(1) Affordable housing

The term affordable housing means housing for which the monthly payment is not more than 30-percent of the monthly income of the household.

(2) Assistant Secretary

The term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(3) Local zoning framework

The term local zoning framework means the local zoning codes and other ordinances, procedures, and policies governing zoning and land-use at the local level.

(4) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(5) State zoning framework

The term State zoning framework means the State legislation or State agency and department procedures, or such legislation or procedures in an insular area of the United States, enabling local planning and zoning authorities and establishing and guiding related policies and programs.

(1) In general

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall publish documents outlining guidelines and best practices to support production of adequate housing to meet the needs of communities and provide housing opportunities for individuals at every income level across communities with respect to—

(2) Consultation; public comment

During the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, in developing the guidelines and best practices required under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary shall—

(3) Contents

The guidelines and best practices required under paragraph (1) shall—

(1) In general

The Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse established pursuant to section 1205 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d) is abolished.

(2) Repeal

Section 1205 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d) is repealed.

(1)

the States that have adopted recommendations from the guidelines and best practices, pursuant to section 4 of this Act;

(2)

a summary of the localities that have adopted recommendations from the guidelines and best practices, pursuant to section 4 of this Act;

(3)

a list of States that adopted a State zoning framework;

(4)

a summary of the modifications that each State has made in their State zoning framework;

(5)

a general summary of the types of updates localities have made to their local zoning framework;

(6)

with respect to the States that have adopted a State zoning framework or recommendations from the guidelines and best practices, the effect of such adoptions; and

(7)

a summary of any recommendations that were routinely not adopted by States or by localities.

(1)

the need for affordable housing in the eligible entity;

(2)

the presence of high opportunity areas in the eligible entity;

(3)

coordination between the eligible entity and a State agency; and

(4)

coordination between the eligible entity and State, local, and regional transportation planning authorities.

(1)

describes the impacts of the activities carried out using the amounts provided under this section on improving the production and supply of affordable housing;

(2)

includes a list of any pattern books the eligible entity has established using amounts provided under this section, including a description of the designs such pattern book includes;

(3)

identifies the number of permits issued by the eligible entity for housing development using designs from such pattern book; and

(4)

identifies the number of housing units produced in developments of the eligible entity using a design from such pattern book.

(1)

to the extent possible, encourage eligible entities awarded grants under this section to make any pattern books established by such entity, and designs in such pattern book, publicly available through a website; and

(2)

collect, identify, and disseminate best practices relating to pattern books and make such information publicly available on a website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(1) Affordable housing

The term affordable housing means housing for which the total monthly housing cost payment is not more than 30-percent of the monthly household income for a household earning not more than 80-percent of the area-median income.

(2) Covered structure

The term covered structure means a low-rise or mid-rise structure with not more than 25 dwelling units that may include—

(3) Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means—

(4) High opportunity area

The term high opportunity area has the meaning given the term in section 1282.1 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.

(5) Infill development

The term infill development means a residential housing development on small parcels in previously established areas for replacement by new or refurbished housing that utilizes existing utilities and infrastructure.

(6) Mixed-income housing

The term mixed-income housing means a housing development that is comprised of housing units that promote differing levels of affordability in the community.

(7) Pattern book

The term pattern book means a set of pre-reviewed, designated designs or construction plans that are assessed and approved as by-right development by localities for compliance with local building and permitting standards to streamline and expedite approval pathways for housing construction.

(8) Rural area

The term rural area means any area other than a city or town that has a population of less than 50,000 inhabitants.

(9) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(1)

fire safety considerations, including sprinkler coverage, smoke detection, ventilation, and building egress performance;

(2)

construction costs and potential impacts on housing affordability, including the potential for increasing housing supply in high-cost jurisdictions;

(3)

flexibility for diverse consumer needs, including family sizes, unit configurations, and accessibility;

(4)

examples of single-stair codes adopted or considered by States and cities in the United States;

(5)

examples single-stair codes used in relevant international standards;

(6)

research and model language relating to single-stair codes produced by organizations that focus on point-access block building design and building-code reform;

(7)

consulting with experts, including developers, architects, fire marshals, researchers, economists, housing authorities, and officials in States that have enacted or piloted single-stair codes; and

(8)

alternative methods of safety compliance, including options that utilize additional passive or active safety features.

