Summary:
Section 3 Modernization and Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to revise the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program for economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons.

Public and Indian housing agencies that receive HUD development assistance, operating assistance, or modernization grants provided under the program (recipients) must report annually to HUD on their compliance with employment and contracting requirements and on the performance of their contractors and subcontractors.

HUD must develop and implement policies and procedures for imposing a series of administrative sanctions, graduated in severity, on recipients and their contractors and subcontractors for noncompliance with this Act or the program's requirements.

The HUD rental assistance program is exempted from requirements that:

 opportunities for training and employment in connection with a housing rehabilitation, housing construction, or other public construction project be given to low- and very low-income persons residing within the metropolitan area (or nonmetropolitan county) in which the project is located; and contracts awarded for work in connection with such projects be given to businesses providing economic opportunities for such persons in those areas in which the assistance is expended. HUD shall require that public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of multifamily properties assisted under the rental assistance program, and their contractors and subcontractors, make their best efforts to give low- and very low-income persons all the training and employment opportunities generated by or in such properties, including opportunities: (1) not involving property construction or rehabilitation; and (2) generated by assistance provided under the program.

HUD must also require that such PHAs and owners award work contracts in connection with these properties to businesses that provide economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons.

section modernization improvement act bill amends housing_and_urban_development_act revise department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud program economic opportunities low- low income persons public indian housing agencies receive hud development assistance operating assistance modernization grants provided program recipients report annually hud compliance employment contracting requirements performance contractors subcontractors hud develop implement policies procedures imposing series administrative sanctions graduated severity recipients contractors subcontractors noncompliance act program requirements hud rental assistance program exempted requirements opportunities training employment connection housing rehabilitation housing construction public construction project given low- low income persons residing metropolitan area nonmetropolitan county project located contracts awarded work connection projects given businesses providing economic opportunities persons areas assistance expended hud shall require public housing agencies phas owners multifamily properties assisted rental assistance program contractors subcontractors best efforts low- low income persons training employment opportunities generated properties including opportunities involving property construction rehabilitation generated assistance provided program hud require phas owners award work contracts connection properties businesses provide economic opportunities low- low income persons


Summary:
Project-Based Voucher Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to the requirement that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) require local governments or other HUD-approved entities to make inspections and rent determinations for leased dwelling units (other than public housing dwelling units) that are owned by a public housing agency (PHA) administering section 8 low-income (voucher) rental assistance.

"Owned by a PHA," for these purposes, means the dwelling unit is in a project owned by:

 the PHA, an entity wholly controlled by the PHA, or a limited liability company or limited partnership in which the PHA (or an entity wholly controlled by it) holds a controlling interest in the managing member or general partner. A dwelling unit shall not be deemed to be owned by a PHA for these purposes, however, merely because the PHA holds:

 a fee interest as ground lessor in the property on which the unit is situated, a security interest under a mortgage or deed of trust on the unit, or a non-controlling interest in an entity which owns the unit or in the managing member or general partner of an entity which owns the unit. In an exception to the prohibition against attaching to a PHA project more than 20% of funding available for tenant-based assistance, a PHA may use up to an additional 10% to provide units that:

 house homeless individuals and families, house families with veterans, provide supportive housing to persons with disabilities or elderly persons, or are located in areas where vouchers are difficult to use. The bill revises the income-mixing requirement for such projects to add to the current assistance limitation of a maximum 25 dwelling units per project an alternative limitation of 25% of such dwelling units. Neither limitation shall apply to dwelling units exclusively made available to elderly families or to households eligible for certain supportive services.

The term of a housing assistance payment contract may increase from 15 to 20 years.

