Community Services Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2019
This bill reauthorizes the Community Services Block Grant program through FY2028 and makes other changes to the program, including with respect to administration and leadership; performance measurement; and minimum and maximum allotments to states and territories.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1695 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1695
To amend the Community Services Block Grant Act to reauthorize and
modernize the Act.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 12, 2019
Ms. McCollum (for herself, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, Ms. Stefanik,
and Ms. Fudge) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Education and Labor
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Community Services Block Grant Act to reauthorize and
modernize the Act.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Community Services Block Grant
Reauthorization Act of 2019''.
SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION.
The Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 et seq.) is
amended to read as follows:
``Subtitle B--Community Services Block Grant Program
``SEC. 671. SHORT TITLE.
``This subtitle may be cited as the `Community Services Block Grant
Act'.
``SEC. 672. PURPOSES.
``The purposes of this subtitle are--
``(1) to reduce poverty in the United States by supporting
the activities of community action agencies that improve the
economic security of low-income individuals and families and
create new economic opportunities in the communities where they
live; and
``(2) to accomplish the objectives described in paragraph
(1) by--
``(A) strengthening community capabilities for
identifying poverty conditions and opportunities to
alleviate such conditions;
``(B) empowering low-income individuals and
families to respond to the unique problems and needs
within their communities through their maximum feasible
participation in advising and assessing eligible
entities and in designing the programs, projects, and
services funded under this subtitle;
``(C) using innovative community-based approaches
that produce a measurable impact on the causes and
effects of poverty, including two-generation approaches
that create opportunities for, and address the needs
of, parents and children together;
``(D) coordinating Federal, State, local, and other
assistance, including private resources, related to the
reduction of poverty so that resources can be used in a
manner responsive to local needs and conditions; and
``(E) broadening the resources directed to the
elimination of poverty, so as to promote partnerships
that include--
``(i) private, religious, charitable, and
neighborhood-based organizations;
``(ii) individuals, businesses, labor
organizations, professional organizations, and
other organizations engaged in expanding
opportunities for all individuals; and
``(iii) local government leaders.
``SEC. 673. DEFINITIONS.
``In this subtitle:
``(1) Community action agency.--The term `community action
agency' means an eligible entity (which meets the requirements
of paragraph (1) or (2), as appropriate, of section 680(c))
that is a public charity and that delivers multiple programs,
projects, or services to a variety of low-income individuals
and families.
``(2) Community action program plan.--The term `community
action program plan' means a detailed plan, including a budget,
that is adopted by an eligible entity, for expenditures of
funds appropriated for a fiscal year under this subtitle for
the activities supported directly or indirectly by such funds.
``(3) Community action strategic plan.--The term `community
action strategic plan' means a plan that is adopted as the
policy of an eligible entity and that--
``(A) establishes goals for a period of not more
than 5 years that are based on meeting needs identified
by the entity in consultation with the residents of the
community through a process of comprehensive community
needs assessment;
``(B) provides detail on how all activities of an
eligible entity under this subtitle will contribute to
meeting such goals; and
``(C) specifies how such activities will be
managed, funded, and measured by the performance
measurement system of such entity.
``(4) Community services network organization.--The term
`community services network organization' means any of the
following organizations funded under this subtitle:
``(A) A grantee.
``(B) An eligible entity.
``(C) An association of grantees or eligible
entities.
``(D) An association--
``(i) with a membership composed of
grantees, eligible entities, or associations of
grantees or eligible entities; and
``(ii) that is governed by a board of
directors composed so that \3/4\ of the
directors are employees or designees of such
grantees, such eligible entities, or such
associations.
``(5) Department.--The term `Department' means the
Department of Health and Human Services.
``(6) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an
entity--
``(A) that is an eligible entity described in
section 673(1) (as in effect on the day before the date
of enactment of the Community Services Block Grant
Reauthorization Act of 2019) as of the day before such
date of enactment, or has been designated by the
process described in section 680(a) (including an
organization serving migrant or seasonal farmworkers
that is so described or designated); and
``(B) that has a tripartite board described in
paragraph (1) or (2), as appropriate, of section
680(c).
``(7) Evidence-based practice.--The term `evidence-based
practice' means an activity, strategy, or intervention that--
``(A) demonstrates a statistically significant
effect on improving relevant outcomes based on at least
one well-designed and well-implemented experimental or
quasi-experimental study, or at least one well-designed
and well-implemented correlational study with
statistical controls for selection bias; or
``(B) demonstrates a rationale based on high-
quality research findings or positive evaluation that
such activity, strategy, or intervention is likely to
improve relevant outcomes; and includes ongoing efforts
to examine the effects of such activity, strategy, or
intervention.
``(8) Grantee.--The term `grantee' means a recipient of a
grant under section 675 or 676 of this subtitle or the
recipient of a grant under section 675A or 675B of this
subtitle (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment
of the Community Services Block Grant Reauthorization Act of
2019).
``(9) Performance benchmark.--The term `performance
benchmark' means a measurable objective for the operations and
activities set out in a community action program plan or a
State plan under this subtitle.
``(10) Performance measurement system.--The term
`performance measurement system' means a management information
system that--
``(A) collects and reports information about the
outcomes of activities and investments funded in whole
or in part with funds appropriated under this subtitle,
including annual performance benchmarks;
``(B) compares the actual outcomes with the
intended outcomes; and
``(C) is used as a basis for management decisions
regarding future use of resources provided under this
subtitle.
``(11) Poverty line.--
``(A) In general.--The term `poverty line' means
the official poverty line defined by the Office of
Management and Budget, based on the most recent data
available from the Bureau of the Census, subject to
subparagraphs (C) and (D). The Secretary shall revise
the poverty line annually (or at any shorter interval
the Secretary determines to be feasible and desirable).
The required revision shall be accomplished by
multiplying the official poverty line by the percentage
change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban
Consumers during the annual or other interval
immediately preceding the time at which the revision is
made.
``(B) Community services block grant eligibility
criterion.--Subject to subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E),
the poverty line, as defined in subparagraph (A), shall
be used as a criterion of eligibility for services or
assistance provided to individuals or families through
the community services block grant program established
under this subtitle.
``(C) State revision of poverty line.--Whenever a
State determines that it serves the objectives of the
block grant program established under this subtitle,
the State may revise the poverty line not to exceed 125
percent of the official poverty line otherwise
applicable under subparagraph (A).
``(D) Waivers for state use of higher eligibility
level.--Whenever a community action program plan
provides that a program, project, or service funded
under this subtitle requires use of a higher
eligibility standard than the standard otherwise
applicable under this paragraph for the purpose of
ensuring coordination of activities carried out under
this subtitle with other programs or activities of
eligible entities, the State shall, as part of the
application described in section 678, apply such
standard with respect to that program, project, or
service and provide documentation regarding the benefit
of and need for such adjustment.
``(E) Procedures for continued eligibility.--A
State may establish procedures to ensure that a
participant in a program, project, or service funded
under this subtitle remains eligible to participate as
long as the participant is successfully progressing
toward achievement of the goals of the program,
project, or service, regardless of any income
eligibility criteria used to determine the
participant's initial eligibility.
``(12) Private, nonprofit organization.--The term `private,
nonprofit organization' includes a religious organization.
``(13) Public charity.--The term `public charity' means a
domestic organization that is--
``(A) described in section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation
under section 501(a) of such Code; and
``(B) described in paragraph (1) or (2) of section
509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
``(14) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
``(15) Service area.--The term `service area' means the
unique geographic area which the State has designated as the
area to be served by an eligible entity with funding under
section 679(a)(1)(B).
``(16) State.--The term `State' means any of the several
States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa,
or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
``SEC. 674. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary is authorized to
establish a community services block grant program and to make grants
through the program, under sections 675 and 676, to States to support
local community action program plans carried out by eligible entities
to reduce poverty in the communities served by such entities.
``(b) Authority of Secretary.--The Secretary is authorized to carry
out other community programs described in section 690 and section 690A.
``(c) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and
Audit Requirements.--Notwithstanding any other provision of the Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Public Law 97-35) or of section
75.101(d)(1), part 75 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, funds
authorized to be appropriated under this subtitle shall be subject to
all subparts of the uniform administrative requirements, cost
principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards as adopted in
regulations promulgated by the Secretary to implement the Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements
under part 200 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, or any
corresponding similar regulation (including part 75 of title 45, Code
of Federal Regulations, or any corresponding similar regulation),
except for provisions on termination, withholding and suspension of
funds, as well as all other Federal laws and regulations related to
intergovernmental financial transactions and to administration of
federally funded grants and cooperative agreements between States and
nonprofit organizations, or local governments, as applicable.
``SEC. 675. GRANTS TO TERRITORIES.
``(a) Apportionment.--The Secretary shall apportion the amount
reserved under section 691(c)(1) for each fiscal year on the basis of
need to eligible jurisdictions, among Guam, American Samoa, the United
States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands.
``(b) Grants.--The Secretary shall make a grant to each eligible
jurisdiction to which subsection (a) applies for the amount apportioned
under subsection (a).
``SEC. 676. ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES.