(1) Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means a State, unit of local government, Tribal Government, public housing agency, nonprofit housing organization, community development organization, private developer, construction firm, qualified design firm, engineering firm, academic institution, research institution, or any partnership or consortium comprised of 2 or more such types of entities.

(2) Point-access block building

The term point-access block building means a Group R–2 occupancy residential structure, as such term is defined by the International Building Code, in which a single internal stairway provides access and egress for all dwelling units in a building that is not greater than 6 stories in height.

(1) In general

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall, in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, expand and reclassify housing-related activities under the necessary administrative regulations as follows:

(2) Report

The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives annual reports during the 5-year period beginning on the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act that provide a summary of findings of reductions in review times and administrative cost reduction, with a particular focus on the affordable housing sector, as a result of the actions set forth in this subsection, and any recommendations of the Secretary for future congressional action with respect to revising categorical exclusions or exemptions under title 24, Code of Federal Regulations.

(1) Designation of environmental review procedure

The Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3531 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 12 (42 U.S.C. 3537a) the following:

13. Designation of environmental review procedure

(a) In general

Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary may, for purposes of environmental review, decision-making, and action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and other provisions of law that further the purposes of such Act, designate the treatment of assistance administered by the Secretary as funds for a special project for purposes of section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3547).

(b) Exception

The designation described in subsection (a) shall not apply to assistance for which a procedure for carrying out the responsibilities of the Secretary under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and other provisions of law that further the purposes of such Act, is otherwise specified in law.

(2) Tribal assumption of environmental review obligations

Section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3547) is amended—

(1)

occurs within the geographic limits of a municipality;

(2)

is adequately served by existing utilities and public services as required under applicable law;

(3)

is located on a site of previously disturbed land of not more than 5 acres and substantially surrounded by residential or commercial development;

(4)

will repurpose a vacant or underutilized parcel of land, or a dilapidated or abandoned structure; and

(5)

will serve a residential or commercial purpose.

(1) In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to—

(2) Advisory working group

(3) Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that includes recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or administrative actions—

(1) Exemption

In providing assistance under section 501, 502, 504, 515, 533, or 538 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471, 1472, 1474, 1485, 1490m, or 1490p–2) for the construction or modification of residential housing located on an infill site, the Secretary of Agriculture shall not be required to carry out any study or report on the environmental effects of such assistance.

(2) Report

Not later than the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit, to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, a report that—

(2) Definitions

In this section:

(1)

in section 206A (12 U.S.C. 1712a)—

(2)

in section 207(c)(3)(A) (12 U.S.C. 1713(c)(3)(A))—

(3)

in section 213(b)(2) (12 U.S.C. 1715e(b)(2))—

(4)

in section 220(d)(3)(B)(iii)(I) (12 U.S.C. 1715k(d)(3)(B)(iii)(I))—

(5)

in section 221(d)(4)(ii)(I) (12 U.S.C. 1715l(d)(4)(ii)(I))—

(6)

in section 231(c)(2)(A) (12 U.S.C. 1715v(c)(2)(A))—

(7)

in section 234(e)(3)(A) (12 U.S.C. 1715y(e)(3)(A))—

(1) In general

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study and submit to the Congress a report that—

(2) Middle-income household defined

In this subsection, the term middle income household means a household with an income above 80-percent but that does not exceed 120-percent of the median family income of the area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families.

(1)

reduce the amount of time required for units of local government to approve new construction;

(2)

reduce the cost of residential construction in the United States; or

(3)

increase the quality of available and affordable residential housing in the United States.

(1)

in paragraph (6)(B), by striking significant; and

(2)

by adding at end the following new paragraph:

(26)

The term infill housing project means a residential housing project that—

(A)

is located within the geographic limits of a municipality;

(B)

is adequately served by existing utilities and public services as required under applicable law;

(C)

is located on a site of previously disturbed land of not more than 5 acres; and

(D)

is substantially surrounded by residential or commercial development, as determined by the Secretary.

