No official summary available for this bill.
[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2701 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2701
To address the homelessness and housing crises, to move toward the goal
of providing for a home for all Americans, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 27, 2023
Mr. Padilla (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Markey, Mrs.
Gillibrand, and Mr. Booker) introduced the following bill; which was
read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To address the homelessness and housing crises, to move toward the goal
of providing for a home for all Americans, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Housing for All
Act of 2023''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--ADDRESSING THE HOUSING SHORTAGE
Sec. 101. Housing Trust Fund.
Sec. 102. Section 202 supportive housing for the elderly program.
Sec. 103. Section 811 supportive housing for people with disabilities.
Sec. 104. HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
Sec. 105. Technical assistance for navigating Federal and State housing
funding sources.
Sec. 106. Permanent authorization of United States Interagency Council
on Homelessness and establishment of racial
equity commission.
TITLE II--ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
Sec. 201. Expansion of housing choice voucher program.
Sec. 202. Project-based rental assistance.
Sec. 203. Emergency solutions grant program.
Sec. 204. Continuum of care grant program.
Sec. 205. Program administration, training, technical assistance, and
capacity building.
Sec. 206. GAO report on eviction data.
TITLE III--INVESTING IN INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS
Sec. 301. Safe parking program grants.
Sec. 302. Hotel, motel, and commercial acquisitions and conversions to
permanent housing.
Sec. 303. Eviction protection grant program.
Sec. 304. Mobile crisis intervention teams grants.
Sec. 305. Library consortium pilot grants.
Sec. 306. Report on inclusive transit-oriented development to enhance
climate mitigation and disaster resiliency.
Sec. 307. Establishing an innovation pilot within the carbon reduction
program.
Sec. 308. Making infill housing and other transportation efficiency
projects eligible for RAISE grants.
Sec. 309. Homelessness and behavioral health care coordination.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) At risk of homelessness.--The term ``at risk of
homelessness'' has the meaning given the term in section 401 of
the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360).
(2) Homeless; homeless person.--The terms ``homeless'' and
``homeless person'' have the meanings given those terms in
section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 11302).
(3) Indian tribe; tribally designated housing entity.--The
terms ``Indian Tribe'' and ``tribally designated housing
entity'' have the meanings given those terms in section 4 of
the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination
Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).
(4) Justice system-involved.--The term ``justice system-
involved'' includes individuals who are or have been
incarcerated or held in municipal, State, or Federal jails,
prisons, juvenile facilities, or other types of detention
facilities, who have been held in pre-trial or post-conviction
detention, who have an arrest or conviction regardless of
whether they were detained or incarcerated, who have been held
in immigration detention, or, with respect to youth, who are or
have been held in the custody of the Office of Refugee
Resettlement of the Department of Health and Human Services.
(5) Population at higher risk of homelessness.--
(A) In general.--The term ``population at higher
risk of homelessness'' means a group of individuals
that is defined by a common characteristic and that has
been found to experience homelessness, housing
instability, or to be cost-burdened at a rate higher
than that of the general public.
(B) Higher rate.--Information that may be used in
demonstrating such a higher rate includes data
generated by the Federal Government, by State or
municipal governments, by peer-reviewed research, and
by organizations having expertise in working with or
advocating on behalf of homeless, housing unstable, or
cost-burdened groups.
(C) Included populations.--Such term shall include
populations for which such higher rate has already been
demonstrated, including Asian, Black, Latino, Native
American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and other
communities of color, individuals with disabilities,
including mental health disabilities, elderly
individuals, foster and former foster youth, lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals,
gender non-binary and gender non-conforming
individuals, veterans, and such additional communities
and individuals as the Secretary may include after
receiving public comment.
(6) Public housing agency.--The term ``public housing
agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 3(b)(6) of
the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(6)).
(7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development.
TITLE I--ADDRESSING THE HOUSING SHORTAGE
SEC. 101. HOUSING TRUST FUND.
Section 1338(a) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety
and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4568(a)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Housing Trust Fund $45,000,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2033.''.
SEC. 102. SECTION 202 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY PROGRAM.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal
year 2024, to remain available until September 30, 2033--
(1) $2,500,000,000 for the supportive housing for the
elderly program authorized under section 202 of the Housing Act
of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q), which shall be used--
(A) for capital advance awards in accordance with
section 202(c)(1) of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C.
1701q(c)(1)) to recipients that are eligible under that
Act;
(B) for section 8 project-based rental assistance
contracts in accordance with section 8 of the United
States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f), for
capital advance projects; and
(C) for service coordinators;
(2) $15,000,000, to provide technical assistance to support
State-level efforts to improve the design and delivery of
voluntary supportive services for residents of any housing
assisted under the Housing Act of 1959 (Public Law 101-625) and
other housing supporting low-income older adults; and
(3) $125,000,000 for the costs to the Secretary of
administration and oversight.