``(a) Allotments in General.--From the amount appropriated under
section 691(a) for each fiscal year and remaining after the Secretary
makes the reservations required by section 691(c), the Secretary shall
allot to each eligible State, subject to section 677, an amount that
bears the same ratio to such remaining amount as the amount received by
the State for fiscal year 1981 under section 221 of the Economic
Opportunity Act of 1964 bore to the total amount received by all States
for fiscal year 1981 under such section, except as provided in
subsection (b).
``(b) Minimum Allotments.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall allot to each State
not less than \1/2\ of 1 percent of the amount appropriated
under section 691(a) for such fiscal year and remaining after
the Secretary makes the reservations required by section
691(c).
``(2) Years with greater available funds.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (1), if the amount appropriated under section 691(a)
for a fiscal year and remaining after the Secretary makes the
reservations required by section 691(c) exceeds $850,000,000,
no State shall receive under this section less than \3/4\ of 1
percent of the remaining amount.
``(c) Grants and Payments.--Subject to section 677, the Secretary
shall make grants to eligible States for the allotments described in
subsections (a) and (b). The Secretary shall make payments for the
grants in accordance with section 6503(a) of title 31, United States
Code. The Secretary shall allocate the amounts allotted under
subsections (a) and (b) quarterly, notify the States of their
respective allocations and make each State's quarterly allocation
amount available for expenditure by the State no later than 30 days
after the start of the fiscal quarter for which the Secretary is
allocating the funds.
``(d) Definition.--In this section, the term `State' does not
include Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
``SEC. 677. PAYMENTS TO INDIAN TRIBES.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Indian.--The term `Indian' means a member of an
Indian tribe or tribal organization.
``(2) Indian tribe or tribal organization.--The term
`Indian tribe or tribal organization' means a tribe, band, or
other organized group recognized in the State in which the
tribe, band, or group resides, or considered by the Secretary
of the Interior, to be an Indian tribe or an Indian
organization for any purpose.
``(b) Reservation.--
``(1) Application.--Paragraph (2) shall apply only if, with
respect to any State, the Secretary--
``(A) receives a request from the governing body of
an Indian tribe or tribal organization within such
State that assistance under this subtitle be made
available directly to such tribe or organization; and
``(B) determines that the members of such Indian
tribe or tribal organization would be better served by
means of grants made directly to such tribe or
organization to provide benefits under this subtitle.
``(2) Amount.--The Secretary shall reserve from amounts
allotted to a State under section 676 for a fiscal year, not
less than the amount that bears the same ratio to the State
allotment for the fiscal year as the population of all eligible
Indians for whom a determination has been made under paragraph
(1)(B) bears to the population of all individuals eligible for
assistance through a grant made under section 676 to such
State.
``(c) Awards.--The amount reserved by the Secretary on the basis of
a determination made under subsection (b)(1)(B) shall be made available
by grant to the Indian tribe or tribal organization serving the Indians
for whom the determination has been made under subsection (b)(1)(B).
``(d) Plan.--In order for an Indian tribe or tribal organization to
be eligible for a grant award for a fiscal year under this section, the
tribe or organization shall submit to the Secretary a plan for such
fiscal year that meets such criteria as the Secretary may prescribe by
regulation.
``(e) Alternative Performance Measurement System.--The Secretary
may implement alternative requirements for tribal implementation of the
requirements of section 678(c).
``SEC. 678. STATE PLANS AND APPLICATIONS; COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM
PLANS AND APPLICATIONS.
``(a) State Lead Agency.--
``(1) Designation.--The chief executive officer of a State
desiring to receive a grant under section 675 or 676 shall
designate, in an application submitted to the Secretary under
subsection (b), an appropriate State agency that agrees to
comply with the requirements of paragraph (2), to act as a lead
agency for purposes of carrying out State activities under this
subtitle.
``(2) Duties of state lead agencies.--The State lead
agency--
``(A) shall be authorized by the chief executive
officer to convene State agencies and coordinate
information and activities funded under this subtitle;
``(B) shall develop the State plan to be submitted
to the Secretary under subsection (b), which shall be
based primarily on the community action program plans
of eligible entities, submitted to the State as a
condition of receiving funding under this subtitle for
approval by the State;
``(C) shall assist eligible entities--
``(i) in conducting periodic comprehensive
community needs assessments, not less often
than every 3 years;
``(ii) in developing community action
program plans; and
``(iii) in developing community action
strategic plans;
``(D) in conjunction with the development or
revision of the State plan as required under subsection
(b)--
``(i) shall hold at least one hearing in
the State on the proposed plan or proposed
revised plan, to provide to the public an
opportunity to comment on the public record on
the proposed use and distribution of funds
under the plan; and
``(ii) not less than 15 days prior to the
hearing, shall distribute notice of the hearing
and a copy of the proposed plan or plan
revision statewide to the public and directly
to the chief executive officer and the
chairperson of the board of each of the
eligible entities (or designees) and other
community services network organizations; and
``(E) not less often than every 3 years, in
conjunction with the development of the State plan,
shall hold at least 1 legislative hearing.
``(b) State Application for State Program and State Plan.--
Beginning with the first fiscal year following the transition period
described in section 3 of the Community Services Block Grant
Reauthorization Act of 2019, to be eligible to receive a grant under
section 675 or 676, a State shall prepare and submit to the Secretary
for approval an application containing a State plan covering a period
of not more than 2 fiscal years. The application shall be submitted not
later than 30 days prior to the beginning of the first fiscal year
covered by the plan, and shall contain such information as the
Secretary shall require, including--
``(1) a description of the manner in which funds made
available through the grant under section 675 or 676 will be
used to carry out the State activities described in section
679(b) and the State's community action program plans;
``(2) a summary of the community action program plans of
the eligible entities serving the State;
``(3) a description of the performance measurement system
in which the State and eligible entities participate under
section 686(a)(1)(A);
``(4) a plan for the State's oversight of eligible
entities;
``(5) an assurance that the State will pay eligible
entities in advance, unless otherwise authorized by the Uniform
Guidance;
``(6) an assurance that no eligible entity in the State
that received, in the previous fiscal year, funding through a
grant made under section 675 or 676 will have such funding
withheld, nor reduced below the proportional share of funding
the entity received from the State in the previous fiscal year,
nor eliminated, nor its designation as an eligible entity
terminated, unless, after providing the affected entity (or
entities, as applicable) with notice and an opportunity for a
hearing on the record, the State determines that cause exists
for such withholding, reduction, or elimination of funding or
for termination of designation, subject to review by the
Secretary as provided in subsection (c) of section 684; and, in
the case of failure of an eligible entity to comply with the
terms of a corrective action plan relating to correction of a
serious deficiency, except according to the procedures set
forth in subsection (b) of section 684. For purposes of this
subsection, the term `cause' means--
``(A) the failure of an eligible entity to comply
with the terms of a corrective action plan relating to
correction of a serious deficiency as described in
subsection 684(b); or
``(B) a statewide proportional distribution of
funds provided through a community services block grant
under this subtitle to respond to--
``(i) the results of the most recently
available census or other appropriate
demographic data;
``(ii) severe economic dislocation; or
``(iii) the designation of an eligible
entity to serve a geographic area that has been
unserved for at least the previous 5 years;
``(7) an assurance that each eligible entity serving the
State has established procedures that permit a low-income
individual, or a community organization or religious
organization, that considers low-income individuals or the
organization, respectively, to be inadequately represented on
the board of the eligible entity, to petition for adequate
representation of such individuals or organization,
respectively, on the board;
``(8) a description of the State's requirements, and
financial or other support, for each community action program
plan and community action strategic plan of an eligible entity
in the State and for the comprehensive community needs
assessment described in subsection (a)(2)(C)(i) on which the
community action program plans are based, which assessment may
be coordinated with community needs assessments conducted for
programs other than the program carried out under this
subtitle; and
``(9) a description of how the State will measure State and
eligible entity performance in achieving the goals of the State
plan and the community action program plans, respectively.
``(c) State Performance Requirements and Benchmarks.--
``(1) Performance requirements.--Consistent with the
requirements of section 686, following the transition period
described in section 3 of the Community Services Block Grant
Reauthorization Act of 2019, in order to be eligible for a
grant under section 675 or 676, each State shall adopt
performance requirements and the performance benchmarks
described in paragraph (2), to be included as part of the
performance measurement system described in section 686.
``(2) Annual state performance benchmarks.--Each State
shall include in the State plan submitted under subsection (b),
for each fiscal year after that transition period--
``(A) performance measurements for lead agency
management quality;
``(B) the State annual performance benchmarks
regarding programmatic activities described in section
679(b); and
``(C) other performance measures, which shall
include--
``(i) indicators of timely distribution
(including advance payment, unless otherwise
authorized by the Uniform Guidance) and
effective management of Federal funds by the
State lead agency and of the compliance with
the requirements for State personnel and for
management of activities funded under this
subtitle (other than this subsection); and
``(ii) indicators concerning the results of
activities carried out by the State under this
subtitle.