(1)

in section 214(2), by striking households that qualify as low-income families and inserting families with a household income that does not exceed 100-percent of the median-family income of the area, as determined by the Secretary;

(2)

in section 215—

(3)

in section 271(c)—

(1) In general

Section 212(a) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:

(4) Infrastructure improvements in nonentitlement areas

(A) In general

A participating jurisdiction may use funds provided under this subtitle for infrastructure improvements, including the installation or repair of water and sewer lines, sidewalks, roads, and utility connections if—

(i)

such participating jurisdiction does not receive assistance under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; and

(ii)

such improvements are directly related to, and located within or immediately adjacent to—

(I)

housing assisted under this subtitle; or

(II)

housing assisted under section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

(B) Application of labor standards

The labor standards and requirements set forth in section 110 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5310) shall apply to any infrastructure improvement conducted using funds provided under this subtitle.

(C) Rule of construction

Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to impose any requirements of the HOME Investment Partnerships program on housing that benefits from an infrastructure improvement conducted using funds provided under this subtitle but was not otherwise assisted under the HOME Investment Partnerships program.

(2) Rulemaking

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue rules to carry out the amendment made by paragraph (1).

(1)

in subsection (b)—

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(c) Qualification exceptions for homeownership

(1) Military members

A participating jurisdiction, in accordance with terms established by the Secretary, may suspend or waive the income qualifications described in subsection (b)(2) with respect to housing that otherwise meets the criteria described in subsection (b) if the owner of the housing—

(A)

is a member of a regular component of the armed forces or a member of the National Guard on full-time National Guard duty, active Guard and Reserve duty, or inactive-duty training (as those terms are defined in section 101(d) of title 10, United States Code); and

(B)

has received—

(i)

temporary duty orders to deploy with a military unit or military orders to deploy as an individual acting in support of a military operation, to a location that is not within a reasonable distance from the housing, as determined by the Secretary, for a period of not less than 90 days; or

(ii)

orders for a permanent change of station.

(2) Heirs and beneficiaries of deceased owners

Housing that meets the criteria described in subsection (b)(3) prior to the death of an owner of such housing shall continue to qualify as affordable housing under this title if—

(A)

the housing is the principal residence of an heir or beneficiary of the deceased owner, as defined by the Secretary; and

(B)

the heir or beneficiary, in accordance with terms established by the Secretary, assumes the duties and obligations of the deceased owner with respect to funds provided under this title.

(1)

by striking subsection (g); and

(2)

by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (g).

(1) In general

Section 288 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12838) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(e) Categorical exemptions

The following categories of activities carried out under this title shall be statutorily exempt from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and shall not require further review under such Act—

(1)

new construction infill housing projects;

(2)

acquisition of real property for affordable housing purposes;

(3)

rehabilitation projects carried out pursuant to section 212(a)(1); and

(4)

new construction projects of 15 units or less.

(f) Removing duplicative reviews

(1) In general

To the extent practicable and permitted by law, the Secretary shall ensure that a project that has undergone an environmental review under this section shall not be subject to a duplicative environmental review solely due to the addition, substitution, or reallocation of other sources of Federal assistance, if the scope, scale, and location of the project remain substantially unchanged.

(2) Coordination of environmental review responsibilities

The Secretary shall, by regulation, provide for coordination of environmental review responsibilities with other Federal agencies to streamline inter-agency compliance and avoid unnecessary duplication of effort under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and other applicable laws.

(3) Recognition of prior reviews by responsible entities

A project may not be subject to an environmental review under this section if a substantially similar review has already been completed by an entity designated under section 104(g)(1) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304(g)(1)) or by another entity the Secretary determines to have equivalent authority, if the scope, scale, and location of the project remain substantially unchanged.

(2) Rulemaking

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue such rules as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the amendment made by this subsection.

(1)

by striking Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act each place it appears and inserting McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; and

(2)

by striking Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs each place it appears and inserting Committee on Financial Services.

(1)

in paragraph (1), by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: Subject to paragraph (4), jurisdictions eligible for such reallocations shall include participating jurisdictions and jurisdictions meeting the requirements of this title, including the requirements in paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of section 216.; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(4) Reallocation not available for certain jurisdictions

The Secretary may decline to make a reallocation available to a jurisdiction eligible for such reallocation if such jurisdiction has failed to meet or comply with any requirement under this title.