The bill also revises requirements for rent adjustments.

bill amends united_states housing act respect requirement department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud require local governments hud approved entities inspections rent determinations leased dwelling units public housing dwelling units owned public housing agency pha administering section low income voucher rental assistance owned pha purposes means dwelling unit project owned pha entity wholly controlled pha limited liability company limited partnership pha entity wholly controlled holds controlling interest managing member general partner dwelling unit shall deemed owned pha purposes merely pha holds fee interest ground lessor property unit situated security interest mortgage deed trust unit non controlling interest entity owns unit managing member general partner entity owns unit exception prohibition pha project funding available tenant based assistance pha use additional provide units house homeless individuals families house families veterans provide supportive housing persons disabilities elderly persons located areas vouchers difficult use bill revises income requirement projects add current assistance limitation maximum dwelling units project alternative limitation dwelling units limitation shall apply dwelling units exclusively available elderly families households eligible certain supportive services term housing assistance payment contract increase years bill revises requirements rent adjustments


Summary:
Public Housing Accountability Act of 2015

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to add a requirement for periodic review of family income with respect to rental assistance for low-income families.

Reviews of family income shall be made at any time the family income changes by an amount estimated to result in an increase of 10% or more in annual adjusted income (or such other amount as the Department of Housing and Urban Development may establish). A public housing agency (PHA) or owner may elect not to conduct such a review in the last three months of a period during which the family is certified eligible for rental assistance.

The bill also revises the authorization for a PHA that owns or operates fewer than 250 units to lease a dwelling unit in a public housing project, on a month-to-month basis, to an over-income family if there are no eligible families applying to the PHA for housing assistance for that month. The PHA must give a 30-day notice-to-vacate, subject to a specified appeal procedure, to any family determined over-income because of an income review.

public housing accountability act bill amends united_states housing act add requirement periodic review family income respect rental assistance low income families reviews family income shall time family income changes estimated result increase annual adjusted income department_of_housing_and_urban_development establish public housing agency pha owner elect conduct review months period family certified eligible rental assistance bill revises authorization pha owns operates fewer units lease dwelling unit public housing project month month basis income family eligible families applying pha housing assistance month pha day notice vacate subject specified appeal procedure family determined income income review


Summary:
Fairness in Public Housing Act of 2016

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require public housing agencies to terminate the tenancy of families residing in public housing that have an income exceeding 125% of the area median income. The bill allows an exception to this requirement if, at the time of the termination, there are no families on the waiting list or applying for public housing administered by the agency.

fairness public housing act bill amends united_states housing act require public housing agencies terminate tenancy families residing public housing income exceeding area median income bill allows exception requirement time termination families waiting list applying public housing administered agency


Summary:
Small Public Housing Agency Opportunity Act of 2016

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to subject a small public housing agency (PHA) to the same requirements as a PHA.

A small PHA is a PHA for which the sum of the number of public housing dwelling units and the number of vouchers under Section 8 (tenant-based assistance) it administers is 550 or fewer.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall:

 carry out physical inspections of a small PHA public housing project at least once every three years, unless it is a troubled small PHA; determine the financial condition of a small PHA public housing program solely on the basis of the ratio of current assets to current liabilities; and determine management condition of a small PHA public housing program solely on the basis of the ratio of vacant unit months to eligible unit months. A small PHA administering Section 8 tenant-based assistance under the housing voucher program must make physical inspections of assisted units at least once every three years.

HUD shall evaluate the management of a small PHA's voucher program solely on the basis of its lease-up rate or the budget utilization rate, which must be at least 90% to be acceptable.

HUD shall designate a small PHA as a high-performing agency if it exceeds acceptability criteria.

HUD may designate a small PHA as a troubled small PHA with respect to its public housing program or housing voucher program only if it meets certain negative criteria.

HUD shall establish an appeals process for a small PHA to dispute a determination of deficiency.

HUD and a troubled small PHA shall enter into a one-year corrective action agreement (renewable at HUD option) under which the small PHA must undertake actions to correct deficiencies.

The bill prescribes and/or revises requirements to reduce the administrative burden on small PHAs with respect to:

 certain reports; community service; economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons; exemption of a small PHA administering not more than 400 public housing dwelling units, upon request, from any asset management requirement; exemption from environmental review for a development or modernization project involving new construction if the new construction portion of the total cost does not exceed $100,000; and streamlined HUD procedures for such reviews. Small PHAs shall also be exempt from Green Physical Needs Assessment requirements for any fiscal year for which a specified circumstance occurs.

HUD shall carry out a demonstration project to examine how various methods of determining rent in public housing affect the administrative burden on small PHAs and public housing residents.