``(d) Approval.--The Secretary shall notify the chief executive
officer of each State submitting an application containing a State plan
under this section, of the approval, disapproval, or approval in part,
of the application, within 30 days after receiving the application. In
the event of a full or partial disapproval, the Secretary's
notification shall include a description of changes necessary for final
approval. In the event of a partial approval, the Secretary may allow
grantee use of funds for activities included in the portions of the
plan which the Secretary has approved. In the event a State application
fails to be approved in whole or in part before the end of the third
month of the State program covered by such plan the Secretary shall
award funding directly to eligible entities and other community
services network organizations in the State (other than the State
itself) as specified in section 684(a)(5)(C).
``(e) Public Inspection.--Each plan and revision to a State plan
prepared under this section shall be distributed for public inspection
and comment. A hearing on such plan or revision shall be held as
required under subparagraphs (D) and (E) of subsection (a)(2), but a
State application for merger, combination, or privatization of funds
under section 680(b) shall not be considered a revision.
``(f) Application for Community Action Program and Community Action
Program Plan.--Beginning with the first fiscal year following the
transition period described in section 3 of the Community Services
Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2019, to be eligible to receive a
subgrant under section 679(a), each eligible entity shall prepare and
submit to the State for approval an application containing a community
action program plan or plans covering a period of not more than 2
fiscal years. Such application shall be submitted no later than 90 days
before the date for submission of the State application to the
Secretary. The application shall contain information on the intended
implementation of the eligible entity's activities, including
demonstrating how the program--
``(1) meets needs identified in the most recent
comprehensive community needs assessment, and is consistent
with the entity's community action strategic plan for that
period; and
``(2) achieves the purposes of this subtitle through
programs, projects, and services, which may include the
activities described in section 682.
``(g) Eligible Entity Performance Requirements and Benchmarks.--Not
later than the end of the transition period described in section 3 of
the Community Services Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2019, each
eligible entity participating in a program funded under this subtitle
shall--
``(1) adopt performance benchmarks that include--
``(A) indicators concerning attainment of the goals
of the entity's annual community action program plans;
and
``(B) indicators of timely and effective management
of Federal and other funds; and
``(2) participate in a statewide performance measurement
system under section 686.
``SEC. 679. STATE AND LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.
``(a) State Subgrants to Eligible Entities and Other
Organizations.--
``(1) In general.--A State that receives a grant under
section 675 or 676 shall--
``(A) reserve 2 percent of the funds made available
through the grant for the Community Action Innovations
Program described in subsection (b)(1)(C)(i); and
``(B) of the remainder, use not less than 90
percent to make subgrants to eligible entities to
enable the entities to implement programs, projects, or
services for a purpose described in section 672.
``(2) Obligational requirements.--
``(A) Date of obligation.--The State shall obligate
the funds for subgrants described in paragraph (1)(B)
not later than the later of--
``(i) the 30th day after the date on which
the State receives from the Secretary a notice
of funding availability for the State's
application under section 678; or
``(ii) the first day of the State program
year for which such funds are to be expended
under the State application.
``(B) Availability.--The State shall make available
to eligible entities for expenditure the funds for
subgrants described in paragraph (1)(B) not later than
10 days after receiving notice from the Secretary of
the State's quarterly allocation under section 676(c).
Funds allocated to eligible entities through subgrants
made under paragraph (1)(B) for a fiscal year shall be
available for obligation by the eligible entity during
that fiscal year and the succeeding fiscal year.
``(b) Statewide Activities.--
``(1) Use of remainder.--
``(A) In general.--A State that receives a grant
under section 675 or 676 shall, after carrying out
subsection (a), use the remainder of the grant funds
for activities described in the State's application
under section 678(b) as described in subparagraphs (B)
and (C) and for administrative expenses subject to the
limitations in paragraph (2).
``(B) Training and technical assistance.--After
applying subsection (a) and subparagraph (C), the State
may use the remaining grant funds for the purposes of
providing to eligible entities training and technical
assistance and resources, including training and
technical assistance to assist eligible entities in
building and using evidence designed to reduce poverty
conditions and effectively administering funds under
the Community Action Innovations Program established
under section 679(b)(1)(C).
``(C) Innovative and evidence-based projects to
reduce poverty.--
``(i) In general.--The State shall use
amounts reserved under section 679(a)(1)(A) for
a Community Action Innovations Program to--
``(I) award subgrants, contracts,
or cooperative agreements to eligible
entities, their associations, or
consortia of such entities or
associations, to facilitate innovation
and use of evidence-based practice (as
defined in section 673(7)) designed to
reduce poverty conditions, including
through two-generation approaches that
create opportunities for, and address
the needs of, parents and children
together; and
``(II) disseminate results for
public use.
``(ii) Projects.--A State shall award funds
from its Community Action Innovations Program
for projects to enable--
``(I) replication and/or expansion
of innovative practices with
demonstrated evidence of effectiveness,
with priority given to those with the
strongest evidence base as determined
through a broad review of available
studies; and/or
``(II) testing of innovative
practices to determine their
effectiveness, with priority given to
those incorporating rigorous,
independent evaluation to further build
the evidence base.
``(iii) Use of funds.--The funds reserved
under this subparagraph may be used by
subgrantees for resources or activities
necessary to replicate, expand, or test
innovative and evidence-based practices,
including costs of training and technical
assistance, evaluation, data collection, and
technology.
``(iv) Expenses.--The funds reserved under
this subparagraph may be used for reasonable
expenses, of States and subgrantees, associated
with administration of projects and
dissemination of their results.
``(v) Awards and obligation.--A State shall
award and obligate funds reserved for projects
under this subparagraph during the first
program year for which the funds are
appropriated. Subgrant funds awarded under this
subparagraph shall remain available for
expenditure by the subgrantee for up to 36
months after the date of award by the State,
unless a longer period of availability is
approved by the Secretary based on extenuating
circumstances and demonstrated evidence of
effectiveness.
``(vi) Matching requirements.--In the case
of innovative projects that are funded in part
by funds authorized under a Federal law (other
than this subtitle), that includes requirements
for matching the Federal funds with non-Federal
funds, funds made available under this
subparagraph may be deemed to be non-Federal
funds for purposes of the requirements of such
law.
``(vii) Real property.--Land or facilities
improved through a project receiving an award
under this subparagraph, for which the amount
of the award is less than 50 percent of the
total project cost, shall not be subject to the
provisions of section 687(a).
``(viii) Eligibility.--Activities funded
under this subparagraph may include
participants with incomes not exceeding 80
percent of the area median income.
``(2) Administrative cap.--
``(A) Limitation.--Of the amounts remaining after
the reservation for the State Community Action
Innovations Program under subsection (a)(1)(A) and the
required funding for subgrants described under
subsection (a)(1)(B), a State shall not spend more than
5 percent of such remainder for administrative
expenses.
``(B) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term
`administrative expenses'--
``(i) means the costs incurred by the
State's lead agency for carrying out planning
and management activities, including
monitoring, oversight, and reporting as
required by this Act; and
``(ii) does not include the cost of
activities conducted under paragraph (1)(B)
other than monitoring.
``(c) Eligible Entity Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that
receives a subgrant under subsection (a)(1)(B) shall use the subgrant
funds to carry out a community action program plan that shall include--
``(1) programs, projects, and services that provide low-
income individuals and families with opportunities--
``(A) to secure and retain meaningful employment at
a family supporting wage;
``(B) to secure an adequate education, improve
literacy and language ability, and obtain job-related
skills;
``(C) to make better use of available income and
build assets;
``(D) to obtain and maintain adequate housing and a
healthy living environment, including addressing the
heath care needs of individuals and families with
services and through changes in local institutions and
workplaces (including institutions and workplaces
managed by the eligible entity); or
``(E) to obtain emergency materials or other
assistance to meet immediate individual or community
urgent needs and prevent greater or more prolonged
economic instability; and
``(2) activities that develop and maintain--
``(A) partnerships for the purpose of changing
community, economic, and social conditions of poverty,
between the eligible entity and--
``(i) State and local public entities (such
as schools, institutions of higher education,
housing authorities, and law enforcement
agencies); and
``(ii) private partners, including
statewide and local businesses, associations of
private employers, and private charitable and
civic organizations;
``(B) linkages among organizations for coordinating
initiatives, services, and investments so as to avoid
duplication, and maximize the effective use of
community resources for creating economic opportunity,
including developing lasting social and economic
assets; or
``(C) new investments in the community to reduce
the incidence of poverty, including developing lasting
social and economic assets.
``SEC. 680. ELIGIBLE ENTITIES AND TRIPARTITE BOARDS.
``(a) Designation and Redesignation of Eligible Entities in
Unserved Areas.--
``(1) In general.--If any geographic area of a State is
not, or ceases to be, served by an eligible entity, the lead
agency may, in consultation with local officials and
organizations representing the area, solicit one or more
applications and designate a new community action agency to
provide programs, projects, or services to the area, that is--
``(A) a community action agency that is a private,
nonprofit organization and that is geographically
located in an area within reasonable proximity of, or
contiguous to, the unserved area that is already
providing similar programs, projects, or services, and
that has demonstrated financial capacity to manage and
account for Federal funds; or
``(B) if no community action agency described in
subparagraph (A) is available, a private, nonprofit
organization (which may include an eligible entity)
that is geographically located in, or is in reasonable
proximity to, the unserved area and that is capable of
providing a broad range of programs, projects, or
services designed to achieve the purposes of this
subtitle as stated in section 672.