SEC. 103. SECTION 811 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal
year 2024, to remain available until September 30, 2033--
(1) $900,000,000 for capital advances, including amendments
to capital advance contracts, for supportive housing for
persons with disabilities, as authorized by section 811 of the
Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
8013), for project rental assistance for supportive housing for
persons with disabilities under subsection (d)(2) of such
section 811 (42 U.S.C. 8013), for project assistance contracts
pursuant to section 202(h) of the Housing Act of 1959 (12
U.S.C. 1701q(h)), and for project rental assistance to State
housing finance agencies and other appropriate entities as
authorized under subsection (b)(3) of such section 811 (42
U.S.C. 8013);
(2) $15,000,000 for providing technical assistance to
support State-level efforts to integrate housing assistance and
voluntary supportive services for residents of housing
receiving such assistance; and
(3) $87,000,000 for the costs to the Secretary of
administration and oversight.
SEC. 104. HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 2024, to remain available
until September 30, 2033--
(1) $40,000,000,000, for activities and assistance for the
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (in this section referred
to as the ``HOME program''), as authorized under title II of
the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.
12721 et seq.);
(2) $100,000,000 to make new awards to or increase prior
awards to existing technical assistance providers, including
for technical assistance to grantees regarding best practices
for coordination of available funds provided under this section
with other forms of assistance, such as with project-based
rental assistance; and
(3) $360,000,000 for the costs to the Secretary of
administration and oversight of the HOME program and the
Housing Trust Fund established under section 1338(a) of the
Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act
of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4568(a)).
(b) Administration.--Notwithstanding subsections (c) and (d)(1) of
section 212 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act
(42 U.S.C. 12742), eligible grantees may use not more than 15 percent
of their allocations under this section for administrative and planning
costs.
SEC. 105. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR NAVIGATING FEDERAL AND STATE HOUSING
FUNDING SOURCES.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a grant program
to provide technical assistance to States relating to the understanding
of the relationship between Federal and State housing funding sources
and how to best use those sources to finance housing projects in the
State, such as permanent supportive housing, including resources,
tools, and products that--
(1) provide assistance on coordinating a single application
for multiple funding sources;
(2) provide assistance on consolidating funding sources and
implementing reporting requirements at the State level; and
(3) support staff capacity within State housing finance
agencies to maintain the collaborations and systems necessary
to better align types of funding with need and expand access to
housing stability.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary, to remain
available until expended, to carry out this section.
SEC. 106. PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF UNITED STATES INTERAGENCY COUNCIL
ON HOMELESSNESS AND ESTABLISHMENT OF RACIAL EQUITY
COMMISSION.
Title II of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
11311 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 208 (42 U.S.C. 11318), by striking the first
sentence and inserting the following: ``There is authorized to
be appropriated for each fiscal year $10,000,000 to carry out
this title.''; and
(2) by striking section 209 (42 U.S.C. 11319) and inserting
the following:
``SEC. 209. RACIAL EQUITY COMMISSION.
``(a) Establishment of Commission.--
``(1) In general.--There is established a commission to be
known as the Commission on Racial Equity in Housing (in this
section referred to as the `Commission') to support the Council
with efforts to conduct research into, collect, analyze, and
make publicly available data on, and provide leadership and
coordination for furthering racial equity in housing, examining
the impacts of structural racism on housing and homelessness,
and the effectiveness of intervention strategies to address
these impacts.
``(2) Reporting.--The Commission shall report to the
Executive Director of the Council and work in partnership with
employees of the Council.
``(b) Membership.--
``(1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 14
members, who shall be--
``(A) appointed by the Executive Director of the
Council not later than January 1, 2024; and
``(B) fairly balanced in terms of points of view
represented and background experience.
``(2) Qualifications.--Each member of the Commission shall
have--
``(A) proven expertise in directing, assembling, or
applying capital resources from a variety of sources to
the successful development of affordable housing,
assisted living facilities, or health care facilities;
``(B) lived experience with homelessness; or
``(C) demonstrated experience in--
``(i) homeless services, affordable
housing, or housing law; and
``(ii) racial equity work.
``(3) Co-chairpersons.--The Executive Director shall
appoint 2 co-chairpersons of the Commission from among the
members of the Commission.
``(4) Vacancies.--Any vacancy on the Commission shall not
affect its powers and shall be filled in the manner in which
the original appointment was made.
``(5) Prohibition of pay.--Members of the Commission shall
serve without pay.
``(6) Travel expenses.--Each member of the Commission shall
receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title
5, United States Code.
``(7) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission
shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold
hearings.
``(8) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of
the co-chairpersons of the Commission.
