Housing Is a Human Right Act of 2023

Housing is a Human Right Act of 2023

This bill establishes and expands programs to assist homeless and housing-unstable individuals and establishes new real property-related taxes to fund specified Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs.

HUD must establish the Community Development Block Grant Plus Program for state and local governments to assist homeless and housing-unstable individuals as well as cost-burdened households. These funds may be used only for certain activities that assist these populations, including the construction of new affordable housing.

The bill also establishes other grant programs to assist these individuals, such as by facilitating access to voting and libraries.

Governmental entities may not receive assistance under the bill unless they have, or are working to implement, policies that (1) do not criminally punish homeless individuals for sleeping outside or on public property, and (2) comply with constitutional protections for these individuals' property.

In addition, the bill establishes additional taxes on (1) the sale or exchange of real property if the amount realized from the transaction is at least $10 million, (2) the sale or exchange of real property involving an anonymous entity, and (3) rent received by landlords that own large amounts of dwelling units. The revenue from these taxes must be credited to various HUD programs in specified percentages.

The Government Accountability Office must study (1) the allocation formula for Emergency Food and Shelter Program grants, and (2) recipient compliance with various grant program guidelines.

Bill 118 HR 1708, also known as the Housing Is a Human Right Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the issue of affordable housing and homelessness in the country. The bill seeks to ensure that every individual has access to safe, affordable, and stable housing, recognizing housing as a fundamental human right.

The key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a national housing trust fund to provide funding for the development and preservation of affordable housing units. The bill also aims to increase funding for rental assistance programs and expand access to housing vouchers for low-income individuals and families.

Additionally, the Housing Is a Human Right Act of 2023 includes measures to address homelessness, such as increasing funding for homeless shelters and support services, as well as implementing strategies to prevent homelessness and provide housing stability for at-risk populations. Overall, the bill seeks to address the housing crisis in the United States by prioritizing the needs of low-income individuals and families, and ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. It represents a significant step towards recognizing housing as a basic human right and working towards a more equitable and just society.