``(2) Requirement.--In order to serve as the eligible
entity for the service area, an entity described in paragraph
(1) shall agree to ensure that the governing board of directors
of the entity will meet the requirements of subsection (c).
``(3) Community.--A service area referred to in this
subsection or a portion thereof shall be treated as a community
for purposes of this subtitle.
``(b) Merger, Combination, or Privatization of Eligible Entities.--
``(1) In general.--If an eligible entity receiving subgrant
funds makes a determination described in paragraph (2) and
notifies the State, the State--
``(A) shall assist in developing a plan for
implementing such merger, combination, or
privatization, including a budget for transitional
costs not to exceed 2 years in duration;
``(B) upon approving such plans, may notify the
Secretary that the entities are in need of and eligible
for funds from the merger incentive fund established
under section 682(a)(2); and
``(C) in the case of a merger or combination, shall
provide to the merged or combined entity an amount of
funding under section 679(a)(1)(B) equal to the sum of
amounts the merged or combined entities each received
under section 679(a)(1)(B) immediately prior to the
merger or combination.
``(2) Covered merger, combination, or privatization.--This
subsection applies when--
``(A) 2 or more eligible entities determine that
the geographic areas of a State that they serve can be
more effectively served under common control or shared
management; or
``(B) a public organization that is an eligible
entity determines that the area it serves can be more
effectively served if it becomes a private, nonprofit
organization that is a public charity.
``(3) Plans.--A State may establish requirements for
merger, combination, or privatization plans and for a
determination that the merged, combined, or privatized entity,
or entities, will be capable of conducting a broad range of
programs, projects, or services designed to achieve the
purposes of this subtitle as stated in section 672 consistent
with the comprehensive needs assessments for the areas served.
``(4) State determination.--If a State determines that a
merged, combined, or privatized entity or entities will be
capable of conducting a broad range of programs, projects, or
services as specified in subsection (b)(3) above, it shall
designate the merged, combined, or privatized entity or
entities to serve the area(s) in question without soliciting
applications from other entities.
``(c) Tripartite Boards.--
``(1) Private, nonprofit organizations.--
``(A) Board.--In order for a private, nonprofit
organization to be considered to be an eligible entity
for purposes of section 673(6), the entity shall be
governed by a tripartite board of directors described
in subparagraph (C) that fully participates in the
development, planning, implementation, oversight, and
evaluation of the program, project, or service carried
out or provided through the subgrant made under section
679(a)(1)(B) and all activities of the entity.''
``(B) Selection.--The members of the board referred
to in subparagraph (A) shall be selected by the
private, nonprofit organization.
``(C) Composition of board.--The board shall be
composed so as to assure that--
``(i) \1/3\ of the members of the board are
elected public officials holding office on the
date of selection, or their representatives
(but if an elected public official chooses not
to serve, such official may designate a
representative to serve as the voting board
member);
``(ii)(I) not fewer than \1/3\ of the
members are persons chosen in accordance with
democratic selection procedures adequate to
assure that the members referred to in this
clause are representative of low-income
individuals and families in the service area;
and
``(II) each member who is a representative
of low-income individuals and families and is
also selected to represent a specific
geographic area under subclause (I) resides in
such area; and
``(iii) the remainder of the members are
representatives of business, industry, labor,
religious, educational, charitable, or other
significant private groups in the community.
``(D) Expertise.--The eligible entity shall ensure
that the members of the board include, or have direct
access to, individuals with expertise in financial
management, accounting, and law.
``(E) Compliance with tax-exempt and other
requirements.--The board of a private, nonprofit
organization shall ensure that the board operates and
conducts activities under the subgrant made under
section 679(a)(1)(B) in a manner that complies with--
``(i) the requirements for maintaining tax-
exempt status under section 501(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.
501(a)) regarding the governance of charities
under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)); and
``(ii) applicable requirements of State
nonprofit corporation and public charities law.
``(2) Public organizations.--
``(A) Board.--In order for a local public
(governmental) entity to be considered to be an
eligible entity for purposes of section 673(6), the
entity shall ensure that the program, project, or
service carried out or provided through the subgrant
made under section 679(a)(1)(B) is administered under
the supervision of a tripartite board described in
subparagraph (C) that fully participates in the
development, planning, implementation, oversight, and
evaluation of such program, project, or service.
``(B) Selection.--The members of the board referred
to in subparagraph (A) shall be selected by the local
public entity.
``(C) Composition of board.--The board shall be
composed so as to assure that--
``(i) not more than \1/3\ of the members of
the board are employees or officials, including
elected officials, of the unit of government in
which the organization is located;
``(ii)(I) not fewer than \1/3\ of the
members are persons chosen in accordance with
democratic selection procedures adequate to
assure that the members referred to in this
clause are representative of low-income
individuals and families in the service area;
and
``(II) each member who is a representative
of low-income individuals and families and is
also selected to represent a specific
geographic area under subclause (I) resides in
such area; and
``(iii) the remainder of the members are
representatives of business, industry, labor,
religious, educational, charitable, or other
significant private groups in the community.
``(D) Expertise.--The organization shall ensure
that the members of the board include or have direct
access to individuals with expertise in financial
management, accounting, and law.
``(E) Compliance with state requirements and
policy.--The board of a public organization shall
ensure that the board operates in a manner that
complies with State requirements for open meetings,
financial transparency, and State open records policy.
``(3) Safeguard.--Neither the Federal Government nor a
State or local government shall require a religious
organization to alter its form of internal governance, except
(for purposes of administration of the community services block
grant program) as provided in section 680(c).
``(d) Operations and Duties of the Board.--The duties of a board
described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (c) shall include--
``(1) in the case of a board for a private, nonprofit
organization that is an eligible entity, having legal and
financial responsibility for administering and overseeing the
eligible entity, including making proper use of Federal funds;
``(2) establishing terms for officers and adopting a code
of ethical conduct, including a conflict of interest policy for
board members;
``(3) participating in each comprehensive community needs
assessment, developing and adopting as a policy for the
corresponding eligible entity a community action strategic
plan, including provisions for the use of funds under this
subtitle, and preparing the community action program plan for
the use of funds under this subtitle;
``(4) approving the eligible entity's operating budget;
``(5) reviewing all major policies of the eligible entity,
including conducting (for private, nonprofit organizations that
are eligible entities) and participating in (for local public
entities that are eligible entities) annual performance reviews
of the eligible entity's chief executive officer (or individual
holding an equivalent position);
``(6) conducting assessments of the eligible entity's
progress in carrying out programmatic and fiscal provisions in
the community action program plan, and in taking any corrective
action; and
``(7) adopting (for private, nonprofit organizations that
are eligible entities) and reviewing (for local public entities
that are eligible entities) personnel policies and procedures,
including policies and procedures for hiring, annual
evaluation, compensation, and termination, of the eligible
entity's chief executive officer (or individual holding a
similar position).
``SEC. 681. OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES.
``(a) Office.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an
Office of Community Services in the Department to carry out the
functions of this subtitle.
``(2) Director.--The Office shall be headed by a Director
(referred to in this section as the `Director').
``(b) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--The
Secretary, acting through the Director, shall carry out the functions
of this subtitle through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.
``(c) Federal Performance Benchmarks.--The Secretary shall, prior
to the beginning of each fiscal year, publish Federal performance
benchmarks for the Office of Community Services for such year, which
shall include targets for--
``(1) the timeliness of--
``(A) apportionments and allotments of appropriated
funds to States; and
``(B) the use of funds appropriated under section
691(b); and
``(2) the implementation of the requirements of the uniform
administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit
requirements described in section 674(c) with respect to funds
appropriated and activities conducted under this subtitle by
the Department, the States, and other grantees.
``SEC. 682. TRAINING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND RELATED ACTIVITIES.
``(a) Activities.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) use amounts reserved under section
691(c)(2)(A) for training, technical assistance,
planning, evaluation, and performance measurement, to
assist in--
``(i) building and using evidence designed
to reduce poverty conditions, including through
development and dissemination of information
about clearinghouses and other resources that
identify relevant evidence-based initiatives,
for use by States, eligible entities, and
associations of such entities in connection
with the Community Action Innovations Program
established under section 679(b)(1)(C);
``(ii) carrying out professional
development activities that expand the capacity
of eligible entities;
``(iii) carrying out performance
measurement, reporting, and data collection
activities related to programs, projects, and
services carried out under this subtitle; and
``(iv) correcting programmatic
deficiencies, including such deficiencies of
eligible entities; and
``(B) subject to paragraph (2), distribute the
amounts reserved under section 691(c)(2)(B) directly to
States, eligible entities, or other community services
network organizations and their partners, including
institutions of higher education, for--
``(i) professional development for key
community services network organization
personnel;
``(ii) activities to improve community
services network organization program,
financial management, compliance, and
governance practices (including practices
related to performance management information
systems);
``(iii) activities that train community
services network organizations and their staff
and board members to effectively address the
needs of low-income families and communities
through place-based strategies for coordinated
investment and integrated service delivery; and
``(iv) activities that train community
services network organizations in building and
using evidence designed to reduce poverty
conditions and that support effective
administration of funds under the Community
Action Innovations Program established under
section 679(b)(1)(C).