``(c) Director and Staff.--
``(1) Director.--The Commission shall have a Director who
shall be--
``(A) appointed by the co-chairpersons of the
Commission; and
``(B) paid at a rate not to exceed the rate of
basic pay payable for level V of the Executive Schedule
under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
``(2) Staff.--The Commission may appoint personnel as
appropriate subject to the provisions of title 5, United States
Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and
who shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter
51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to
classification and General Schedule pay rates.
``(3) Experts and consultants.--The Council may procure
temporary and intermittent services to support the work of the
Commission under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States
Code, but at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily
equivalent of the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable for
the General Schedule.
``(4) Staff of federal agencies.--Upon request of the
Council and the Commission, the head of any Federal department
or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the
personnel of that department or agency to the Commission to
assist it in carrying out its duties under this section.
``(d) Duties.--The Commission shall--
``(1) work with the Council to make recommendations,
inform, and participate in efforts to conduct research into,
collect, analyze, and make publicly available data on, and
provide leadership and coordination for furthering racial
equity in housing, examining the impacts of structural racism
on housing and homelessness, and the effectiveness of
intervention strategies to address these impacts; and
``(2) work with the Council to implement the Federal
Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.
``(e) Reports.--The Council shall submit to Congress, the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education,
the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of
Agriculture, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of the
Treasury, the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Interior, the
Chair of the Federal Reserve, the Comptroller of the Currency, the
Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Chair of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, and such other individuals as the
Commission determines relevant an annual report on research findings
with recommendations to improve racial equity in housing and to disrupt
processes that preserve and reinforce racism and racial disparities in
housing and homelessness services.
``(f) Termination.--Section 1013 of title 5, United States Code,
shall not apply to the Commission.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this
section.''.
TITLE II--ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
SEC. 201. EXPANSION OF HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible household.--The term ``eligible household''
means a family who initially--
(A) has an income that does not exceed 50 percent
of the maximum income limitation for extremely low-
income families established by the Secretary pursuant
to section 3(b)(2)(C) of the United States Housing Act
of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)(C)); or
(B) is an extremely low-income family that includes
an individual who is an individual who is a recipient
of supplemental security income benefits under title
XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et
seq.).
(2) Extremely low-income family; state.--The terms
``extremely low-income family'' and ``State'' have the meanings
given those terms in section 3(b) of the United States Housing
Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)).
(b) Expanded Vouchers.--
(1) Funding.--There is appropriated, out of any money in
the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for providing
incremental vouchers for rental assistance under section 8(o)
of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o))
in accordance with this section for each of fiscal years 2024
through 2027, the amount necessary to fund--
(A) the number of incremental vouchers required to
be allocated under paragraph (2);
(B) annual renewals of the vouchers allocated under
paragraph (2); and
(C) administrative fees for vouchers allocated
under paragraph (2).
(2) Allocation.--
(A) Incremental vouchers.--The Secretary shall
allocate 500,000 incremental vouchers in fiscal year
2024 and 1,000,000 incremental vouchers in increments
of 500,000 in each calendar year from 2025 through 2027
under this section to public housing agencies pursuant
to section 213(d) of the Housing and Community
Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 1439(d)).
(B) Selection criteria.--The Secretary shall, by
notice in the Federal Register, establish selection
criteria under section 213(d) of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 1439(d))
that prioritizes housing needs among eligible
households and severe housing hardship, such as
experiencing homelessness, overcrowding, or evictions.
(c) Entitlement to Vouchers.--
(1) In general.--On and after the date that is 5 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, any family that is
otherwise eligible for tenant-based rental assistance under
section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42
U.S.C. 1437f(o)) shall be entitled to that rental assistance
during any period that the family is an eligible household.
(2) Funding.--There is appropriated, out of any money in
the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be
necessary--
(A) to provide assistance under section 8(o) of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o))
in accordance with the entitlement under paragraph (1)
of this subsection for each eligible household in the
amount determined under such section 8(o); and
(B) to provide administrative fees under section
8(q) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42
U.S.C. 1437f(q)) in connection with each voucher for
assistance provided pursuant to subparagraph (A) of
this paragraph.
SEC. 202. PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts
otherwise available, there is authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary for fiscal year 2024, to remain available until September 30,
2033--
(1) $14,500,000,000 for the project-based rental assistance
program, as authorized under section 8(b) of the United States
Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(b)), subject to the terms
and conditions of subsection (b) of this section;
(2) $40,000,000 for providing technical assistance to
recipients of or applicants for project-based rental assistance
or to States allocating the project-based rental assistance;
and
(3) $200,000,000 for the costs to the Secretary of
administration and oversight.