The bill establishes rent-setting mechanisms for demonstration project participants based on: (1) a tiered system for initial rents for extremely low-income families, very low-income families, and low-income families; (2) a certain range of gross income percentages; or (3) the existing method for establishing rents.

A small PHA may elect to be paid for its utility and waste management costs under a HUD assistance formula for a period, at its discretion, of up to 20 years based on its average annual consumption during the three-year period preceding the year in which the election is made.

HUD shall develop and deploy all electronic information systems necessary to accommodate full consolidated reporting by PHAs electing to operate in consortia.

opportunity act bill amends united_states housing act subject small public housing agency pha requirements pha small pha pha sum number public housing dwelling units number vouchers section tenant based assistance administers fewer department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud shall carry physical inspections small pha public housing project years troubled small pha determine financial condition small pha public housing program solely basis ratio current assets current liabilities determine management condition small pha public housing program solely basis ratio vacant unit months eligible unit months small pha administering section tenant based assistance housing voucher program physical inspections assisted units years hud shall evaluate management small pha voucher program solely basis lease rate budget utilization rate acceptable hud shall designate small pha high performing agency exceeds acceptability criteria hud designate small pha troubled small pha respect public housing program housing voucher program meets certain negative criteria hud shall establish appeals process small pha dispute determination deficiency hud troubled small pha shall enter year corrective action agreement renewable hud option small pha undertake actions correct deficiencies bill prescribes revises requirements reduce administrative burden small phas respect certain reports community service economic opportunities low- low income persons exemption small pha administering public housing dwelling units request asset management requirement exemption environmental review development modernization project involving new construction new construction portion total cost exceed streamlined hud procedures reviews small phas shall exempt needs assessment requirements fiscal year specified circumstance occurs hud shall carry demonstration project examine methods determining rent public housing affect administrative burden small phas public housing residents bill establishes rent setting mechanisms demonstration project participants based tiered system initial rents extremely low income families low income families low income families certain range gross income percentages existing method establishing rents small pha elect paid utility waste management costs hud assistance formula period discretion years based average annual consumption year period preceding year election hud shall develop deploy electronic information systems necessary accommodate consolidated reporting phas electing operate consortia


Summary:
Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2016

This bill amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend rural housing vouchers to any low-income household (including those not receiving rental assistance) residing in a property financed with a loan made or insured for housing and related facilities for elderly or other low-income persons and families which has been prepaid, or which has matured, after September 30, 2005.

No owner of a property financed with such a loan, whether outstanding or fully paid, may refuse to lease an available dwelling unit in the property to a household on behalf of whom a rural housing voucher assistance is provided, and enter into a voucher contract respecting that unit, if a proximate cause of that refusal is the current or prospective tenant's status as a holder of such a voucher.

USDA may contract to make, make, and renew annual assistance payments to owners of projects originally financed with such a loan that has matured on or after enactment of this bill, and at rental rates commensurate to income.

USDA shall establish uniform requirements, terms, and conditions for any sale or transfer of a property financed with such a loan to any entity, including a nonprofit organization, seeking to acquire it with a similar loan and any low-income housing tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code.

USDA may also establish a Multifamily Housing Revitalization Program for the preservation and revitalization of multifamily housing projects funded with such loans, as well as with loans for housing and related facilities for domestic farm labor, to ensure that those projects have sufficient resources to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income residents and farm laborers.

rural_housing_preservation_act bill amends housing act direct department_of_agriculture usda extend rural housing vouchers low income household including receiving rental assistance residing property financed loan insured housing related facilities elderly low income persons families prepaid matured september owner property financed loan outstanding fully paid refuse lease available dwelling unit property household behalf rural housing voucher assistance provided enter voucher contract respecting unit proximate cause refusal current prospective tenant status holder voucher usda contract renew annual assistance payments owners projects originally financed loan matured enactment bill rental rates commensurate income usda shall establish uniform requirements terms conditions sale transfer property financed loan entity including nonprofit organization seeking acquire similar loan low income housing tax credit internal revenue code usda establish preservation revitalization multifamily housing projects funded loans loans housing related facilities domestic farm labor ensure projects sufficient resources provide safe affordable housing low income residents farm laborers


Summary:
Fair Chance at Housing Act of 2016

This bill amends the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 to replace the definition of "drug-related criminal activity" with "covered criminal activity" in connection with federally assisted housing, meaning any:

 criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other tenants, employees, or the housing owner or a public housing agency (PHA); or violent criminal activity off the premises by a tenant or any member of the tenant's household that poses risk of future harm to other tenants, employees, or the PHA or owner. The bill requires a PHA or owner, when screening of applicants for federally assisted housing, to conduct an individualized review of the totality of the circumstances regarding an applicant's criminal background, including disability-related offenses, before denying a housing application.