``(2) Special rule.--
``(A) In general.--In distributing the reserved
amounts under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall
ensure that 7.5 percent of such reserved amounts remain
available until the end of the second quarter of the
year for which funds are appropriated to be used by the
Secretary to award grants to States for funds--
``(i) to support the one-time costs
incurred by 2 or more eligible entities for
legal, financial, and other activities required
to effect a merger or other combination of
operations and/or programs that achieves
greater efficiency and impact for the use of
funds appropriated under this subtitle; or
``(ii) for a public organization that is an
eligible entity to become a private, nonprofit
organization that is a public charity. When
such funds are awarded by the Secretary to a
State, they shall remain available for
obligation by the eligible entity (or entities)
to which the State awards them during the
fiscal year in which the State awards the funds
to the eligible entity (or entities) and the
succeeding fiscal year.
``(B) Availability after second quarter.--Any funds
not obligated for merger, combination, or privatization
incentives described in subparagraph (A) by the end of
the second quarter of the fiscal year shall be
available for other authorized purposes described in
this subsection.
``(b) Limitation.--None of the funds allocated under subsection (a)
may be used for expenses or salaries of Federal employees or of Federal
contractors performing services that would otherwise be performed by
Federal employees.
``(c) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--The
activities described in subsection (a)(1)(A) shall be carried out
annually by the Secretary through grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements with appropriate entities, which shall include all statewide
associations of eligible entities that meet the requirements for
receipt of Federal funds.
``SEC. 683. STATE MONITORING OF ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.
``In order to determine whether eligible entities receiving
subgrants under this subtitle meet performance benchmarks described in
section 678(f)(1), administrative standards, financial management
requirements, and other requirements under this subtitle, the State
shall conduct the following reviews of eligible entities:
``(1) A full onsite review of each eligible entity at least
once during each 3-year period.
``(2) An onsite review of each newly designated eligible
entity immediately after the completion of the first year in
which such entity receives funds through the community services
block grant program under this subtitle.
``(3) Followup reviews, including onsite reviews scheduled
in a corrective action plan (including return visits), within a
calendar quarter for eligible entities with programs, projects,
or services that fail to meet the State's performance criteria,
standards, financial management requirements, and other
significant requirements established under this subtitle.
``(4) Other reviews as appropriate, including reviews of
eligible entities with programs, projects, and services that
have had other Federal, State, or local grants (other than
assistance provided under this subtitle) terminated for cause.
``SEC. 684. EVALUATIONS; CORRECTIVE ACTION; WITHHOLDING, REDUCTION, OR
ELIMINATION OF FUNDING.
``(a) Evaluations of States by the Secretary.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct, in not
fewer than \1/3\ of the States in each fiscal year, evaluations
(including investigations) of State compliance with this
subtitle, including requirements relating to the use of funds
received under this subtitle, and especially with respect to
compliance with the requirements of State plans submitted under
section 678(b) and the uniform administrative requirements,
cost principles, and audit requirements described in section
674(c) as applied to funds received under this subtitle,
including, but not limited to, advance payment of such funds to
eligible entities, unless otherwise authorized by the Uniform
Guidance.
``(2) Report to states.--The Secretary shall submit, to
each State evaluated, a report containing--
``(A) the results of such evaluation; and
``(B)(i) recommendations for improvements designed
to enhance the benefit and impact of the activities
carried out with such funds; and
``(ii) in the event a serious deficiency is found
regarding a State's compliance with this subtitle,
including requirements relating to the use of funds
received under this subtitle, a proposed corrective
action plan.
``(3) State response.--Not later than 45 days after
receiving a report under paragraph (2)--
``(A) a State that received recommendations under
paragraph (2)(B)(i) shall submit to the Secretary a
plan of action in response to the recommendations; and
``(B) a State that received a proposed corrective
action plan under paragraph (2)(B)(ii) shall agree to
implement the corrective action plan proposed by the
Secretary or propose to the Secretary a different
corrective action plan, developed by the State in a
timely manner that the State will implement upon
approval by the Secretary.
``(4) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall submit the
results of the evaluations annually, as part of the report
submitted by the Secretary in accordance with section
686(b)(2).
``(5) Enforcement.--
``(A) Withholding of funding.--If the Secretary
determines under the procedures set forth in this
subsection that a State fails to meet the requirements
of this subtitle, the Secretary may withhold all or a
portion of the amount of funding that may be used for
administrative expenses, as described in section
679(b)(2)(A), and prohibit the State from using other
funds awarded under this subtitle to carry out the
activities described in section 679(b)(2)(B), until the
Secretary determines that the State has complied with
the requirements of paragraph (3) and section 685(b).
``(B) Reduction or elimination of funding.--If the
Secretary determines, in a final decision on the basis
of an evaluation conducted under this section, that a
State fails to meet the requirements of this
subsection, the Secretary may, after providing adequate
notice and an opportunity for a hearing, initiate
proceedings to reduce or eliminate the amount of
funding apportioned and allocated to the State as
described in section 675 or 676, as applicable (and, if
necessary, de-obligate such funding). To the extent
that all or a portion of the amount of funding that may
be used for administrative expenses, as described in
section 679(b)(2)(A), is reduced or eliminated under
this paragraph, the Secretary is authorized to prohibit
the State from using other funds awarded under this
subtitle to carry out the activities described in
section 679(b)(2)(B), unless the State corrects the
failure to meet the requirements of this subsection.
``(C) Direct awards to other entities.--
``(i) Reduction or elimination of state
funding; state failure to participate.--If the
Secretary reduces or eliminates funding to a
State under subparagraph (B) or, if, for a
particular fiscal year, a State fails to
participate in the block grant program
established by this subtitle by failing to
submit a plan to the Secretary, submitting a
plan that does not meet the Secretary's
requirements, otherwise electing not to receive
funding under this subtitle, or failing to
obligate or make available funds to any
eligible entities for that year as required by
section 679(a)(2), the Secretary shall award
funding directly, in either the amount by which
funding to the State was reduced or eliminated
(in the case of the Secretary's reduction or
elimination of such funding under subparagraph
(B)) or in the amount the State would have
received had it participated in the block grant
program established under this subtitle (in the
case of a State's failure to participate as
described in this subparagraph), as provided
under subparagraphs (C)(ii) and (C)(iii) below.
``(ii) Direct funding to eligible
entities.--In the event funding specified in
section 679(a)(1)(B) is reduced, eliminated, or
withheld due to the Secretary's reduction or
elimination of funding under subparagraph (B)
or to the State's failure (as described in
subparagraph (C)(i) above) to participate in
the block grant program established by this
subtitle, the Secretary shall award financial
assistance in the amount of such reduced,
eliminated, or withheld funding directly (by
grant or cooperative agreement) to affected
eligible entities (provided that any such
entity has not had its funding under this
subtitle eliminated or its designation as an
eligible entity terminated by the State in
accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of
section 684) to carry out the activities
described in section 679(c); in awarding such
funding, the Secretary shall ensure that each
such affected eligible entity receives the same
proportionate share of funding under section
679(a)(1)(B) that it received in the prior
fiscal year.
``(iii) Statewide funds.--In the event
funding specified in section 679(b) is reduced,
eliminated, or withheld due to the Secretary's
reduction or elimination of funding under
subparagraph (B) or to the State's failure to
participate (as described in subparagraph
(C)(i) above) in the block grant program
established by this subtitle, the Secretary
shall award amounts equal to the amounts of
such reduced, eliminated, or withheld funds
directly by grant or cooperative agreement to
community services network organizations in the
State (other than the State itself) for the
purposes specified in section 679(b)(1).
``(iv) Reduction.--In the case of direct
funding as provided in this subparagraph (C),
the Secretary shall reduce funding the State
would otherwise have received under section 675
or 676 (and, if necessary, de-obligate such
funding) for the appropriate fiscal year by an
amount equal to the financial assistance
provided directly by the Secretary to such
eligible entities and community services
network organizations.
``(6) Training and technical assistance.--The Secretary,
through the Department's own employees or contractors (rather
than under grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements issued
under section 682), shall provide training and technical
assistance to States with respect to the development or
implementation of the States' corrective action plans.
``(7) Prohibitions.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed
to permit the Secretary (through regulation, guidance, grant
criteria, or otherwise) to expand the authority of the
Secretary beyond that expressly provided to the Secretary in
this Act.
``(b) Determination of Local Agency Failure To Comply.--
``(1) Corrective action by local agencies.--If the State
determines, on the basis of a review pursuant to section 683 or
section 685, that there is a serious deficiency regarding an
eligible entity's compliance with this subtitle, the State
shall inform the entity of the serious deficiencies that shall
be corrected and provide technical assistance for the
corrective action.
