S. 1091: Rural Housing Accessibility Act

This bill, titled the Rural Housing Accessibility Act, proposes changes to how certain public housing agencies handle housing choice vouchers. The main points of the bill are as follows:

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to facilitate greater accessibility to housing for families with vouchers, especially in rural areas, by requiring specific public housing agencies to accept these vouchers without prolonged billing to the initial agency.

Key Provisions

• Definitions: The bill outlines important terms such as "covered public housing agency," "initial public housing agency," and "portable family" to clarify who is impacted by the proposed changes.
• Requirements for Agencies:
  • Absorb the voucher using its own funds, or
  • Bill the initial public housing agency for a period not exceeding 12 months.
• These agencies must also make assistance payments to the families with portable vouchers under an agreement with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
• The covered public housing agency may not bill the initial public housing agency for assistance payments for more than 12 months after the start of the billing period.

Impact on Public Housing Agencies

The bill specifically targets public housing authorities that are underutilizing their budgetary resources. By mandating the absorption of portable vouchers, it aims to increase housing support for families who require assistance in seeking housing options outside their original jurisdiction.

Overall Goals

The overall goal of this legislation is to enhance the mobility of families using housing choice vouchers, making it easier for them to find homes in areas with potentially better living conditions, schools, and job opportunities.

Relevant Companies

None found