Yes in God's Backyard Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6957
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Housing and Community Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-07: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-18T17:17:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This bill, titled the "Yes in God's Backyard Act," aims to increase the supply of affordable rental housing by providing technical assistance and competitive grants. It targets barriers to developing or preserving such housing on property owned by faith-based organizations and institutions of higher education, while encouraging supportive policies by state and local governments.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Definitions: Establishes terms such as "affordable rental housing" (rent not exceeding 30% of household income for covered households at or below 100% of area median income), "faith-based organization," "institution of higher education," and related categories like extremely low-income families or those at risk of homelessness.
- Technical Assistance Program: Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create resources on developing affordable housing, including for low-income households, homeless individuals, people with disabilities, and special needs populations. The program emphasizes best practices, federal assistance options, and local policy changes. Consultation with the Partnership Center and other agencies is required, with materials made public. Authorized funding is $25 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million annually from 2027 to 2031.
- Challenge Grant Program: Creates competitive grants for eligible grantees (units of local government, states, metropolitan planning organizations, or multi-jurisdiction entities) with policies removing barriers to affordable housing on faith-based or higher education properties. Applicants must submit plans, solicit public comments, and address feedback. Preferences go to projects serving extremely low-income families, homeless populations, or those in well-resourced areas. Allowable uses include policy assessments, outreach, grants/loans to projects, and related activities. Funding is $50 million per year from 2026 to 2031, with up to 10% for administration.
- Reporting: Grantees must provide data for monitoring and evaluation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced The bill amends Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12721 et seq.) by adding a new Subtitle G. This creates two new HUD-administered programs focused specifically on faith-based and higher education properties, which were not previously addressed in this manner under the Act.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities for HUD in program administration, technical assistance, and grant oversight; may require coordination with other federal departments.
- Citizens: Could expand access to affordable rental options for low-income households, homeless individuals, veterans, and those with disabilities, particularly in opportunity-rich areas.
- International Relations: No direct impacts identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Faith-based organizations and institutions of higher education (as property owners and beneficiaries of assistance).
- State and local governments (as grant applicants and policy implementers).
- Low-income and special-needs populations (as intended housing recipients).
- HUD and related federal agencies.
- Community partners and developers involved in housing projects.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The inclusion of faith-based organizations raises potential considerations under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, though the bill structures assistance neutrally through definitions and consultation requirements. No other significant constitutional issues are apparent in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-07: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2026-01-07: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Yes in God's Backyard Act — issued 2026-01-07 — PDF (11 pages)