(1)

in paragraph (1)(E), by striking except upon a foreclosure by a lender (or upon other transfer in lieu of foreclosure) if such action (i) recognizes any contractual or legal rights of public agencies, nonprofit sponsors, or others to take actions that would avoid termination of low-income affordability in the case of foreclosure or transfer in lieu of foreclosure, and (ii) is not for the purpose of avoiding low income affordability restrictions, as determined by the Secretary; and and inserting the following: “except—

(i)

upon a foreclosure by a lender (or upon other transfer in lieu of foreclosure) if such action—

(I)

recognizes any contractual or legal rights of public agencies, nonprofit sponsors, or others to take actions that would avoid termination of low-income affordability in the case of foreclosure or transfer in lieu of foreclosure; and

(II)

is not for the purpose of avoiding low-income affordability restrictions, as determined by the Secretary; or

(ii)

where existing affordable housing is no longer financially viable due to unforeseen acts or occurrences beyond the reasonable contemplation or control of the participating jurisdiction in which the affordable housing is located or the owner of the affordable housing that significantly impact the financial or physical condition of the affordable housing, as determined by the Secretary; and; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(8) Small-scale housing

(A) In general

Small-scale housing shall qualify as affordable housing under this title if—

(i)

each dwelling unit in such housing bears rent in an amount that complies with the requirements described in paragraph (1)(A);

(ii)

each dwelling unit in such housing is occupied by a low-income family;

(iii)

no dwelling unit in such housing is refused for leasing to a holder of a voucher under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) because of the status of the prospective tenant as a holder of such voucher;

(iv)

such housing complies with the requirement described in paragraph (1)(E); and

(v)

the participating jurisdiction in which such small-scale housing is located monitors the compliance of such housing with the requirements of this title in a manner consistent with the purposes of section 226(b), as determined by the Secretary.

(B) Small-scale housing defined

In this paragraph, the term small-scale housing means housing with not more than 4 dwelling units each of which is made available for rental.

(1)

in section 233 by striking subsection (f); and

(2)

in section 233(b)(6), by striking to community land trusts (as such term is defined in subsection (f)) and inserting to community land trusts (as such term is defined in section 104).

(1)

in paragraph (2), by striking $500,000 each place that term appears and inserting $750,000;

(2)

in paragraph (3)—

(3)

by striking paragraph (4).

(1)

in section 108(a)(1), by striking section 105(b)(15) and inserting section 105(b)(18); and

(2)

in section 217(b)(1)(F), by striking Subcommittee on Housing and Community Development and inserting Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development.

(1) Eligible activity

Section 105(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)) is amended—

(2) Low- and moderate-income requirement

Section 105(c)(3) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305(c)(3)) is amended by striking or rehabilitation and inserting , rehabilitation, or new construction.

(3) Applicability

The amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect only to amounts appropriated after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(1) In general

Section 104(b) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304(b)) is amended—

(2) Effective date

The amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on October 1, 2026.

(1) By regional planning agencies

If an eligible entity that receives amounts under this section is a regional planning agency or consortia of regional planning agencies, such eligible entity shall use such amounts to assist planning activities with respect to affordable housing, including—

(2) By states, insular areas, metropolitan cities, and urban counties

If an eligible entity that receives amounts under this section is a State, insular area, metropolitan city, or urban county, such eligible entity shall use such amounts to—

(3) Use for administrative costs

A eligible entity that receives amounts under this section may not use more than 10-percent of such amounts for administrative costs.

(1) Housing construction

Expenditures on new construction of housing shall be an eligible expense under this section.

(2) Buildings for general conduct of government

Expenditures on building for the general conduct of government, other than the Federal Government, shall be eligible under this section when necessary and appropriate as a part of a natural hazard mitigation project.

(1) Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means—

(2) Housing plan

The term housing plan means a plan to, with respect to an area within the jurisdiction of an eligible entity—

(3) Housing strategy

The term housing strategy means a housing strategy required under section 105 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.

(1)

in the first sentence, by inserting and may make a loan to an eligible low-income applicant after applicant; and

(2)

by striking $7,500 and inserting $15,000.