A PHA or owner:

 may not deny an application based on previous evictions or inconclusive evidence, and must give an applicant household the option to remove a culpable member before denying an application. The bill prohibits suspicionless drug and alcohol testing, and applies requirements similar to those for screening applicants to termination of tenancy and assistance for covered criminal activity.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall require annual reports from PHAs and owners on the disposition of applications, especially denials.

The United States Housing Act of 1937 is amended, with respect to administrative procedures for a grievance concerning an eviction or termination of tenancy, to eliminate reference to drug-related criminal activity and specify only covered violent criminal activity.

A PHA may neither require nor request an applicant for admission to public housing to authorize the PHA to receive information from a drug abuse treatment facility.

A PHA may prohibit visitation of a public housing dwelling unit by a non-tenant on the basis of the non-tenant's criminal activity only if it is covered criminal activity, and other criteria are met.

The bill revises project-based and voucher assistance requirements for termination of tenancy and selection for section 8 (voucher) rental assistance to reflect only covered criminal activity and eliminate reference to drug-related activity.

The Department of Agriculture shall revise regulations for applicant screening and tenancy termination in specified rural housing programs to become substantially similar to HUD regulations for housing assistance programs.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is amended, with respect to the continuum of care program, to require a grant recipient's plan to describe how the recipient will collaborate with local criminal justice systems and the coordinated entry system to create pathways to housing for those cycling between homelessness and incarceration.

The bill authorizes bonuses or other incentives to collaborative applicants and PHAs whose applications propose innovative solutions for providing pathways to housing for formerly incarcerated individuals.

housing act bill amends replace definition drug related criminal activity covered criminal activity connection federally assisted housing meaning criminal activity threatens health safety right peaceful enjoyment premises tenants employees housing owner public housing agency pha violent criminal activity premises tenant member tenant household poses risk future harm tenants employees pha owner bill requires pha owner screening applicants federally assisted housing conduct individualized review totality circumstances applicant criminal background including disability related offenses denying housing application pha owner deny application based previous evidence applicant household option remove member denying application bill prohibits drug alcohol testing applies requirements similar screening applicants termination tenancy assistance covered criminal activity department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud shall require annual reports phas owners disposition applications especially denials united_states housing act amended respect administrative procedures grievance concerning eviction termination tenancy eliminate reference drug related criminal activity specify covered violent criminal activity pha require request applicant admission public housing authorize pha receive information drug abuse treatment facility pha prohibit visitation public housing dwelling unit non tenant basis non tenant criminal activity covered criminal activity criteria met bill revises project based voucher assistance requirements termination tenancy selection section voucher rental assistance reflect covered criminal activity eliminate reference drug related activity department_of_agriculture shall revise regulations applicant screening tenancy termination specified rural housing programs substantially similar hud regulations housing assistance programs mckinney-vento homeless assistance act amended respect continuum care program require grant recipient plan describe recipient collaborate local criminal justice systems coordinated entry system create pathways housing homelessness incarceration bill authorizes bonuses incentives collaborative applicants phas applications propose innovative solutions providing pathways housing incarcerated individuals


Summary:
Housing for Homeless Students Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify low-income building units that provide housing for homeless students and veterans who are full-time students for the low-income housing tax credit. To qualify for the credit, the student must have been a homeless child or youth during any portion of the seven-year period prior to occupying the housing unit and the veteran must have been homeless for a similar five-year period.

housing homeless students act bill amends internal_revenue_code qualify low income building units provide housing homeless students veterans time students low income housing tax credit qualify credit student homeless child youth portion seven year period prior occupying housing unit veteran homeless similar year period


Summary:
Landlord Accountability Act of 2016

This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to make it unlawful to discriminate in connection with the rental of a dwelling because the current or prospective tenant holds a housing voucher for rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.