(b) Terms and Conditions.--
(1) Authority.--Notwithstanding section 8(a) of the United
States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(a)), the Secretary
may use amounts made available under this section--
(A) to provide assistance payments with respect to
newly constructed housing, existing housing, or
substantially rehabilitated non-housing structures for
use as new multifamily housing in accordance with this
section and the provisions of section 8 of the United
States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f); and
(B) for performance-based contract administrators
for project-based assistance under section 8 of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f),
for carrying out this section and section 8 of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f).
(2) Project-based rental assistance.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary may make assistance
payments using amounts made available under this
section pursuant to contracts with owners or
prospective owners who agree to construct housing, to
substantially rehabilitate existing housing, to
substantially rehabilitate non-housing structures for
use as new multifamily housing, or to attach the
assistance to newly constructed housing in which some
or all of the units shall be available for occupancy by
very low-income families in accordance with the
provisions of section 8 of the United States Housing
Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f), under terms determined
by the Secretary.
(B) Priority.--In awarding contracts pursuant to
this section, the Secretary shall give priority to
owners or prospective owners of multifamily housing
projects located or to be located in areas of high
opportunity, as defined by the Secretary, in areas
experiencing economic growth or rising housing prices
to prevent displacement or secure affordable housing
for low-income households, or that serve people at risk
of homelessness or that integrate additional units that
are accessible for persons with mobility impairments
and persons with hearing or visual impairments beyond
those required by applicable Federal accessibility
standards.
SEC. 203. EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 2024 $5,000,000,000, to
remain available until September 30, 2033, to make grants under the
emergency solutions grant program authorized under subtitle B of title
IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11371 et
seq.).
(b) Maximum Allocation for Emergency Shelter Activities.--A
recipient of a grant using amounts appropriated under subsection (a) in
any fiscal year may not use an amount of the assistance for emergency
shelter activities that exceeds the greater of--
(1) 40 percent of the aggregate amount of that assistance
provided for the grantee for that fiscal year; or
(2) the amount expended by the grantee for emergency
shelter activities during fiscal year 2010.
SEC. 204. CONTINUUM OF CARE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 2024 $15,000,000,000, to
remain available until the end of fiscal year 2033, to make grants
under the Continuum of Care Program authorized under subtitle C of
title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381
et seq.).
(b) Minimum Allocation for Permanent Housing for Homeless
Individuals and Families With Disabilities.--Of amounts appropriated
under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, not less than 50 percent shall
be used for permanent housing for homeless individuals with
disabilities and homeless families that include such an individual who
is an adult or a minor head of household if no adult is present in the
household.
(c) Prioritization of Continuum of Care.--In awarding grants using
amounts appropriated under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
prioritize funding for applicants that provide documentation of
coordination with certain systems serving young people and can answer
questions regarding how the applicant works with child welfare
organizations, the juvenile and adult justice system, and institutions
of mental and physical health to ensure that participants in the
programs are not released into homelessness.
SEC. 205. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION, TRAINING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND
CAPACITY BUILDING.
In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is authorized to
be appropriated for fiscal year 2024, to remain available until
expended--
(1) $1,000,000,000 to the Secretary for the costs to the
Secretary of administering and overseeing the implementation of
this title and the programs of the Department of Housing and
Urban Development generally and new awards or increasing prior
awards to provide training, technical assistance, and capacity
building related to the programs of the Department of Housing
and Urban Development;
(2) $5,000,000 to the United States Interagency Council on
Homelessness for necessary expenses in carrying out the
functions of the Council pursuant to title II of the McKinney-
Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11311 et seq.); and
(3) $10,000,000 to the Secretary for necessary salaries and
expenses of the Office of the Inspector General of the
Department of Housing and Urban Development in carrying out
chapter 4 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 206. GAO REPORT ON EVICTION DATA.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a
report that examines--
(1) with respect to eviction moratoriums during the COVID-
19 pandemic--
(A) how eviction moratoriums have contributed to
housing stability;
(B) an analysis of formal and informal evictions
during the periods in which the moratoriums were in
effect; and
(C) an economic analysis of how the eviction
moratoriums saved public funds, such as by reducing
shelter costs;
(2) whether women, Black, Hispanic, and other minority
renters disproportionately faced eviction during the COVID-19
pandemic, and an accounting of the disproportionate risk of
eviction faced by veterans, children, the elderly, and
individuals living with disabilities during the COVID-19
pandemic;
(3) the barriers that exist to collecting the data related
to paragraphs (1) and (2);
(4) the barriers that exist to collecting, digitizing, and
standardizing data from the beginning to the end of the
eviction process, such as pre-eviction information, the
renter's race or ethnicity, age and gender, as well as the
composition of the household and landlord data; and
(5) a study of the relationship between emergency rental
assistance distribution and eviction patterns, as well as how
emergency rental assistance affected evictions, during the
periods in which the eviction moratoriums were in effect during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
TITLE III--INVESTING IN INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS
SEC. 301. SAFE PARKING PROGRAM GRANTS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a unit of general purpose local government;
(B) an Indian Tribe or a tribally designated
housing entity;
(C) a nonprofit organization that provides services
to homeless persons; or
(D) a collaborative applicant or other organization
or entity funded under the Continuum of Care Program
under subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381 et seq.).
