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Housing Is a Human Right Act of 2023
1/4/2025, 11:12 AM
Summary of Bill HR 1708
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.
Congressional Summary of HR 1708
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.
Current Status of Bill HR 1708
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1708
Total Number of Sponsors
3Democrat Sponsors
3Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1708
Primary Policy Focus
Housing and Community DevelopmentComments
Carolina Turner
1 year ago
I think this new housing bill is great! Finally, someone is doing something about the housing crisis in our country. It's about time we prioritize the basic human right of having a roof over our heads. This bill could really make a difference for so many people struggling to find affordable housing. But, will it be enough to truly address the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity in America?
