H.R. 8789: Volunteer First Responder Housing Act

This bill, known as the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act, proposes to expand certain housing program benefits for qualified volunteer first responders. The key components of the bill are outlined below:

Definitions

The bill defines several terms central to its provisions:

• Bona fide volunteer: An individual who is a genuine volunteer providing qualified services for an eligible employer.
• Eligible employer: An organization that can hire volunteers for specific services, defined under the relevant sections of the Internal Revenue Code.
• Qualified volunteer first responder: A volunteer who meets specific criteria, including:
  • Serves continuously as a volunteer for two years with an eligible employer.
  • Meets minimum active membership requirements or volunteers for a minimum of 200 hours over two years if no requirements are set.
  • Is certified as a firefighter or first responder in their area of service.

Department of Agriculture Housing Program

The bill stipulates that qualified volunteer first responders are eligible for:

• An annual income deduction of $18,000 when participating in the Department of Agriculture’s Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. This is dependent on submitting a valid verification letter from their employer.

This verification letter must confirm their initial joining date, show they meet volunteer service requirements, and provide necessary certification of their role.

Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program

The bill also includes provisions for qualified volunteer first responders to gain eligibility in programs like the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program, which provides discounted home prices. To qualify, responders must:

• Submit a verification letter confirming their volunteer service and intentions to continue serving for at least one year after closing on a home.

Verification Requirements

In both the aforementioned programs, the verification letter must include:

• The date the individual began volunteering.
• An attestation that they meet all established requirements.
• Proof of their certification as a first responder.

Overall, the bill aims to support volunteer first responders by providing them with housing assistance, making it easier for them to access affordable housing options.

Relevant Companies

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