An owner of a dwelling unit available for rental may not take any action, or fail to take any action, with the intent to make the unit insufficiently decent, safe, sanitary, or inhabitable so that the dwelling fails to qualify for assistance within the jurisdiction of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

HUD shall increase the staffing level for the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line operated by its Multifamily Housing Clearinghouse to handle the volume of calls received without unreasonable waiting periods.

HUD shall also carry out a Multifamily Housing Complaint Resolution Program to receive and resolve complaints about multifamily housing projects from resident voucher users and local governmental officials.

HUD shall disclose on a departmental website information about each complaint received, identifying the multifamily housing project to which it relates.

The Internal Revenue Code is amended to allow an eligible landlord a low-income housing maintenance credit of $2,500 multiplied by the number of low-income housing units owned up to a certain maximum for the landlord's annual low-income housing maintenance expenses.

An owner of a multifamily housing project in which three or more voucher users reside shall display, at all times and in clear and conspicuous location on every floor, a written notice of tenant rights under federal law and the phone numbers for the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line and for a regional or local HUD office.

HUD may also make grants to states, Indian tribes, local governments, and nonprofit, nongovernmental affordable housing organizations to develop or assist tenant harassment prevention programs meeting specified requirements.

landlord accountability act bill amends fair housing act unlawful discriminate connection rental dwelling current prospective tenant holds housing voucher rental assistance section united_states housing act owner dwelling unit available rental action fail action intent unit decent safe sanitary dwelling fails qualify assistance jurisdiction department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud hud shall increase staffing level operated handle volume calls received unreasonable waiting periods hud shall carry receive resolve complaints multifamily housing projects resident voucher users local governmental officials hud shall disclose departmental website information complaint received identifying multifamily housing project relates internal revenue code amended allow eligible landlord low income housing maintenance credit multiplied number low income housing units owned certain maximum landlord annual low income housing maintenance expenses owner multifamily housing project voucher users reside shall display times clear conspicuous location floor written notice tenant rights federal law phone numbers regional local hud office hud grants states indian tribes local governments nonprofit nongovernmental affordable housing organizations develop assist tenant harassment prevention programs meeting specified requirements


Summary:
Protect Our Schools from Tax Delinquents Act of 2016

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require that each housing assistance payments contract entered into under the Section 8 rental assistance voucher program by a public housing agency (PHA) and the owner of a dwelling unit provide that such owner pay, on a timely basis, all covered taxes validly assessed against the property in which the unit is located.

A "covered tax" is any tax under state or local law assessed upon real property or the revenue of which is dedicated for use only for schools or for costs of education.

The bill allows a contract to provide that, upon notification and identification of a tax delinquency by a taxing authority, the PHA shall abate all of the rental assistance amounts for the property, transferring them monthly to the taxing authority, until the delinquency is eliminated.

The bill does not authorize or establish any cause or grounds for the termination of the tenancy of any tenant from any dwelling unit assisted under the rental assistance voucher program.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development must maintain a database of information regarding owners of dwelling units: (1) assisted under the program whose housing assistance payments contracts have been terminated for noncompliance with the requirements of this bill, and (2) with respect to whom assistance amounts have been abated and transferred to a taxing authority.

protect schools tax delinquents act bill amends united_states housing act require housing assistance payments contract entered section rental assistance voucher program public housing agency pha owner dwelling unit provide owner pay timely basis covered taxes validly assessed property unit located covered tax tax state local law assessed real property revenue dedicated use schools costs education bill allows contract provide notification identification tax delinquency taxing authority pha shall abate rental assistance amounts property transferring monthly taxing authority delinquency eliminated bill authorize establish cause grounds termination tenancy tenant dwelling unit assisted rental assistance voucher program department_of_housing_and_urban_development maintain database information owners dwelling units assisted program housing assistance payments contracts terminated noncompliance requirements bill respect assistance amounts transferred taxing authority