``(2) Local corrective action plans.--An eligible entity
that is found to have a serious deficiency under paragraph (1)
shall develop, in a timely manner, a corrective action plan
that shall be subject to the approval of the State, and that
shall specify--
``(A) the deficiencies to be corrected;
``(B) the actions to be taken to correct such
deficiencies; and
``(C) the timetable for accomplishment of the
corrective actions specified.
``(3) Final decision.--If the State determines, on the
basis of a final decision in a review conducted under section
683, that an eligible entity fails to comply with the terms of
a corrective action plan under paragraph (2) relating to
correction of a serious deficiency for the eligible entity, the
State may, after providing adequate notice and an opportunity
for a hearing, initiate proceedings to withhold, reduce, or
eliminate the funding provided under section 679(a)(1)(B) to
the eligible entity (including, in the case of elimination of
funding, terminating the designation under this subtitle of the
eligible entity) unless the entity corrects the serious
deficiency.
``(c) Review.--
``(1) In general.--A State's decision to withhold, reduce,
or eliminate funding, or to terminate the designation of an
eligible entity (or eligible entities, as applicable) may be
reviewed by the Secretary. Upon request by a community services
network organization, the Secretary shall review such a
determination. The review shall be completed not later than 60
days after the Secretary receives from the State all necessary
documentation relating to the determination except as provided
in paragraph (2).
``(2) Failure to provide documentation.--If the State fails
to provide such documentation within 30 days after the
Secretary's request, the State may not expend funds for the
purposes described in section 679(b)(2) until the State
provides such documentation. The Secretary shall respond to the
State with a decision not later than 30 days after receiving
the documentation.
``(d) Direct Assistance.--Whenever the Secretary determines that a
State has violated the State plan described in section 678(b)
(including, but not limited to, the assurance described in section
678(b)(6)) and the State has withheld, reduced, or eliminated the
funding provided under section 679(a) to any eligible entity or
entities or terminated the eligible entity designation of any eligible
entity or entities prior to the completion of the State proceedings
described in section 678(b)(6) (including, where applicable, the
proceedings required by subsection (b) of this section 684) and the
Secretary's review as required by subsection (c) of this section 684,
the Secretary shall provide financial assistance under this subtitle to
the affected eligible entity or entities directly until the violation
is corrected by the State. In such a case, the Secretary shall reduce
funding the State would otherwise have received under section 675 or
676 (and, if necessary, de-obligate such funding) for the appropriate
fiscal year by an amount equal to the financial assistance provided
directly by the Secretary to such eligible entity or entities.
``SEC. 685. STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL CONTROLS, AUDITS, AND WITHHOLDING.
``(a) Fiscal Controls, Procedures, Audits, and Inspections.--
``(1) In general.--A State that receives funds under this
subtitle shall--
``(A) establish fiscal control and fund accounting
procedures necessary to assure the proper disbursal of,
and accounting for, Federal funds paid to the State
under this subtitle, including procedures for
monitoring the funds provided under this subtitle;
``(B) in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3),
prepare, not less than once each year, an audit of the
expenditures of the State of amounts received under
this subtitle; and
``(C) make appropriate books, documents, papers,
and records available to the Secretary and the
Comptroller General of the United States, or any of
their duly authorized representatives, for examination,
copying, or mechanical reproduction on or off the
premises of the appropriate entity upon a reasonable
request for the items.
``(2) Independent entity.--Subject to paragraph (3), each
audit required by paragraph (1)(B) shall be conducted by an
entity independent of any agency administering activities or
services under this subtitle and shall be conducted in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
``(3) Single audit requirements.--
``(A) In general.--Any audit under this subsection
shall be conducted in the manner and to the extent
provided in chapter 75 of title 31, United States Code
(commonly known as the `Single Audit Act Amendments of
1984') except in the event a serious financial
deficiency is identified.
``(B) Serious financial deficiency.--In the event
that such a deficiency is identified, the Secretary
shall order--
``(i) an audit conducted as described in
subparagraph (A); or
``(ii) an audit of each of the accounts
involved, in accordance with paragraphs (2) and
(4).
``(4) Submission of copies.--Not later than 30 days after
the completion of each such audit in a State, the chief
executive officer of the State shall submit copies of such
audit, at no charge, to any eligible entity that was the
subject of the audit, to the legislature of the State, and to
the Secretary.
``(5) Repayments.--If the Secretary, after review of the
audit, finds that a State has not expended an amount of funds
in accordance with this subtitle, the State shall immediately
use an amount of State funds equal to the amount of improperly
expended funds for the original purposes for which the grant
funds were intended.
``(6) Response to complaints.--The Secretary shall respond
in an expeditious and speedy manner to complaints of a
substantial or serious nature that a State has failed to use
grant funds received under section 675 or 676 or to carry out
State activities under this subtitle in accordance with the
provisions of this subtitle.
``(7) Investigations.--Whenever the Secretary determines
that there is a pattern of complaints regarding failures
described in paragraph (6) or a complaint of a serious
deficiency concerning any State, the Secretary shall conduct an
investigation of the use of the funds received under this
subtitle by such State in order to ensure compliance with the
provisions of this subtitle.
``(b) State Funds.--
``(1) Corrective action plan.--In the event the Secretary
withholds funding pursuant to section 684(a)(5)(A), the
Secretary shall subsequently make the withheld funding
available to the State not later than 90 days after the date of
correction of the serious deficiency specified in the
corrective action plan described in section 684(a)(2)(B)(ii),
provided that the State complies with the corrective action
plan approved by the Secretary and corrects the serious
deficiency by the date specified in such corrective action
plan.
``(2) Application.--For purposes of paragraph (1), failures
described in subsection (a)(6) shall be considered to be
serious deficiencies.
``SEC. 686. ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) State Accountability and Reporting Requirements.--
``(1) Performance measurement.--
``(A) In general.--By October 1, 2019, each State
that receives funds under this subtitle shall
participate, and shall ensure that all eligible
entities in the State participate, in a performance
measurement system that the Secretary is satisfied
meets the requirements of paragraph (8) of section
678(b).
``(B) Local organizations.--The State may elect to
have local organizations that are subgrantees of the
eligible entities under this subtitle participate in
the performance measurement system. If the State makes
that election, references in this section to eligible
entities shall be considered to include the local
organizations.
``(C) Eligible entity reports.--Eligible entities
shall provide the results measured by their performance
measurement system, reports on the achievement of their
annual performance benchmarks, and such other reports
as the State may require.
``(2) Annual report.--Each State receiving funds under this
subtitle shall annually prepare, and submit to the Secretary by
March 31 of each year, a report on the performance of the State
and eligible entities in the State, including achievement with
respect to the State lead agency performance benchmarks and the
local performance benchmarks respectively and to other
performance measurements that were used by community service
network organizations in the State for the prior year. Each
State shall also include in the report--
``(A) an accounting of the expenditure of funds
received by the State through the community services
block grant program, including an accounting of funds
spent on administrative or indirect costs by the State
and the eligible entities and funds spent by the
eligible entities on local programs, projects, and
services;
``(B) information on the number and characteristics
of participants served under this subtitle in the
State, based on data collected from the eligible
entities;
``(C) a summary describing the training and
technical assistance offered by the State under
subparagraph (B) of section 679(b)(1) during the year
covered by the report;
``(D) the State's management performance benchmark
results;
``(E) information on the total budget and
activities of the eligible entities receiving subgrants
from the State under this subtitle, including local and
private resources available for a purpose described in
section 672;
``(F) a report on the Community Action Innovations
Program in the State, including a description of
training and technical assistance provided by the
State, the rationale for projects that received
support, a description of funded activities and their
results, and a summary of ways in which the State has
expanded use of evidence-based practice or contributed
to building the evidence base designed to reduce
poverty conditions; and
``(G) a report on the manner in which the State and
eligible entities and other recipients of funds under
this subtitle have implemented results-oriented
management practices based on their performance
measurement systems.
``(b) Reporting Requirements.--
``(1) Contents.--Not later than September 30 of each fiscal
year, the Secretary shall, directly or by grant or contract,
prepare a report including--
``(A) the information included in the State annual
reports under subsection (a)(2) for the preceding
fiscal year;
``(B) a report on the performance of the Department
in the preceding fiscal year regarding the performance
benchmarks established under section 681(c); and
``(C) a description of the training and technical
assistance activities funded by the Secretary under
section 682 and the results of those activities.
``(2) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate the report described in
paragraph (1) and any recommendations the Secretary may have
with respect to such report.
``(3) Electronic data system for reports to states and
eligible entities.--The Secretary, through the Department's own
employees or contractors (rather than under grants, contracts,
or cooperative agreements issued under section 682), shall
provide technical assistance, including support for the
development and maintenance of an electronic data system for
the reports under this section, to the States and eligible
entities to enhance the quality and timeliness of reports
submitted under this subtitle. The system shall be coordinated
and consistent with the data systems established for other
programs of the Department that are managed by eligible
entities, including all programs of the Administration for
Children and Families or successor administrative units in
which the office is located.
``SEC. 687. LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FUNDS.