(2) Essential service.--The term ``essential service''
means an essential service described in section 576.102 of
title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor
regulation.
(3) Safe parking program.--The term ``safe parking
program'' means a program that--
(A) provides a homeless person living in a vehicle,
including a motor home, with a safe place to park the
vehicle overnight to facilitate a transition to more
stable housing; and
(B) provides permanent rehousing services and
essential services.
(b) Establishment of Program.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a grant
program to provide amounts to eligible entities for costs associated
with--
(1) the establishment and operation of a new safe parking
program; or
(2) the operation of a safe parking program in existence as
of the date on which amounts are provided.
(c) Grant Term.--The term of a grant awarded under subsection (b)
shall be 5 years.
(d) Amount.--
(1) In general.--During the 5-year term of a grant awarded
under subsection (b), the Secretary shall distribute 20 percent
of the grant amounts each year.
(2) Cap.--An eligible entity may not receive more than
$5,000,000 in grant amounts under subsection (b).
(e) Applications.--
(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
subsection (b), an eligible entity shall submit an application
to the Secretary at the time, in the manner, and containing the
information that the Secretary requires, including a
description of how the eligible entity will use any amounts
received.
(2) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority to
applications from eligible entities that serve homeless persons
in underserved areas (as defined in section 81.2 of title 24,
Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation).
(f) Use of Funds.--Except as provided in subsection (h), any
eligible entity that is awarded a grant under subsection (b) shall use
the grant amounts for costs associated with--
(1) establishing and operating a safe parking program;
(2) providing permanent rehousing assistance to families
using the safe parking program, such as case management
services;
(3) employing staff who maintain the safety and health of
participants in the safe parking program and monitor program
compliance with subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381 et seq.), if
applicable;
(4) establishing and maintaining the operation of hygiene
facilities and restrooms for homeless persons;
(5) maintaining the vehicles of homeless persons using a
safe parking program and providing gas for those persons to use
their vehicles for activities that will help them obtain or
maintain housing, including--
(A) driving to work, school, or medical
appointments; and
(B) searching for a home; or
(6) entering data and information into a homeless
management information system (as that term is used in section
402(f)(3) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 11360a(f)(3))).
(g) Multiple Locations.--An eligible entity may use amounts
provided under subsection (b) to establish or continue operating a safe
parking program at multiple locations.
(h) Alternative Use of Funds.--If an eligible entity determines
that a safe parking program is no longer necessary, the eligible entity
may, after approval from the Secretary, use amounts provided under
subsection (b) for activities that are eligible for the use of
Emergency Solutions Grants Program amounts under section 415 of the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11374).
(i) Rehousing and Case Management Services.--A homeless person who
makes use of a safe parking program established or operated using
amounts awarded under subsection (b) shall not be required to accept
case management or rehousing services offered as part of the program.
(j) Reports to Congress.--
(1) Initial report.--Not later than 180 days after the last
day of the second fiscal year beginning after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress
an initial report on the impact of grants awarded under
subsection (b), including, to the extent determinable, any data
about--
(A) the number of homeless persons living in
vehicles in the geographic region over which the
eligible entity has jurisdiction, or in which the
eligible entity operates, during each of the 7 previous
years;
(B) the demographics and number of homeless persons
who choose to participate in a safe parking program;
and
(C) the number of homeless persons who choose to
participate in a safe parking program and exit into
permanent housing.
(2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the last
day of the fifth fiscal year beginning after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
final report on the impact of grants awarded under subsection
(b), including, to the extent determinable, any data described
in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1) of this
subsection.
(k) Termination of Grant Program.--The Secretary may not award a
grant under subsection (b) after the last day of the fifth fiscal year
beginning after the date of enactment of this Act.
(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of the
first 5 fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 302. HOTEL, MOTEL, AND COMMERCIAL ACQUISITIONS AND CONVERSIONS TO
PERMANENT HOUSING.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 2024, $500,000,000, to
remain available until September 30, 2033, for--
(1) projects related to the acquisition, rehabilitation,
renovation, or conversion of transitional housing, temporary
shelters, and other spaces, such as hotels, motels, government-
owned properties, and commercial business spaces such as
shopping malls, to address urgent safety and public health
needs for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing
instability, provided that the funds are used for non-
congregate shelter or creating more permanent supportive
housing; and
(2) supportive services for individuals housed in the
spaces described in paragraph (1), including--
(A) activities listed in section 401(29) of the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
11360(29));
(B) housing counseling; and
(C) homeless prevention services.
