To amend the United States Housing Act of 1937 to permanently authorize the emergency safety and security grant program, and for other purposes.

Bill Number

H.R. 7360

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Housing and Community Development

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Last Updated

2026-03-13T08:05:37Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill (H.R. 7360) aims to permanently authorize an emergency safety and security grant program under the United States Housing Act of 1937. The program provides funding to improve safety and security in public housing developments, addressing threats from crime, drugs, health hazards like carbon monoxide or fire, and extreme temperatures.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary must create a grant program using appropriated funds, plus a portion set aside from the annual Capital Fund formula (a funding mechanism for public housing maintenance).
• Eligibility and Applications: Public housing agencies (PHAs)—local organizations that manage public housing—can apply for grants by submitting details as required by HUD. Agencies may submit separate applications for different uses.
• Allowed Uses of Funds: Grants support buying, installing, repairing, or replacing items such as:
• Security measures against crime and drugs: cameras, fencing, lighting, alarms, window bars, deadbolt locks, and doors.
• Health and safety measures: carbon monoxide alarms/detectors, smoke/heat detectors, and heating systems to meet HUD's minimum standards.
• Grant Limits: Up to $250,000 per PHA per fiscal year, with higher amounts possible for very large agencies (categorized as "extra large" by HUD or managing over 5,000 units).
• Funding Authorization: $225 million authorized annually starting the fiscal year after enactment, in addition to existing Capital Fund appropriations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Section 9(d) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g(d)) by adding the grant program to the list of permanently authorized Capital Fund activities (previously listed under subparagraphs (K) and (L), now expanded).
• Shifts the program from temporary or pilot status (implied by "emergency" naming) to a permanent fixture, ensuring ongoing funding and integration into HUD's standard public housing support.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Increases HUD's administrative responsibilities for processing applications and distributing grants, potentially straining resources if funding is not fully appropriated. PHAs gain reliable access to funds for maintenance, reducing reliance on emergency allocations.
• On Citizens: Enhances safety for low-income residents in public housing by reducing risks from crime, fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and inadequate heating/cooling, leading to safer living environments and fewer health incidents.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic housing policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Public Housing Agencies (PHAs): Primary recipients, benefiting from targeted funding for safety upgrades.
• Residents of Public Housing: Low-income individuals and families who live in federally supported housing, gaining improved security and health protections.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Oversees program implementation, application reviews, and guideline development (e.g., for heating standards).
• Federal Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through authorized appropriations, which require congressional approval to become actual spending.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens compliance with existing federal housing laws by embedding safety requirements into permanent funding streams, potentially reducing liability for PHAs in health/safety lawsuits. No new mandates on private entities.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I, Section 8, to promote general welfare through housing support; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as it targets federally assisted public housing.
• Political: Supports bipartisan priorities in affordable housing and community safety, but could spark debates over federal spending levels amid budget constraints. The bill's introduction in the 119th Congress (2d Session) highlights ongoing efforts to address urban safety challenges post-emergency periods like pandemics.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
• 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• To amend the United States Housing Act of 1937 to permanently authorize the emergency safety and security grant program, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (4 pages)