Safe Temperature Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5033
- 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
- 2025-09-19T16:09:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Safe Temperature Act of 2025 aims to ensure that dwelling units receiving specific federal housing assistance maintain a comfortable and safe indoor temperature range of 71 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. This is intended to protect the health and well-being of residents in federally supported housing programs.
Key Provisions
- Amendments to the United States Housing Act of 1937:
- Adds a requirement under Section 8(o)(13) for owners of units receiving housing assistance payments (commonly known as Section 8 vouchers) to keep indoor temperatures between 71 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Adds a provision under Section 9 allowing the use of funds from the Capital Fund (for major repairs and improvements) or the Operating Fund (for day-to-day expenses) in public housing to maintain the specified temperature range.
- Amendments to the Housing Act of 1959:
- Updates Section 202, which covers supportive housing for the elderly, by requiring owners of assisted housing to ensure each unit maintains temperatures between 71 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. This replaces the two existing subsections labeled (m).
The bill empowers the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enforce these temperature standards.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces mandatory temperature maintenance requirements for the first time in Section 8 voucher programs and public housing, where none previously existed in this specific form.
- Expands allowable uses of Capital and Operating Funds explicitly for temperature control in public housing.
- Replaces prior subsections in the elderly housing law (Section 202) with a new, focused requirement on temperature maintenance, potentially streamlining or updating related administrative rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: HUD will need to oversee compliance, potentially increasing administrative workload and costs for inspections or funding allocations. This could strain budgets if additional resources are required for enforcement or repairs.
- On Citizens: Low-income residents, particularly in public housing, Section 8 programs, and elderly supportive housing, may benefit from safer living conditions that reduce risks of heat- or cold-related health issues, such as hypothermia or heatstroke.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses solely on domestic housing policy.
- Overall, the legislation could lead to improved quality of life for vulnerable populations but may raise operational costs for housing providers, potentially affecting affordability or requiring federal funding adjustments.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Residents: Primarily low-income families, individuals in public housing, Section 8 voucher holders, and elderly tenants in supportive housing who rely on federal assistance.
- Property Owners and Managers: Those operating federally assisted units, who must now comply with temperature standards and may face new maintenance obligations.
- Government Entities: HUD and local public housing authorities responsible for funding, enforcement, and program administration.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on housing rights, tenant safety, and elderly care, which may support or monitor implementation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens tenant protections under federal housing laws by adding enforceable standards for habitability (livable conditions), potentially providing grounds for legal action if temperatures fall outside the range. No conflicts with existing statutes are evident, but implementation details (e.g., how temperatures are measured) may require HUD regulations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the government's role in promoting general welfare (as per the U.S. Constitution's preamble), without raising privacy or property rights concerns, as it applies only to federally assisted properties.
- Political: Could appeal to bipartisan interests in public health and affordable housing but might spark debates over increased federal spending or burdens on property owners. As an introduced bill (H.R. 5033, 119th Congress), it faces committee review and potential amendments before enactment.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]
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
- Safe Temperature Act of 2025 — issued 2025-08-22 — PDF (3 pages)