(b) Implementation.--The Secretary shall have authority to issue
such regulations or other notices, guidance, forms, instructions, and
publications as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the
programs, projects, or activities authorized under this section,
including to ensure that such programs, projects, or activities are
completed in a timely and effective manner.
SEC. 303. EVICTION PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 2024, $800,000,000, to
remain available until September 30, 2033, for an eviction protection
grant program established by the Secretary to support experienced legal
service providers in providing legal assistance at no cost to low-
income tenants at risk of or subject to eviction.
(b) Implementation.--The Secretary shall have authority to issue
such regulations or other notices, guidance, forms, instructions, and
publications as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the
programs, projects, or activities authorized under this section,
including to ensure that such programs, projects, or activities are
completed in a timely and effective manner.
SEC. 304. MOBILE CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAMS GRANTS.
(a) Grant Authorization.--The Attorney General may make grants to
States, units of local government, public and community defender
systems, and nonprofit organizations to create or expand mobile crisis
intervention teams to address homelessness and reduce recidivism.
(b) Application.--
(1) In general.--An entity seeking a grant under this
section shall submit to the Attorney General an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Attorney General may reasonably require, including an
assurance described in paragraph (2).
(2) Assurance described.--An assurance described in this
paragraph is an assurance that--
(A) the entity has in place a policy protecting
employees, individuals, and communities served by the
entity from discrimination under applicable civil
rights laws; and
(B) the policy described in subparagraph (A)
includes protection from discrimination on the basis of
gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms, or
other gender-related characteristics of an individual,
regardless of the individual's designated sex at birth.
(3) Nonprofit expertise.--In addition to the assurance
described in paragraph (2), a nonprofit organization seeking a
grant under this section shall demonstrate in the application
submitted under this subsection that the organization has a
proven history of--
(A) successful engagement with populations
experiencing homelessness and housing instability,
including members of a population at higher risk of
homelessness; or
(B) assisting communities to engage in alternatives
to penalizing homelessness.
(c) Use of Funds.--An entity that receives a grant under this
section may use funds received under this section for creating,
supporting, expanding, or studying mobile crisis intervention teams
that are trained to provide stabilization services to individuals with
an urgent medical or psychological need, as an alternative to a law
enforcement response, which teams may include healthcare professionals,
mental health professionals, addiction counselors, housing referral
specialists, groups serving or representing justice system-involved or
homeless individuals, and other related resource providers.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for the first fiscal
year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act and for each of
the 9 succeeding fiscal years thereafter.
SEC. 305. LIBRARY CONSORTIUM PILOT GRANTS.
Part A of title V of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 506B. LIBRARY CONSORTIUM PILOT GRANTS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) an eligible library;
``(B) a library agency that is an official agency
of a State or other unit of government and is charged
by the law governing it with the extension and
development of public library services within its
jurisdiction;
``(C) an eligible library consortium; or
``(D) a library association that exists on a
permanent basis, serves libraries or library
professionals on a national, regional, State, or local
level, and engages in activities designed to advance
the well-being of libraries and the library profession.
``(2) Eligible library.--The term `eligible library'
means--
``(A) a public library;
``(B) an elementary or secondary school library;
``(C) a library that is operated by an institution
of higher education;
``(D) a research library or archive that is not an
integral part of an institution of higher education and
that makes publicly available library services and
materials that are suitable for scholarly research and
not otherwise available; or
``(E) a Tribal library.
``(3) Eligible library consortium.--The term `eligible
library consortium' means a local, statewide, regional,
interstate, or international cooperative association of library
entities that provides for the systematic and effective
coordination of the resources of eligible libraries, and
information centers that work to improve the services delivered
to the clientele of these libraries.
``(b) Grant Program.--From amounts made available under this
section for a fiscal year, the Assistant Secretary shall award grants,
on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable those eligible
entities to carry out pilot programs to address the needs of homeless
individuals or individuals at risk of homelessness.
``(c) Use of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Each eligible entity receiving funds
under this section may use such funds to provide programs or
resources that address the needs of homeless individuals or
individuals at risk of homelessness by--
``(A) connecting them with resources to help them
transition to stable, independent or supported living,
through the eligible entity's own activities or through
subgrants to eligible libraries, as appropriate;
``(B) providing homeless individuals or individuals
at risk of homelessness with programs on issues such as
health, mortgage or rental assistance, and applying for
government benefits; or
``(C) partnering with other community organizations
or the locality's department of public health for
outreach activities and connections to other relevant
services.
``(2) Criteria for subgrants.--In awarding a subgrant under
this section, an eligible entity shall--
``(A) require eligible libraries desiring a
subgrant to submit an application containing--
``(i) the estimated number of homeless
individuals or individuals at risk of
homelessness that will be served under the
homelessness-related programs to be funded by
the subgrant; and
``(ii) any other criteria established by
the grantee in the application submitted under
subsection (d); and
``(B) give preference to eligible libraries that
propose to carry out programs or develop resources that
integrate existing Federal or State programs that serve
homeless individuals or individuals at risk of
homelessness.