(1) Sense of Congress

It is the sense of the Congress, not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of Agriculture receives an application for a loan, grant or combined loan and grant under section 502 or 504 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472, 1474), the Secretary of Agriculture should—

(2) Report

(1)

an analysis of how the outdated technology used by the Rural Housing Service impacts participants in the programs of the Rural Housing Service;

(2)

an estimate of the amount of funding that is needed to modernize the technology used by the Rural Housing Service; and

(3)

an estimate of the number and type of new employees the Rural Housing Service needs to modernize the technology used by the Rural Housing Service.

(1)

in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end;

(2)

in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(3)

model guidance to support the submission of the certification required under section 604(i).

(1)

in section 603(7), by inserting energy efficiency, after design,; and

(2)

in section 604, by adding at the end the following:

(j) Primary authority to establish standards

(1) In general

The Secretary shall have the primary authority to establish Federal manufactured home construction and safety standards.

(2) Approval from Secretary

(A) In general

The head of any Federal agency that seeks to establish a manufactured home construction and safety standard on or after the date of the enactment of this subsection—

(i)

shall submit to the Secretary a proposal describing such standard; and

(ii)

may not establish such standard without approval from the Secretary.

(B) Rejection of standards

The Secretary shall reject a standard submitted to the Secretary for approval under subparagraph (A)—

(i)

if the standard would significantly increase the cost of producing manufactured homes, as determined by the Secretary;

(ii)

if the standard would conflict with existing manufactured home construction and safety standards established by the Secretary; or

(iii)

for any other reason as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(C) Rule of construction

Nothing in this subsection may be construed to require the Secretary to establish new or revised Federal manufactured home construction and safety standards.

(1)

authorizing direct payments to mortgagees to incentivize the origination of small-dollar mortgages;

(2)

adjusting terms and costs imposed by the Federal Housing Administration with respect to small-dollar mortgages;

(3)

providing direct grants for mortgagors who obtain small-dollar mortgages to cover costs associated with—

(4)

conducting outreach to potential mortgagors about the availability of small-dollar mortgages; and

(5)

providing technical assistance for mortgagees that originate small-dollar mortgages.

(1)

tracks and evaluates the outcomes of small-dollar mortgages originated by mortgagees as a result of support provided under subsection (a);

(2)

analyzes risks of the pilot program to the solvency of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund;

(3)

includes data with respect to—

(4)

provides a description of the fixed costs that are associated with mortgages and the impact of such costs on the ability of lenders to earn a market rate return on small-dollar mortgages; and

(5)

includes analysis, by regions of the United States, including rural regions, that identifies regions with the greatest need for, and the highest likelihood of, the origination of small-dollar mortgages and regions that could benefit the most from increased availability of small-dollar mortgages.

(1)

has an original principal balance of $100,000 or less; and

(2)

is secured by a 1- to 4-unit property that is the principal residence of the mortgagor.

(1)

identifies the number of such investments, broken down by—

(2)

identifies the dollar amounts of such investments, broken down by—

(3)

for each type of public welfare investment identified under paragraphs (1) and (2), a description of the substantive and procedural requirements that apply to each type of investment made under—

(1)

by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively; and

(2)

by inserting after clause (iii) the following:

(iv)

with respect to the supported housing program under section 8(o)(19), any disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, received by a veteran, except that this exclusion may not apply to the definition of adjusted income;

(v)

with respect to any household receiving rental assistance under the supported housing program under section 8(o)(19) as it relates to eligibility for other types of housing assistance, any disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, received by a veteran, except that this exclusion may not apply to the definition of adjusted income;

(1)

examines how service-connected disability compensation is treated for the purposes of determining eligibility for all programs administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;

(2)

identifies any instances where service-connected disability compensation is treated in a manner inconsistent with the amendments made by subsections (a) and (b); and

(3)

with respect to each program administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in which service-connected disability compensation is treated inconsistently, provides legislative recommendations relating to how such program could better serve veteran populations, and underserved communities.

(1) Department property

The term Department property has the meaning given the term in section 901 of title 38, United States Code.

(2) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(1) Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services, the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that describes opportunities for increased collaboration between the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve efficiencies in housing programs.