``(a) Construction of Facilities.--
``(1) Limitations.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) and
in section 679(b)(1)(C), grants or subgrants made under this
subtitle may not be used by the State, or by any other person
with which the State makes arrangements to carry out a purpose
described in section 672, for the purchase or improvement of
land, or the purchase, construction or permanent improvement of
any building or other facility.
``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the limitation
contained in paragraph (1) upon a State request for such a
waiver if the Secretary finds that--
``(A) the request describes extraordinary
circumstances to justify the purchase or improvement of
land, or the purchase, construction, or permanent
improvement of any building or other facilities; and
``(B) permitting the waiver will contribute to the
ability of the State and eligible entities to carry out
a purpose described in section 672 at substantially
reduced costs.
``(b) Political Activities.--
``(1) Treatment as a state or local agency.--For purposes
of chapter 15 of title 5, United States Code, any entity that
assumes responsibility for planning, developing, and
coordinating activities under this subtitle and receives
assistance under this subtitle shall be deemed to be a State or
local agency. For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section
1502(a) of such title, any entity receiving assistance under
this subtitle shall be deemed to be a State or local agency.
``(2) Prohibitions.--An entity carrying out a program,
project, or service assisted under this subtitle, and any
individual employed by, or assigned to or in, such a program,
project, or service (during the hours in which the individual
is working on behalf of the program, project, or service) shall
not engage in--
``(A) any partisan or nonpartisan political
activity or any political activity associated with a
candidate, or contending faction or group, in an
election for public or party office; or
``(B) any activity to provide voters or prospective
voters with transportation to the polls or similar
assistance in connection with any such election.
``(3) Registration.--None of the funds appropriated to
carry out this subtitle may be used to conduct voter
registration activities.
``(c) Nondiscrimination.--
``(1) In general.--No person shall, on the basis of race,
color, national origin, or sex, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under, any program, project, or service funded
in whole or in part with funds made available under this
subtitle. Any prohibition against discrimination on the basis
of age under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101
et seq.) or with respect to an otherwise qualified individual
with a disability as provided in section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), or title II of the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et
seq.), shall also apply to any such program, project, or
service.
``(2) Action of secretary.--Whenever the Secretary
determines that a State that has received a payment under this
subtitle has failed to comply with paragraph (1) or an
applicable regulation, the Secretary shall notify the chief
executive officer of the State and shall request that the
officer secure compliance. If within a reasonable period of
time, not to exceed 60 days, the chief executive officer fails
or refuses to secure compliance, the Secretary is authorized
to--
``(A) refer the matter to the Attorney General with
a recommendation that an appropriate civil action be
instituted;
``(B) exercise the powers and functions provided by
title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C.
2000d et seq.), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42
U.S.C. 6101 et seq.), section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), or title II of the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12131 et seq.), as may be applicable; or
``(C) take such other action as may be provided by
law.
``(3) Action of attorney general.--When a matter is
referred to the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (2), or
whenever the Attorney General has reason to believe that the
State is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination in
violation of the provisions of this subsection, the Attorney
General may bring a civil action in any appropriate United
States district court for such relief as may be appropriate,
including injunctive relief.
``SEC. 688. DRUG AND CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES AND REFERRALS.
``(a) Drug Testing and Rehabilitation.--
``(1) In general.--Nothing in this subtitle shall be
construed to prohibit a State from testing participants in
programs, projects, or services carried out or provided under
this subtitle for controlled substances. A State that conducts
such testing shall inform the participants who test positive
for any of such substances about the availability of treatment
or rehabilitation services and refer such participants for
appropriate treatment or rehabilitation services.
``(2) Administrative expenses.--Any funds provided under
this subtitle expended for such testing shall be considered to
be expended for administrative expenses and shall be subject to
the limitation specified in section 679(b)(2).
``(3) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `controlled
substance' has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802).
``(b) Child Support Services and Referrals.--During each fiscal
year for which an eligible entity receives a subgrant under section
679(a), such entity shall--
``(1) inform custodial parents in single-parent families
that participate in programs, projects, or services carried out
or provided under this subtitle about the availability of child
support services; and
``(2) refer eligible parents to the child support offices
of State and local governments.
``SEC. 689. REGULATIONS.
``(a) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations
implementing this subtitle, by administrative hearing open to the
public, including regulations regarding--
``(1) State plans and community action program plans,
including the form and information required for State plans
submitted to the Secretary and community action program plans
submitted to States;
``(2) State monitoring of eligible entities; and
``(3) reports to the Secretary described in section 686.
``(b) Guidance.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall issue guidance
regarding State and local performance measurement systems,
including State management performance benchmarks and
comprehensive community needs assessments.
``(2) State management performance benchmarks.--The
Secretary, in consultation with community services network
organizations, shall develop State management performance
benchmarks, which shall include indicators about--
``(A) a State's timely obligation and distribution
of Federal funds, and effective State oversight of
Federal funds;
``(B) a State's compliance with the uniform
administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit
requirements described in section 674(c);
``(C) a State's effective management of the
activities funded under this subtitle; and
``(D) the results of activities funded by the State
under section 679(b).
``(3) Comprehensive analysis of poverty conditions.--The
Secretary shall provide guidance (including models) for
comprehensive community needs assessments described in section
678(a)(2)(C)(i). The guidance shall include methods for
preparing an analysis of all poverty conditions affecting a
community and of local and regional assets for alleviating such
conditions.
``SEC. 690. DISCRETIONARY COMMUNITY PROGRAMS.
``(a) Grants, Contracts, Arrangements, Loans, and Guarantees.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, from funds
appropriated under section 691(b), make grants, loans, or
guarantees to States and public agencies and private, nonprofit
organizations, or enter into contracts or jointly financed
cooperative arrangements with States and public agencies and
private, nonprofit organizations (and for-profit organizations,
to the extent specified in paragraph (2)(E)) for each of the
objectives described in paragraphs (2) through (4).
``(2) Community economic development.--
``(A) Economic development activities.--The
Secretary shall make grants described in paragraph (1)
on a competitive basis to private, nonprofit
organizations that are community development
corporations to provide technical and financial
assistance for economic development activities designed
to address the economic needs of low-income individuals
and families by creating employment and business
development opportunities.
``(B) Consultation.--The Secretary shall exercise
the authority provided under subparagraph (A) after
consultation with other relevant Federal officials.
``(C) Governing boards.--For a community
development corporation to receive funds to carry out
this paragraph, the corporation shall be governed by a
board that shall--
``(i) consist of residents of the community
and business and civic leaders; and
``(ii) have as a principal purpose
planning, developing, or managing low-income
housing or community development projects.
``(D) Geographic distribution.--In making grants to
carry out this paragraph, the Secretary shall take into
consideration the geographic distribution of funding
among States and the relative proportion of funding
among rural and urban areas.
``(E) Reservation.--Of the amounts made available
to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary may reserve
not more than 1 percent for each fiscal year to make
grants to private, nonprofit organizations or to enter
into contracts with private, nonprofit, or for-profit
organizations to provide technical assistance to aid
community development corporations in developing or
implementing activities funded to carry out this
paragraph and to evaluate activities funded to carry
out this paragraph.
``(3) Rural community development activities.--The
Secretary shall provide the assistance described in paragraph
(1) for rural community development activities, which shall
include providing--
``(A) grants to private, nonprofit corporations to
enable the corporations to provide assistance
concerning home repair to rural low-income families and
concerning planning and developing low-income rural
rental housing units; and
``(B) grants to multistate, regional, private,
nonprofit organizations to enable the organizations to
provide training and technical assistance to small,
rural communities concerning meeting their community
facility needs.
``(4) Neighborhood innovation projects.--The Secretary
shall provide the assistance described in paragraph (1) for
neighborhood innovation projects, which--
``(A) shall include providing grants to
neighborhood-based, private, nonprofit organizations to
test or assist in the development of new approaches or
methods that will assist in furthering the purposes of
this subtitle, including two-generation approaches that
create opportunities for, and address the needs of,
parents and children together; and
``(B) may include providing assistance for projects
that are designed to serve low-income individuals and
families who are not being effectively served by other
programs.
``(b) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall require all activities
receiving assistance under this section to be evaluated for their
effectiveness. Funding for such evaluations shall be provided as a
stated percentage of the assistance or through a separate grant awarded
by the Secretary specifically for the purpose of evaluation of a
particular activity or group of activities.
``(c) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall compile an annual report
containing a summary of the evaluations required under subsection (b)
and a listing of all activities assisted under this section. The
Secretary shall annually submit the report to the chairperson of the
Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and
the chairperson of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate.
``SEC. 690A. COMMUNITY ACTION OPIOID RESPONSE GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) Authorization of Grant Program.--The Secretary shall
establish a grant program to enable Community Action Agencies to
respond to the needs of communities and low-income families and
individuals in crisis resulting from the opioid addiction epidemic.
``(b) Goals.--The goals of the grant program under this section are
to expand and support effective community efforts to identify and
respond to causes and consequences of opioid misuse and addiction
experienced by low-income individuals, families, and communities.
