S 4012 — Green New Deal for Public Housing Act

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in Senate Current html March 21, 2024

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends existing laws to enhance public housing modernization and integrate environmental concerns while increasing tenant participation and management by low-income individuals.

• Section 2(a) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437(a))

  N/A → "(a) Declaration of Policy.--It is the policy of the United States-- (1) to modernize the intersections of Federal and local government by employing the funds and credit of the United States, as provided in this Act-- (A) to guarantee the right to housing for every individual; (B) to assist States and political subdivisions of States in ensuring that-- (i) all housing in the United States is habitable, highly energy-efficient, and safe; and (ii) housing conditions lead to good health, security, and adequate protection from the economic fears relating to old age, disability, sickness, accident, and unemployment; and (C) to protect, maintain, preserve, and expand public housing as a sustainable safety net for all people; (2) that it is the responsibility of the Federal Government, in conjunction with public housing agencies, to incentivize, promote, and protect the independent, collaborative, and collective actions of public housing residents and other private citizens to develop housing in a manner that strengthens entire neighborhoods; and (3) that the Federal Government should act and create new public housing where there is a serious need that the free market cannot address or is not addressing responsibly and support the staffing needed to maintain and sustain the quality of this public housing."

  This change specifies the federal policy to modernize public housing and ensure it meets various health and safety standards while guaranteeing housing rights.

• 4 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701v)

  N/A → "SEC. 4. IMPROVED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN IN GOVERNMENT HOUSING PROGRAMS. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) if Federal aid is to make its full community-wide contribution toward improving our urban and rural environments, Federal aid must have a greater impact on improvements in architectural design; and (2) even within the necessary budget limitations on housing for low- and moderate-income families, architectural design and environmental performance can be improved not only to make the housing more livable, but also to better suit the needs of occupants including human and environmental health, zero carbon emissions, well-being, accessibility, and equity. (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that in the administration of housing programs that assist in the provision of housing for low- and moderate-income families, emphasis should be given to-- (1) encouraging good architectural design that yields maximal environmental performance and adheres to accessibility guidelines established in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) as an essential component of such housing, and adequate staffing to maintain that design and environmental performance; and (2) developing, with opportunities for resident involvement, housing that will be of such quality as to reflect the highest international architectural standards and the architectural standards of the neighborhood and the community in which it is situated, consistent with prudent budgeting."

  This amendment emphasizes the importance of architectural design in government housing programs, promoting sustainability and residents' well-being.

• N/A

  N/A → The definitions section is expanded to include terms such as 'renewable energy' and 'zero-carbon home', providing clearer criteria for modernizing public housing.

  This addition clarifies the definitions related to sustainable practices in public housing.

• N/A

  N/A → Public housing laws have been modified to specify that eligible entities include Indian tribes or tribally designated housing entities, enhancing inclusivity in public housing initiatives.

  This change ensures that tribal entities are recognized and can participate in public housing programs.

Action History

1. March 21, 2024

   Introduced in Senate

2. March 21, 2024

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Sponsors

• Bernard Sanders · Primary

Subjects