(2) Publication

The report required under paragraph (1) shall, prior to submission, be published in the Federal Register and open for comment for a period of 30 days.

(1)

in subsection (a)(4)(C), by striking adequate distribution and all that follows through foreclosure rates and inserting that the recipients are geographically diverse and include organizations that serve urban or rural areas;

(2)

in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:

(6) Performance review

The Secretary—

(A)

may conduct periodic reviews; and

(B)

shall conduct performance reviews of all organizations receiving assistance under this section that—

(i)

consist of a review of the organization’s or entity’s compliance with all program requirements; and

(ii)

may take into account the organization’s or entity’s aggregate counselor performance under paragraph (7)(B).

(7) Considerations

(A) Covered mortgage loan defined

In this paragraph, the term covered mortgage loan means any loan which is secured by a first or subordinate lien on residential real property (including individual units of condominiums and cooperatives) designed principally for the occupancy of between 1 and 4 families that is—

(i)

insured by the Federal Housing Administration under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.); or

(ii)

guaranteed under section 184 or 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1715z–13a, 1715z–13b).

(B) Comparison

For each counselor employed by an organization receiving assistance under this section for pre-purchase housing counseling, the Secretary may consider the performance of the counselor compared to the default rate of all counseled borrowers of a covered mortgage loan in comparable markets and such other factors as the Secretary determines appropriate to further the purposes of this section.

(8) Certification

If, based on the comparison required under paragraph (7)(B), the Secretary determines that a counselor lacks competence to provide counseling in the areas described in subsection (e)(2) and such action will not create a significant loss of capacity for housing counseling services in the service area, the Secretary may—

(A)

require continued education coupled with successful completion of a probationary period;

(B)

require retesting if the counselor continues to demonstrate a lack of competence under paragraph (7)(B); and

(C)

suspend an individual certification if a counselor fails to demonstrate competence after not fewer than 2 retesting opportunities under subparagraph (B).;

(3)

in subsection (i)—

(4)

by adding at the end the following:

(j) Offering foreclosure mitigation counseling

(1) Covered mortgage loan defined

In this subsection, the term covered mortgage loan means any loan which is secured by a first or subordinate lien on residential real property (including individual units of condominiums and housing cooperatives) or stock or membership in a cooperative ownership housing corporation designed principally for the occupancy of between 1 and 4 families that is—

(A)

insured by the Federal Housing Administration under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.);

(B)

guaranteed under section 184 or 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1715z–13a, 1715z–13b);

(C)

made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs; or

(D)

made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Agriculture.

(2) Opportunity for borrowers

A borrower with respect to a covered mortgage loan who is 30 days or more delinquent on payments for the covered mortgage loan shall be given an opportunity to participate in available housing counseling.

(3) Cost

If the requirements of sections 202(a)(3) and 205(f) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(a)(3), 1711(f)) are met, the fair market rate cost of counseling for delinquent borrowers described in paragraph (2) with respect to a covered mortgage loan described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be paid for by the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, as authorized under section 203(r)(4) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(r)(4)).

(1)

establish a hotline to provide tenants of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units with counseling, resources, and referrals to available assistance relating to eviction-related matters; and

(2)

provide information about such hotline to tenants of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units by publishing information about such hotline in common areas of each federally assisted rental dwellings and through other means determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(1) Assistance

The term assistance means any grant, loan, subsidy, contract, cooperative agreement, or other form of financial assistance, but such term does not include the insurance or guarantee of a loan, mortgage, or pool of loans or mortgages.

(2) Covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit

The term covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit means a residential dwelling unit—

(1) In general

The Secretary shall, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, establish eligibility criteria for public housing agencies and owners of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units to participate in the pilot program established pursuant to subsection (a).

(2) Criteria

In establishing the eligibility criteria described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure—

(1) In general

Each public housing agency or owner of a covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit that installs 1 or more approved temperature sensors under this section shall collect and retain information about temperature-related complaints and violations.

(2) Definitions

The Secretary shall, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, define the terms temperature-related complaints and temperature-related violations for the purposes of this section.

(1) In general

Data collected from temperature sensors acquired and installed by public housing agencies and owners of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units under this section shall be retained until the Secretary notifies the public housing agency or owner that the pilot program and the evaluation of the pilot program are complete.