``(c) Eligibility.--Any Community Action Agency is eligible to
apply for a grant under this section by submitting an application in
such form and manner as specified by the Secretary, in accordance with
subsection (g)(1).
``(d) Allowable Uses of Funds.--A grant awarded to a Community
Action Agency under this section may be used to support one or more of
the following activities, which may be conducted in coordination or
partnership with other community organizations:
``(1) Enhanced public education to improve individual and
community awareness, with respect to opioid misuse or
addiction, including for children and youth.
``(2) Outreach and identification of individuals at risk of
or experiencing opioid misuse or addiction, and referral of
such individuals to appropriate treatment, recovery, or other
resources in the community.
``(3) Direct services to prevent, treat, or recover from
opioid addiction.
``(4) Services to stabilize and/or improve the education,
employment, housing, transportation, or other needs of addicted
or at-risk individuals and their family members.
``(5) Services to address and mitigate the impact of opioid
addiction on children in the household.
``(6) Support and assistance to children, and their
caregivers, who are in foster care or at-risk of placement in
foster care because of the opioid addiction of their parents.
``(7) Development of partnerships with entities such as
local health care providers, substance abuse treatment
organizations, schools, child welfare agencies, social service
organizations, police departments, prosecutors, courts,
prisons, local governments, businesses, and religious
institutions, in order to coordinate or expand resources
available to addicted or at-risk individuals and their family
members.
``(8) Training for Community Action Agency personnel in
issues related to opioid addiction, including early
identification of at-risk individuals and administration of
overdose prevention medications.
``(e) Grant Funding Limitations.--
``(1) Amount of grant.--A grant awarded under this section
shall be in an amount that is not more than $1,000,000 per year
and not less than $50,000 per year.
``(2) Duration.--Grant funds awarded under this section
shall remain available for expenditure by the grantee for up to
36 months after the date of award unless a longer period of
availability is approved by the Secretary based on outcome data
or extenuating circumstances.
``(f) Reporting.--Each Community Action Agency receiving a grant
under this section shall submit an annual report to the Secretary
detailing goals, interventions, outcomes, and expenditures, with
respect to the program of such agency that is funded by such grant, and
make each such report so submitted by the Community Action Agency
available on the public website of the Community Action Agency. The
Secretary shall make each such report public on the public website of
the Department of Health and Human Services. For each year of the grant
program under this section, the Secretary shall compile all of such
reports so submitted to the Secretary for such year and submit to
Congress the compilation with an annual summary.
``(g) Expedited Grant Application, Review, and Award Process.--
``(1) Application process and criteria.--Not later than 60
days after the effective date of this section, the Secretary
shall publish in the Federal Register the application process
and criteria for grants under this section. Such criteria shall
require each application submitted for a grant under this
section to include--
``(A) a description of the objectives of the
program and activities to be funded by the grant and
how the grant will be used to achieve these objectives,
including specific activities and services to be
conducted, and specific populations or areas to be
served (including targeted subgroups such as
incarcerated or homeless individuals);
``(B) a description of innovative approaches to be
used and evidence of likely success;
``(C) a plan for measuring progress in achieving
such objectives specified in subparagraph (A),
including a strategy to collect data that can be used
to measure the project's effectiveness;
``(D) identification of relevant community or other
organizations with which the applicant will coordinate
or partner and a description of the proposed
coordination or partnership;
``(E) assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that
the applicant has conducted an assessment of community
needs related to opioid misuse and addiction among low-
income individuals and families, and that the proposed
uses of the grant funds will address unmet needs
identified by the assessment;
``(F) assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that
funds awarded through the grant will not supplant other
programs or resources in the community with similar
objectives; and
``(G) assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that
evidence-based approaches will be used to the maximum
extent practicable.
``(2) Community action opioid response grant application
review panel.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
effective date of this section, the Secretary shall
establish a Community Action Opioid Response Grant
Application Review Panel of not fewer than 15
individuals, including not more than 5 employees from
the Department of Health and Human Services and other
Federal agencies, with expert knowledge of the opioid
epidemic, drug treatment, community responses to
poverty prevention, child protection, or post-recovery
employment and training.
``(B) Duties.--Such review panel shall review and
evaluate applications for grants under this section and
recommend to the Secretary which of such applications
should be awarded a grant under this section.
``(C) Grant selection priorities.--In reviewing and
recommending applications for a grant, such review
panel shall consider and give priority to applications
that demonstrate one or more of the following:
``(i) Evidence of coordination and
partnership with agencies or entities with
experience or expertise in addressing opioid-
related issues.
``(ii) Evidence of leveraging non-Federal
funds or in-kind resources to extend the reach
or duration (or both) of the program proposed
by the application.
``(iii) Quality of methodology proposed to
monitor the outcomes of the program proposed by
the application and effectiveness in achieving
goals of the program and mitigating the harmful
health and socioeconomic impacts of opioid
addiction.
``(iv) Evidence of capacity-building and
strengthening of community responses to the
opioid crisis.
``(v) Efforts to minimize the trauma and
negative impact of foster care on children of
addicted individuals.
``(vi) The applicant has a demonstrated
knowledge of opioid-related needs in the target
community.
``(vii) Use of innovative or evidence-based
approaches to address unmet opioid-related
needs, including to promote self-sufficiency
and well-being for families with children
impacted by opioid addiction.
``(D) Funding.--The Secretary shall use amounts
appropriated to the Office of the Secretary of Health
and Human Services to pay for all expenses associated
with the Community Action Opioid Response Grant
Application Review Panel.
``(3) Timing for awarding grants.--With respect to a year
for which amounts are appropriated to carry out this section
pursuant to subsection (h), not later than 120 days after such
amounts are made available for such year, the Secretary shall
award all such amounts for grants under this section for such
year.
``(4) Tribal set aside.--Of the amount appropriated for a
year pursuant to section 691(b)(2) to carry out this section,
not more than 7 percent shall be designated for such year for
grants to Indian tribes or tribal organizations that receive
direct payments under section 677 of this Act.
``SEC. 691. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this subtitle (not including sections 690 and 690A)--
``(1) $850,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
2023; and
``(2) such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2024
through 2028.
``(b) Discretionary Programs.--There are authorized to be
appropriated--
``(1) to carry out section 690, such sums as may be
necessary for fiscal years 2019 through 2028; and
``(2) to carry out section 690A, $50,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2019 through 2023 and such sums as may be
necessary for fiscal years 2024 through 2028.
``(c) Reservations by the Secretary.--Of the amounts appropriated
under subsection (a) for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall
reserve--
``(1) \1/2\ of 1 percent for carrying out section 675
(relating to grants to territories); and
``(2) 2 percent for activities authorized in section 682,
of which--
``(A) not less than 50 percent of the amount
reserved by the Secretary under this paragraph shall be
awarded through grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements under section 682(c) to eligible entities,
community action agencies, and State and regional
community service network organizations, for the
purpose of carrying out activities described in section
682(a)(1)(A); and
``(B) the remainder of the amount reserved under
this paragraph shall be distributed under section
682(a)(1)(B) to States, eligible entities, other
community services network organizations, or other
entities, for the purpose of carrying out activities
described in section 682(a)(1)(B).
``SEC. 692. REFERENCES.
``Any reference in any provision of law to the poverty line set
forth in section 624 or 625 of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964
shall be construed to be a reference to the poverty line defined in
section 673 of this subtitle. Any reference in any provision of law to
the poverty line defined in section 673(2) of the Community Services
Block Grant Act as in effect immediately before the effective date of
this subtitle shall be construed to be a reference to the poverty line
defined in section 673(11) of this subtitle. Except as otherwise
provided, any reference in any provision of law to any community action
agency designated under title II of the Economic Opportunity Act of
1964 shall be construed to be a reference to an entity eligible to
receive funds under the community services block grant program.''.
SEC. 3. TRANSITION PERIOD.
(a) Transition Period.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall expeditiously announce a transition period for the implementation
of any changes in regulations, procedures, and reporting requirements
of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 et seq.) as
amended by this Act, from the regulations, procedures, and reporting
requirements of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901
et seq.) as in effect immediately before the date of enactment of this
Act.
(b) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements; Federal Training.--The transition period shall include--
(1) a schedule for implementation of requirements relating
to adoption of the uniform administrative requirements, cost
principles, and audit requirements described in section 674(c)
of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901) as
amended by this Act; and
(2) the availability of Federal training for States and
eligible entities regarding compliance with new requirements
under the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 et
seq.) as amended by this Act.
(c) Timing.--The transition period described in this section--
(1) may not extend later than the date that is 3 months
prior to the start of the second fiscal year after the date of
enactment of the Community Services Block Grant Reauthorization
Act of 2019; and
(2) may require that certain regulations, procedures, and
reporting requirements be adopted before other regulations,
procedures, or reporting requirements.
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
Section 306(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42
U.S.C. 3026(a)(6)(C)(ii)) is amended by inserting ``or subsequent
years'' after ``fiscal year 1982'' and by striking ``section 676B of
the Community Services Block Grant Act'' and inserting ``section 680(c)
of the Community Services Block Grant Act''.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line