Naomi Schwartz and Susan Rose Safe Parking Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5018
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Housing and Community Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-22: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-16T09:06:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Naomi Schwartz and Susan Rose Safe Parking Act of 2025 (H.R. 5018)
Purpose
This bill aims to expand support for homeless individuals living in vehicles by allowing federal emergency housing grants to fund safe overnight parking options. It seeks to help these individuals transition to stable housing while providing immediate safety and basic services.
Key Provisions
- Eligible Activities Expansion: Adds "maintenance, operation, insurance, and provision of utilities related to safe parking" as an approved use of funds under the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This program provides short-term aid for rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention.
- Definition of Safe Parking: Defines "safe parking" as an activity that:
- Offers a secure overnight parking spot for homeless people in vehicles (including motor homes) to promote a move toward permanent housing.
- Includes re-housing assistance and supportive services, such as case management or access to resources.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 415(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11374(a)) by inserting a new eligible activity for ESG funds, broadening how grant money can address vehicle-based homelessness.
- Updates Section 411 of the same Act (42 U.S.C. 11371) by adding a new definition for "safe parking" and renumbering existing paragraphs to accommodate it. This formalizes safe parking as a recognized homelessness intervention, which was not explicitly covered before.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Local governments and recipients of ESG funds (administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) gain flexibility to allocate resources for parking programs, potentially reducing strain on emergency shelters.
- On Citizens: Provides safer, more dignified options for homeless individuals in vehicles, aiding their path to stable housing and reducing risks like exposure to weather or crime. It may indirectly benefit communities by improving public safety around informal parking areas.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic homelessness policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Homeless Individuals: Primary beneficiaries, especially those living in vehicles, who gain access to secure parking and support services.
- Local Governments and Nonprofits: Entities receiving ESG grants can now use funds for safe parking, enabling new or expanded programs.
- Service Providers: Organizations offering re-housing and supportive services may see increased demand and funding opportunities.
- Communities: Local residents and businesses near parking sites could experience changes in neighborhood dynamics, such as reduced roadside camping.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the ESG program's framework by explicitly authorizing innovative uses of funds, potentially setting a precedent for addressing "hidden" homelessness (e.g., vehicle dwellers). No conflicts with existing federal housing laws are evident.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the government's role in promoting general welfare under the Constitution, without raising privacy, property, or due process concerns.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan effort (introduced by representatives from both parties) to tackle homelessness creatively amid rising urban challenges. It could influence future funding debates by highlighting vehicle living as a distinct issue, though implementation may vary by locality due to zoning or land-use regulations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-22: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-08-22: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Naomi Schwartz and Susan Rose Safe Parking Act of 2025 — issued 2025-08-22 — PDF (2 pages)