Summary#
This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to run a nationwide testing program to detect and document differences in how people are treated when renting, buying, or refinancing homes and mortgages. HUD must work with qualified fair housing enforcement organizations to do the testing, set training standards for testers, and report results to Congress. Testing results can be used by HUD, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations to start investigations or enforcement actions. The bill also raises authorized funding for the Fair Housing Initiatives Program, sets how that funding should be allocated, and requires HUD to issue regulations about tester training. It creates a competitive matching grant program for nonprofit and public organizations to study housing discrimination and run pilot projects. The bill includes a congressional “sense” urging HUD to run coordinated education and outreach and to enforce fair housing obligations. It also prohibits using funds for political activities, lobbying, or political travel.
What it means for you#
- HUD will be required to carry out nationwide tests to measure whether people face different treatment in housing and mortgage markets because of race, color, religion, sex, family status, disability, or national origin.
- Results from testing and required reports will be sent to Congress and may be used by enforcement organizations and governments to pursue investigations or enforcement actions.
- Qualified private nonprofit groups can receive funding through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program and through competitive matching grants to study discrimination and try pilot solutions.
- HUD must set training standards for testers and publish regulations within 180 days of the law taking effect.
Expenses#
- Testing program: authorizes $15,000,000 per year for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out the testing program.
- Fair Housing Initiatives Program: authorizes $42,500,000 per year for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028. At least 75% of these funds must go to private enforcement initiatives; up to 10% may go to education and outreach; remaining amounts for other program activities. Appropriated amounts remain available until expended.
- Grants for studies and pilots: authorizes $5,000,000 per year for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 for a competitive matching grant program. Grantees must provide matching non-Federal funds equal to 50% of the grant amount (including in-kind contributions).
- Restriction: none of the funds may be used for political activities, political advocacy, lobbying, political travel, or tax preparation advice as defined by OMB Circular A-122.
Proponents' View#
The bill aims to strengthen detection and documentation of housing discrimination by funding nationwide testing, increasing funding for private enforcement and outreach, supporting research and pilot projects, and requiring HUD to set training standards and report findings to Congress. The text expresses that HUD should maintain coordinated education and outreach and enforce fair housing obligations.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.