H.R. 5825: Tribal Housing Innovation Act

The bill known as the **Tribal Housing Innovation Act** aims to establish a grant program managed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This program is intended to support Indian Tribes and Tribally designated housing entities in constructing and improving residential homes that incorporate sustainable features. Here’s a breakdown of the main components of the bill:

Grant Program Overview

The Secretary of HUD is required to set up a competitive grant program within one year of the bill passing. The grants are aimed at two primary activities:

• Building a new residential dwelling unit with at least one sustainable feature.
• Adding at least one sustainable feature to an existing residential dwelling unit.

Application Process

Entities that wish to apply for a grant must submit an application that includes:

• A plan detailing the construction or improvement activities.
• Information on additional financing sources beyond the grant amounts.
• Evidence demonstrating the entity's capability to execute the plan.
• If applicable, certification from each Indian Tribe involved, provided on official letterhead, allowing the entity to apply for the grant.

Rental Requirements

Any residential unit that is built or modified using these grant funds can only be rented to:

• Members of the Indian Tribe if the entity applying is an Indian Tribe.
• Members of an Indian Tribe served by the Tribally designated housing entity if that is the applicant.

Reporting Requirements

Eligible entities receiving grant funds must report to the Secretary within three months after each fiscal year about:

• The number of residential units built or modified and their intended ownership status.
• The number of units leased and their intended use as residence.
• Details of each sustainable feature added.
• Any additional information required by the Secretary.

Moreover, the Secretary is tasked with reporting to Congress annually on the national impact of the grant program.

Funding

The bill authorizes an annual appropriation of $150 million starting in fiscal year 2025 to support the grant program.

Definitions

The bill includes several key definitions:

• Eligible Entity: An Indian Tribe or a Tribally designated housing entity.
• Sustainable Feature: A feature that enhances the sustainability of a residential unit, including energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and insulation.
• Residential Dwelling Unit: A unit intended for ownership or lease for habitation by individuals.

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