Title X Amendments Act of 2013

Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) introduced the House version of the Title X Amendments Act of 2013 on March 20. The eight original co-sponsors who joined her are representatives David Cicilline (D-RI), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Frederica Wilson (D-FL). The bill, H.R. 1232, is the companion to S.B. 290, which was  introduced in the Senate February 13th by senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Al Franken (D-MN).

These technical amendments to Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 would permit HUD to continue to carry out healthy housing activities as well as lead remediation efforts, and streamline families’ eligibility for assistance. The amendments are necessary reforms designed to improve and expedite the delivery of cost-effective services, while aligning legislative authority with current needs and practices. They will enable HUD lead and healthy homes grantees to correct the most pressing health and safety threats, use another federal program’s income and eligibility information to qualify a family for assistance, and assist zero-bedroom units. In addition, the bill would allow tribal governments to apply for funding, as well as nonprofit organizations that have the support of state or local governments.

The next step for the Title X Amendments Act of 2013 is consideration by the respective authorizing committees – House Committee on Financial Services and Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.