Fix Moldy Housing Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2746

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-05-15T17:57:49Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Fix Moldy Housing Act" (H.R. 2746) aims to support state and Tribal governments in evaluating and addressing indoor mold problems in buildings and homes. It focuses on creating guidance, standards, and funding to improve mold assessment and cleanup, particularly in public facilities and residences, to protect public health.

Key Provisions

• Study on Mold Assessment and Remediation (Section 2): The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator must partner with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study when indoor mold requires evaluation and cleanup, and how to do so safely. A report on the findings must be submitted to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment.

• National Standards for Mold (Section 3): Within two years of enactment, the EPA, working with other federal agencies, must develop nonbinding national guidelines. These will specify mold levels that trigger assessment and cleanup, and provide steps for safe evaluation and removal. The guidelines will incorporate the study's results.

• Assistance Program for States and Tribes (Section 4): The EPA will run a program to help states and Tribal governments manage mold issues, using the study and standards as a basis. Key elements include:
• Grants to create licensing programs for mold assessors and remediators (covering operation and administrative costs).
• Preference for grants to areas prone to mold, based on standards, humidity, or other factors.
• Technical support for state and Tribal mold programs.
• EPA-led training seminars on mold handling.
• Funding: $50 million authorized annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

• Grants for Mold in Public and Private Buildings (Section 5): The EPA will provide grants to states and Tribes for mold assessment and cleanup in:
• Government-owned or leased buildings, such as schools and housing.
• Private homes, including single-family and multi-family properties.
• Additional uses: Temporary housing (up to 6 months, including moving costs) for severely affected residents without insurance or financial means, determined case-by-case.
• Requirements: Recipients must establish mold licensing programs and avoid using funds for high-income households (as defined by the EPA).
• Priorities: Low-income housing or communities; mold-prone areas.
• Federal contribution: Up to 60% of costs; at least 20% of funds allocated to public buildings and 20% to private residences.
• Funding: $50 million authorized annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

• Definitions (Section 6): Key terms include "Administrator" (EPA head), "mold" (fungal growth on damp or decaying matter), and "State" (includes D.C. and U.S. territories).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new federal involvement in mold management, as there are currently no nationwide standards or dedicated funding for mold assessment and remediation. It establishes the first nonbinding national guidelines and grant programs specifically for states and Tribes to license professionals and address mold in public and private spaces, filling a gap in federal environmental health policy.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The EPA will gain responsibilities for studies, standards, grants, technical aid, and training, increasing its workload and budget needs. States and Tribal governments will receive tools and funding to build local programs but must implement licensing and eligibility rules.
• Citizens: Low-income residents, especially in humid or mold-prone areas, may benefit from safer housing, reduced health risks from mold (e.g., respiratory issues), and temporary relocation support. High-income households are excluded from certain aid, potentially shifting costs to private markets.
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic environmental health.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• State and Tribal Governments: Primary recipients of grants and technical assistance; must develop licensing and prioritize vulnerable areas.
• EPA and Federal Agencies: Lead implementation, including collaboration on standards.
• Low-Income Households and Communities: Targeted for mold cleanup in homes and public buildings, with relocation aid for the most affected.
• Mold Professionals: Required to obtain licenses in participating jurisdictions, potentially standardizing and professionalizing the field.
• Public Building Operators: Schools, government housing, and other facilities gain resources for mold issues.
• Private Homeowners and Renters: Access to remediation funding, especially in multi-family or single-family properties in high-risk zones.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The nonbinding standards respect state sovereignty by providing guidance rather than mandates, avoiding potential federal overreach challenges. Grant conditions (e.g., licensing requirements) tie funding to compliance, a common federal tool for influencing state actions without direct regulation.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power to promote public health and welfare; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as it empowers rather than overrides states and Tribes.
• Political: Authorizes $100 million annually (total $500 million over five years) but requires separate appropriations, which could face budget debates. Emphasizes equity by prioritizing low-income and vulnerable groups, potentially appealing to public health advocates while raising questions about cost allocation and enforcement in diverse jurisdictions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-04-08: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-08: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Fix Moldy Housing Act — issued 2025-04-08 — PDF (8 pages)