor sells the residence. A debtor is not liable for certain fees and charges incurred while the bankruptcy case is pending and arising from a debt secured by the debtor's principal residence, unless the claim holder observes specified requirements. The bill adds to conditions for court confirmation of a plan in bankruptcy that: (1) the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence retain the lien securing the claim until the later of the payment of the claim as reduced and modified, completion of all payments under the plan, or the discharge of a debtor from all debts; and (2) the plan modifies the claim in good faith and the court does not find that the debtor has been convicted of obtaining by actual fraud the extension, renewal, or refinancing of credit that gives rise to a modified claim. Upon request, the court may confirm a plan proposing a reduction in the interest rate on the loan secured by such security interest and that does not reduce the principal, if certain requirements are met. The bill excludes from the final discharge of a debtor from all debts any unpaid portion of such a claim as reduced. The federal judicial code is amended to prescribe standing trustee fees regarding certain payments received under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan.

Helping Homeless Veterans Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017

Helping Homeless Veterans Act of 2017 This bill makes the following Department of Veterans Affairs programs and services permanent: (1) homeless veterans reintegration programs, (2) referral and counseling services for veterans at risk of homelessness who are transitioning from certain institutions (including penal institutions), (3) financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing, (4) a grant program for homeless veterans with special needs, (5) treatment and rehabilitation for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, (6) housing assistance for homeless veterans, and (7) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.

Resettlement Accountability National Security Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017

Resettlement Accountability National Security Act of 2017 This bill prohibits the admission of alien refugees into the United States unless Congress passes a joint resolution giving the Department of Homeland Security authority to resume admitting them. The Government Accountability Office shall report on: (1) the national security impact of refugee admissions; and (2) specified costs of providing refugees with benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, disability insurance under title II of the Social Security Act, the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program), and low income rental housing assistance.

To amend subtitle IV of title 40, United States Code, regarding county additions to the Appalachian region.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017

This bill adds the Tennessee counties of Hickman, Perry, and Wayne to the definition of "Appalachian region" for purposes of Appalachian regional development efforts.

Housing Fairness Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017

Veterans, Women, Families with Children, Race, and Persons with Disabilities Housing Fairness Act of 2017 or the Housing Fairness Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct a nationwide testing program to: (1) detect and document differences in the treatment of persons seeking to rent or purchase housing or obtain or refinance a home mortgage loan; (2) measure patterns of adverse treatment because of the race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability status, or national origin of a renter, home buyer, or borrower; and (3) measure the prevalence of such discriminatory practices across housing and mortgage lending markets. The Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 is amended to require that only qualified private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations receive funds under the fair housing initiatives program for investigations of violations of the rights granted under the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Private entities that formulate or carry out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices must be nonprofit in order to be eligible for contracts to establish or support education and outreach programs. HUD shall implement a competitive matching grant program to assist public and private nonprofit organizations in: (1) conducting comprehensive studies of the causes and effects of housing discrimination and segregation on education, poverty, and economic development or on veterans and military personnel; and (2) implementing pilot projects that test solutions to help prevent or alleviate housing discrimination and segregation.

FHA In-Person Servicing Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017

FHA In-Person Servicing Improvement Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a pilot program to use authority under the National Housing Act to pay insurance benefits to compensate a mortgagee for any costs of taking loss mitigation actions providing an alternative to foreclosure of a mortgage in default or facing imminent default. HUD must make payments to a qualified entity or entities to compensate for their costs of making in-person contact with mortgagors whose payments under covered mortgages are more than 60 days past due.

FHA Alternative Credit Pilot Program Reauthorization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017

FHA Alternative Credit Pilot Program Reauthorization Act of 2017 This bill amends the National Housing Act to reauthorize a pilot program that establishes for mortgagees an automated process for providing alternative credit rating information on mortgagors and prospective mortgagors under mortgages on one- to four-family residences who have insufficient credit histories for determining their creditworthiness.