H.R. 8877: Improving Self-Sufficiency of Families in HUD-Subsidized Housing Act

This bill, known as the Improving Self-Sufficiency of Families in HUD-Subsidized Housing Act, proposes the following main actions:

Study on Work Requirements

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is tasked with conducting a study on the implementation of work requirements by certain public housing agencies. These agencies must participate in a specific program known as the Moving to Work demonstration, which allows them to innovate in their management of housing and assistance programs.

Scope of the Study

The study will examine:

• The short-, medium-, and long-term benefits and challenges that work requirements impose on both the public housing agencies and the families who participate in these programs.
• The effects of work requirements on various social factors, including:
  • Rates of homelessness
  • Poverty rates
  • Asset building
  • Earnings growth
  • Job attainment and retention
  • The administrative capability of public housing agencies
• Both quantitative and qualitative evidence such as interviews with affected families and their resident councils.

Report Submission Timeline

The Secretary is required to submit an initial report with the findings of the study within one year of the bill's enactment. This report will be sent to both the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the House Committee on Financial Services.

Conditions for the Study

The obligation to conduct the study will be applicable only if the Secretary determines that:

• There are enough public housing agencies participating to allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of the work requirements.
• Conducting the study will not negatively affect low-income families who are receiving housing assistance through these agencies.

Public Housing Agencies Involved

The public housing agencies subject to this study are those that submit proposals identifying work requirements as part of their application to be involved in the Moving to Work demonstration.

Relevant Companies

None found.