S. 2423: Streamlining Rural Housing Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

The Streamlining Rural Housing Act of 2025 aims to enhance the coordination and efficiency of housing projects funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Here are the key components of the bill:

Memorandum of Understanding

Within 180 days of the bill becoming law, HUD and USDA are required to:

Evaluate Categorical Exclusions: Review categorical exclusions related to housing projects that receive funding from both departments, as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act.
Designate a Lead Agency: Create a process to choose one agency as the lead for housing projects, which will help streamline the environmental impact statements and assessments needed for these projects.
Ensure Environmental Compliance: Maintain adherence to relevant environmental regulations as of January 1, 2025.
Joint Physical Inspection Process: Assess the possibility of a joint inspection process for housing projects funded by both agencies to improve efficiency.

Advisory Working Group

Also, within 180 days of enactment, HUD and USDA must establish an advisory working group consisting of various stakeholders, which may include:

Nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing.
State housing agencies.
Home builders and housing developers, both nonprofit and for-profit.
Property management companies.
Owners of multifamily properties.
Public housing agencies.
Residents in approved housing and their representatives.
Contract administrators for housing projects.

Reporting Requirements

One year after the bill is enacted, HUD and USDA must submit a report to relevant congressional committees. This report should include:

Recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of funded housing projects.
Proposals that do not compromise resident safety, increase long-term costs for residents, or lower environmental standards.

Purpose of the Bill

The overall aim of the Streamlining Rural Housing Act of 2025 is to make the process of developing rural housing projects more streamlined and efficient, while ensuring that environmental standards and resident safety are not compromised.