``(d) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this
section shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Assistant Secretary may require.
Each application shall include--
``(1) a description of the homelessness-related programs or
resources that the eligible entity will support (in accordance
with subsection (c)(1)) either through its own activities or
through subgrants to eligible libraries;
``(2) a description of how community or governmental
partners will be involved in the homelessness-related programs
or resources provided by the eligible entity; and
``(3) in the case of projects that the eligible entity
intends to carry out through subgrants--
``(A) a description of how the eligible entity will
make subgrants, including any priorities or
considerations that will be applied in making such
subgrants;
``(B) a description of how the eligible entity will
disseminate, in a timely manner, information regarding
the subgrants, and the application process for such
subgrants;
``(C) a description of the criteria that the
eligible entity will require for the programs carried
out by subgrantees with funds awarded by that eligible
entity; and
``(D) an assurance that each eligible library that
receives a subgrant will use the funds from that
subgrant to provide programs that primarily serve
homeless individuals or individuals at risk of
homelessness.
``(e) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the Assistant
Secretary--
``(1) shall consult with the Director of the Institute of
Museum and Library Services and the Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development; and
``(2) may consult with the Interagency Council on
Homelessness or any other appropriate Federal agency or office
to help ensure that funds are disbursed and utilized
effectively.
``(f) Reports.--Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this
section for a fiscal year shall prepare and submit a report to the
Assistant Secretary, in such form and containing such information, as
the Assistant Secretary may reasonably require to determine the extent
to which funds provided under this section have been effective in
carrying out the purposes of this section.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for the first fiscal
year beginning after the date of enactment of this section and for each
of the 9 succeeding fiscal years thereafter.''.
SEC. 306. REPORT ON INCLUSIVE TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT TO ENHANCE
CLIMATE MITIGATION AND DISASTER RESILIENCY.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on how to add a focus
to housing programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
on--
(1) infill projects that better connect people to jobs and
transit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
(2) supporting developers and local governments
constructing units on existing or underused urban land close to
city amenities and transportation.
SEC. 307. ESTABLISHING AN INNOVATION PILOT WITHIN THE CARBON REDUCTION
PROGRAM.
Section 175(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraphs
(2) and (3)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Innovation pilot.--
``(A) In general.--In addition to eligible projects
under paragraphs (1) and (2), funds apportioned to a
State under section 104(b)(7) may be used for
innovative strategies to reduce transportation
emissions, including associated infrastructure
improvements that will increase the share of
nonmotorized trips and improve the efficiency of
existing surface transportation infrastructure to
address carbon reduction.
``(B) Notice.--Not later than 120 days after the
date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary
shall provide notice and guidance for interested
entities to participate in activities under
subparagraph (A).
``(C) Exclusion.--Funds used to carry out a project
under subparagraph (A) may not be used on a project
that increases net capacity for vehicular travel.''.
SEC. 308. MAKING INFILL HOUSING AND OTHER TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENCY
PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR RAISE GRANTS.
Section 6702(a)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (H) as subparagraph (I);
and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:
``(H) a project or series of projects to reduce
transportation emissions, including associated
infrastructure improvements to support infill
development or transit-oriented development, and to
increase nonmotorized trips, subject to the conditions
that--
``(i) the project or series of projects
shall directly improve the efficiency of
existing surface transportation infrastructure;
and
``(ii) the Federal share for the project or
series of projects shall be used to fund only
the elements of the project or series that
provide public benefits; and''.
SEC. 309. HOMELESSNESS AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE COORDINATION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Behavioral health.--The term ``behavioral health''
includes mental health and substance use.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means an
entity described in section 402(c)(4) that is eligible for a
competitive grant under subsection (b).
(3) Person experiencing homelessness.--The term ``person
experiencing homelessness'' has the same meaning as the terms
``homeless'', ``homeless individual'', and ``homeless person'',
as defined in section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302).
(4) Substance use disorder.--The term ``substance use
disorder'' means the disorder that occurs when the recurrent
use of alcohol or drugs, or both, causes clinically significant
impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure
to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
(5) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal
organization''--
(A) has the meaning given the term in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 3504); and
(B) includes entities that serve Native Hawaiians,
as defined in section 338K(c) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254s(c)).
(b) Establishment of Grant Program.--The Secretary, in consultation
with the working group established under subsection (c), shall
establish a grant program to award competitive grants to eligible
entities to build or increase the capacity of the eligible entity for
the better coordination of health care and homelessness services for
people--
(1) experiencing homelessness and significant behavioral
health issues, including substance use disorder; and
(2) who are voluntarily seeking assistance.
