SECOND CHANCE HOUSING PROGRAM

Amends the Department of Returning Resident Affairs Act and amends the Freedom of Information Act and the Property Tax Code. Contains declarations and findings. Creates the Second Chance State Housing Program under which the Department of Returning Resident Affairs shall provide decent, affordable single-family and multi-family housing opportunities to returning residents who have been prescreened for and referred to the Program by a hub site operator and have completed a 12-hour course conducted by or through a hub site operator using a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved housing counselor. Provides that the Department shall receive not less than 15% of the Illinois affordable housing tax credit allocation. Provides that the Department may borrow money and issue notes and bonds, issue renewal notes, issue bonds to pay such notes, refund any bonds by the issuance of new bonds, create funds and accounts, and exercise other powers. Provides that the property of the Department and its income and operation are exempt from taxation. Provides that the Department shall be considered to be a municipality under the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act and have all of the authority, rights, powers, duties, and obligations of a municipality under that Act, subject to specified provisions. Provides that the Department's territorial limits shall be anywhere within the State. Provides that the Director of Returning Resident Affairs shall fulfill the role of all officials of a municipality and its corporate authorities. Provides that the Department may offer non-recourse reverse mortgage loans to qualified borrowers, subject to specified conditions. Provides that no unit of local government shall enact any zoning, permit, building code or other requirement for the purpose of preventing the Department from acquiring, revitalizing, rehabilitating, and conveying an interest in single-family and multi-family residential housing to one or more returning residents. Authorizes the purchase by the Department of tax delinquent single-family or multi-family residential property, subject to specified conditions. Makes other changes. Contains a severability provision. Effective immediately, but does not take effect at all unless another Act becomes law.