The HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2025 reauthorizes the HOME program with increased funding, authorizing $5 billion for fiscal year 2025 and increasing to $6.08 billion by 2029. The bill modifies program administration by increasing the percentage for program administration resources from 10% to 15%, eliminates a commitment deadline, and establishes a new home loan guarantee program with a $2 billion cap for 2025. It also reforms homeownership resale restrictions to better protect long-term affordability, adds requirements for property inspections, and strengthens enforcement for noncompliance with program rules. Specific provisions include alternative requirements for small-scale housing (with 4 or fewer units) and enhanced tenant protections for this housing type.
HR 6269, the Modular Housing Production Act, requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to review Federal Housing Administration (FHA) construction financing programs to identify barriers preventing modular home developers from participating. The review will examine issues like payment schedules during construction and administrative processes, with a report due within one year of the bill’s enactment. The bill also authorizes a grant to study a standardized coding system for modular homes to improve design, construction, and financing coordination. This legislation directly affects modular home developers seeking FHA financing, aiming to streamline their access to federal housing programs. It does not change existing laws but sets a process for potential future policy adjustments.
The Affordable Housing Bond Enhancement Act modifies provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to improve housing bond programs. It increases the financing limit for qualified home improvement loans from $15,000 to $75,000 (with annual inflation adjustments), eliminates restrictions on refinancing mortgages for eligible homeowners, and revises reporting requirements for bond usage. The bill also extends the period for mortgage credit certificates to remain in effect and makes other adjustments to housing finance provisions. These changes affect state and local housing authorities, mortgage lenders, and low- to moderate-income homeowners seeking affordable housing financing. The bill aims to make housing finance programs more flexible and accessible through concrete policy changes.
HR 4810, the BUILD Housing Act, streamlines environmental reviews for HUD-funded housing projects by allowing the Secretary to designate such assistance as "special project" funds under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This change directly affects HUD housing programs, local governments, and federally recognized tribes by simplifying the review process for projects like affordable housing developments. The bill specifically adds "Indian Tribe" to the list of entities that can assume environmental review responsibilities, aligning with existing tribal housing laws. It does not create new funding or housing but modifies procedural requirements for existing programs.
The Build HUBS Act (S 3636) improves federal transportation financing programs to support housing development near transit facilities. It defines "attainable housing" for households earning up to 120% of area median income (with most units affordable to those earning up to 80%), creates alternative credit assessment methods to reduce reliance on investment-grade ratings, and streamlines environmental reviews for certain housing projects. The bill establishes a delegated financing program modeled after HUD's housing system to speed up approvals for transit-oriented development projects. These changes primarily affect local governments, transit agencies, and developers working on housing near transit facilities, aiming to increase housing availability for lower- and middle-income residents.
The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 updates the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program to increase affordability and accessibility for low-income households. It raises state allocation amounts through revised per capita calculations, modifies income eligibility rules to better serve extremely low-income households, and adds protections for domestic violence victims in housing. The bill expands "difficult development areas" to include rural areas and Indian lands, and changes the program's name from "Low-Income Housing Credit" to "Affordable Housing Credit" to better reflect its purpose. These changes aim to make affordable housing more accessible while improving transparency and accountability in the program's implementation.
The Tribal Housing Innovation Act (HR 5825) creates a competitive grant program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund sustainable housing on tribal lands. It provides up to $150 million annually for Indian Tribes or tribal housing groups to build new residential units with sustainable features (like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, or insulation) or add such features to existing units. Grants require that units be rented only to tribal members, and recipients must report on the number of units built/modified, features added, and tenant demographics. The program mandates annual reporting to Congress on national impacts, aiming to improve housing sustainability while prioritizing tribal communities.
HR 646, the Build Housing with Care Act of 2025, establishes a HUD grant program to fund the co-location of affordable housing developments with child care facilities. It directly affects housing developers, child care providers, and residents of affordable housing by requiring grants to support projects in "child care deserts" (areas with severe child care shortages), prioritizing low-income, rural, or Head Start-serving providers. Key provisions mandate that projects must not evict residents, include resident engagement plans, and ensure child care providers serve low-income families or dual-language learners. The bill authorizes $100 million annually (2025-2030) and requires annual reports tracking child care slots created, resident usage, and demographic data.
This bill creates a public database of residential appraisal data to increase transparency in mortgage lending. It requires major mortgage agencies (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, USDA, VA) to share appraisal data with the Federal Housing Finance Agency, including property details, appraisal methods, and borrower demographics like race and ethnicity. The data will be made publicly available in searchable formats to help identify potential issues in how appraisals are conducted across different communities. It also establishes a process for borrowers to request a review of an appraisal they believe is inaccurate or reflects discrimination.
This bill permanently authorizes a grant program under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 to help public housing agencies improve safety and security in federally assisted housing for low-income residents. It provides funding for specific items like security cameras, fencing, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and heating systems to address threats from crime, drug activity, and health hazards like extreme temperatures. Public housing agencies can apply for grants up to $250,000 per year (with higher limits for larger agencies), supported by $225 million annually in dedicated funding. The change replaces a temporary program, ensuring consistent resources for critical safety upgrades in public housing communities.