(c) Working Group.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an
interagency working group to provide advice to the Secretary in
carrying out the program established under subsection (b).
(2) Composition.--The working group established under
paragraph (1) shall include representatives from the Department
of Housing and Urban Development, the United States Interagency
Council on Homelessness, the Department of Health and Human
Services, the Department of Agriculture, and Bureau of Indian
Affairs, to be appointed by the heads of such agencies.
(3) Development of assistance tools.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, the working group
established under paragraph (1) shall--
(A) develop training, tools, and other technical
assistance materials that simplify homelessness
services for providers of health care and simplify
health care services for providers of homelessness
services by identifying the basic elements the health
and homelessness sectors need to understand about the
other; and
(B) circulate the materials described in
subparagraph (A) to interested entities, particularly
eligible entities that apply for grants awarded
pursuant to this section.
(d) Capacity-Building Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award 5-year grants to
eligible entities, which shall be used only to build or
increase capacities to coordinate health care and homelessness
services.
(2) Prohibition.--None of the proceeds from the grants
awarded pursuant to this subsection may be used to pay for--
(A) health care, with the exception of efforts to
increase the availability of Naloxone and provide
training for the administration of Naloxone; or
(B) rent.
(3) Amount.--The amount awarded to an eligible entity under
a grant under this subsection shall not exceed $500,000.
(4) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, an entity shall--
(A) be--
(i) a governmental entity at the county,
city, regional, or locality level;
(ii) an Indian Tribe, a tribally designated
housing entity, a Tribal organization, or an
urban Indian organization;
(iii) a public housing agency administering
housing choice vouchers; or
(iv) a continuum of care or nonprofit
organization designated by the continuum of
care;
(B) be responsible for homelessness services;
(C) provide such assurances as the Secretary shall
require that, in carrying out activities with amounts
from the grant, the entity will ensure that services
are culturally competent, meet the needs of the people
being served, and follow trauma-informed best practices
to address those needs using a harm reduction approach;
and
(D) demonstrate how the capacity of the entity to
coordinate health care and homelessness services to
better serve people experiencing homelessness and
significant behavioral health issues, including
substance use disorder, can be increased through--
(i) the designation of a governmental
official as a coordinator for making
connections between health and homelessness
services and developing a strategy for using
those services in a holistic way to help people
experiencing homelessness and behavioral health
conditions such as substance use disorder,
including those with cooccurring conditions;
(ii) improvements in infrastructure at the
systems level;
(iii) improvements in technology for
voluntary remote monitoring capabilities,
including internet and video, which can allow
for more home- and community-based behavioral
health care services and ensure such
improvements maintain effective communication
requirements for persons with disabilities and
program access for persons with limited English
proficiency;
(iv) improvements in connections to health
care services delivered by providers
experienced in behavioral health care and
people experiencing homelessness;
(v) efforts to increase the availability of
Naloxone and provide training for the
administration of Naloxone; and
(vi) any additional activities identified
by the Secretary that will advance the
coordination of homelessness assistance,
housing, and behavioral health care services
and other health care services.
(5) Eligible activities.--An eligible entity receiving a
grant under this subsection may use the grant to cover costs
related to--
(A) hiring system coordinators; and
(B) administrative costs, including staffing costs,
technology costs, and other such costs identified by
the Secretary.
(6) Distribution of funds.--An eligible entity receiving a
grant under this subsection may distribute all or a portion of
the grant amounts to private nonprofit organizations, other
government entities, public housing agencies, tribally
designated housing entities, or other entities as determined by
the Secretary to carry out programs and activities in
accordance with this section.
(7) Oversight requirements.--
(A) Annual reports.--Not later than 6 years after
the date on which grant amounts are first received by
an eligible entity under this subsection, the eligible
entity shall submit to the Secretary a report on the
activities carried out under the grant, which shall
include, with respect to activities carried out with
grant amounts in the community served--
(i) measures of outcomes relating to
whether people experiencing homelessness and
significant behavioral health issues, including
substance use disorder, who sought help from an
entity that received a grant--
(I) were housed and did not
experience intermittent periods of
homelessness;
(II) were voluntarily enrolled in
treatment and recovery programs;
(III) experienced improvements in
their health;
(IV) obtained access to specific
primary care providers; and
(V) have health care plans that
meet their individual needs, including
access to mental health and substance
use disorder treatment and recovery
services;
(ii) how grant funds were used; and
(iii) any other matters determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this
paragraph may be construed to condition the receipt of
future housing and other services by individuals
assisted with activities and services provided with
grant amounts on the outcomes detailed in the reports
submitted under this paragraph.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2024 through 2029, of which not less than 5 percent of such funds
shall be awarded to Indian Tribes, tribally designated housing
entities, and Tribal organizations.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3765)
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