U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., announced last week he brought back seven bills “to keep low-income housing tenants safe, hold property owners accountable, and increase the affordable housing stock.”
“Affordable homes are increasingly out of reach. And, in federally subsidized housing, have seen firsthand the disgusting and inhumane conditions that some residents have been forced to endure due to HUD’s neglect and property mismanagement. No one should have to live in fear for their health and safety. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure decent, safe, and sanitary housing conditions for Florida’s families,” Rubio said.
Below is a list of the seven bills Rubio reintroduced.
“Home Advantage for American Families Act.” First introduced in March 2020, this legislation would reduce foreign investment in the urban real estate market, much of which is connected to illicit activity, and instead increase investment in affordable housing. U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., will introduce companion legislation in the House.
“Housing Accountability Act.” Rubio first introduced this legislation in May 2019, which would require residents of private properties that have Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment contracts to be surveyed twice a year to determine the existence of persistent problems with a property’s physical condition or management.U.S Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Safe Temperature Act.” First introduced in January 2019, this legislation would allow the HUD secretary to require properties receiving federal assistance to safely maintain temperatures between 71 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., introduced companion legislation in the House.
“Liberty City Rising Act.” First introduced in May 2018, this legislation would improve safety standards for federally assisted public housing complexes located in high-crime areas, such as Miami’s Liberty City and Overtown. Wilson introduced companion legislation in the House.
“HUD Health and Safety Accountability Act.” First introduced in December 2021, this legislation would hold property owners and managers of Section 8 Project Based Rental Assistance housing accountable for health and safety conditions of properties. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is a cosponsor.
“HUD Inspection Reform and Capital Improvement Act.” First introduced in April 2019, and reintroduced with new provisions in July 2021, this legislation would require HUD health and sanitation inspections to take place according to a reasonable federal timeline. It would also require HUD to take enforcement action on failing properties to protect tenants and increase the department’s authority to hold agency staff accountable for misconduct. Scott is a cosponsor.
“Keep Children and Families Safe from Lead Hazards Act.” First introduced in September 2021, this legislation would direct HUD to identify and remediate exposure to lead hazards, including lead wall paint and lead drinking water service lines, in Section 8 housing programs. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., is a cosponsor, and U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., will introduce companion legislation in the House.
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