(2) Personally identifiable information

The Secretary shall, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, establish standards for the protection of personally identifiably information collected during the pilot program by public housing agencies, owners of federally assisted rental dwelling units, and the Secretary.

(1) Interim evaluation

Not later than 12 months after the establishment of the pilot program under this section, the Secretary shall publicly publish and submit to the Congress a report that—

(2) Final evaluation

Not later than 36 months after the conclusion of the pilot program established by the Secretary under this section, the Secretary shall publicly publish and submit to the Congress a report that—

(1) Approved temperature sensor

The term approved temperature sensor means an internet capable temperature reporting device able to measure ambient air temperature to the tenth degree Fahrenheit and Celsius selected from a list of such devices approved in advance by the Secretary.

(2) Assistance

The term assistance means any grant, loan, subsidy, contract, cooperative agreement, or other form of financial assistance, but such term does not include the insurance or guarantee of a loan, mortgage, or pool of loans or mortgages.

(3) Covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit

The term covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit means a residential dwelling unit that is made available for rental and for which assistance is provided, or that is part of a housing project for which assistance is provided, under—

(4) Owner

The term owner means—

(1)

the program for supportive housing for the elderly under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q); and

(2)

the program for supportive housing for persons with disabilities under section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013).

(1)

establishes a comprehensive definition of residential heirs property, or family land inherited without a will or legal documentation of ownership;

(2)

examines the occurrence of and consequences to owners of residential heirs property, and provides an estimate regarding the number of current residential heirs properties;

(3)

describes the objectives and requirements of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act as approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in 2010;

(4)

details the various resources that may be available to the owners of residential heirs properties, including housing counseling, legal services, and financial assistance to resolve residential heirs property title issues from the Federal Government, nonprofits, and institutes of higher education; and

(5)

makes recommendations with respect to how to reduce the number of residential heirs properties, including—

(1)

indicates that if a receiver or Federal monitor remains appointed for the covered public housing agency as of October 1 of the calendar year to which such notice relates;

(2)

provides the date on which the receiver or Federal monitor was first appointed and the projected date, if known, the appointment of the receiver or Federal monitor will be terminated; and

(3)

identifies the current receiver or Federal monitor appointed to oversee the public housing agency.

(1)

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than October 1 of each year, each receiver or Federal monitor that is currently appointed to oversee a covered public housing agency shall provide to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a written assessment that—

(2)

In addition to the written assessment required in paragraph (1), upon written request by the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives or the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, each receiver or Federal monitor appointed to oversee a covered public housing agency shall promptly furnish additional or supplemental information requested by the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives or the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate with respect to the covered public housing agency which such receiver or Federal monitor is appointed to oversee, including presenting testimony upon request.

(1)

All material information about the contract, including the goods and service provided.

(2)

The identity of the vendor selected to receive the contract.

(3)

The date of the solicitation of the contract.

(4)

The relevant information pertaining to the bids and quotes solicited for the contract.

(5)

The name of the official who solicited the contract.

(1)

the status of any covered public housing agency’s compliance with any agreements entered into between the covered public housing agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, including specific areas of deficiency and progress toward compliance;

(2)

a review of actions taken by the receiver or Federal monitor appointed to oversee a covered public housing agency and any private sector housing development partners pursuant to such agreement, including any gaps in oversight by the receiver or Federal monitor;

(3)

an assessment of the physical conditions of housing provided by the covered public housing agency, including the status of the covered public housing agency’s compliance with relevant health and safety requirements;

(4)

an examination of any allegations of waste, fraud, abuse or violations of Federal law committed by employees or contractors of the covered public housing agency;

(5)

any additional pertinent information, as determined necessary and appropriate by the inspector general; and

(6)

any recommendations of the inspector general that relate to how to improve the compliance of the covered public housing agency with any agreements entered into with the Department of Housing and Urban Development or enhance the oversight of the receiver or Federal monitor over such covered public housing agency.

(1) Covered public housing agency

The term covered public housing agency means a public housing agency (as such term is defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b))) for which an administrative or judicial receiver or Federal monitor was appointed.

(2) Inspector general

The term inspector general means the inspector general of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(3) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.