Summary:
Fair Distribution of Affordable Housing Funds Act of 2016

This bill amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to eliminate the minimum state allocation requirement with respect to amounts allocated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Housing Trust Fund to be distributed to each state (including the District of Columbia) to provide affordable housing.

fair distribution affordable housing funds act bill amends housing_and_community_development_act eliminate minimum state allocation requirement respect amounts allocated department_of_housing_and_urban_development housing_trust_fund distributed state including district_of_columbia provide affordable housing


Summary:
Housing Accountability Act of 2016

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require an entity receiving low-income housing assistance payments for existing public housing units to maintain decent, safe, and sanitary conditions for any structure covered under a payment contract.

 The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall develop a process by which a Performance-Based Contract Administrator shall, on a semiannual basis, conduct a survey of the tenants of each such structure to identify consistent or persistent problems with the structure's physical condition or its manager's performance.

 A structure shall be referred to HUD for remediation if the Administrator identifies such a problem based on the survey or any other observation made by the Administrator during the normal course of business.

HUD may impose a penalty on the structure's owner if the structure does not satisfactorily meet this bill's requirements or is repeatedly referred to HUD for remediation by an Administrator through the process. Collected amounts shall be used solely for supporting safe and sanitary conditions at applicable structures or for HUD designated tenant relocation, with priority given to tenants of the penalized structure.

This bill shall not apply to voucher program property.

housing accountability act bill amends united_states housing act require entity receiving low income housing assistance payments existing public housing units maintain decent safe sanitary conditions structure covered payment contract department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud shall develop process administrator shall semiannual basis conduct survey tenants structure identify consistent persistent problems structure physical condition manager performance structure shall referred hud remediation administrator identifies problem based survey observation administrator normal course business hud impose penalty structure owner structure satisfactorily meet bill requirements repeatedly referred hud remediation administrator process collected amounts shall solely supporting safe sanitary conditions applicable structures hud designated tenant relocation priority given tenants penalized structure bill shall apply voucher program property


Summary:
Moving to Work Charter Program Act of 2015

 Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enter into charter contracts, beginning in FY2014, with up to 250 public housing agencies administering the public housing program or the section 8 housing assistance program under the United States Housing Act of 1937.

States that such charter contracts shall: (1) supersede and have a term commensurate with any annual contributions contract between a public housing agency (PHA) and the Secretary, and (2) provide that a participating PHA shall receive capital and operating assistance allocated to it under specified laws.

Exempts charter contracts from the requirements of the United States Housing Act of 1937, except those for payment of wages prevailing in the community and the demolition and disposition of public housing.

Requires a charter contract to provide that a PHA: (1) may combine section 8 low-income assistance and Public Housing Capital and Operating Fund assistance and use it for housing assistance and related services for activities under this Act; (2) shall ensure that at least 75% of the families assisted are very low-income families; (3) shall establish a reasonable rent policy designed to encourage employment, self-sufficiency, and home ownership by participating families; and (4) meet specified additional requirements.

Directs the Secretary to appoint a federal advisory committee to assess and develop a demonstration program to test standards, criteria, and practices for a national public housing agency accreditation system or other evaluation system.

moving work charter program act directs secretary housing_and_urban_development hud enter charter contracts beginning fy2014 public housing agencies administering public housing program section housing assistance program united_states housing act states charter contracts shall supersede term commensurate annual contributions contract public housing agency pha secretary provide participating pha shall receive capital operating assistance allocated specified laws exempts charter contracts requirements united_states housing act payment wages prevailing community demolition disposition public housing requires charter contract provide pha combine section low income assistance assistance use housing assistance related services activities act shall ensure families assisted low income families shall establish reasonable rent policy designed encourage employment self sufficiency home ownership participating families meet specified additional requirements directs secretary appoint federal advisory committee assess develop demonstration program test standards criteria practices national public housing agency accreditation system evaluation system


Summary:
Permanently Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2015

This bill amends the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009 to repeal its sunset date December 31, 2014 (thus making the Act permanent).

This bill restores and revives such Act, the provisions of law amended or repealed by it, and any regulations promulgated pursuant to it, as were in effect on December 31, 2014, as if the sunset had not taken effect.

permanently_protecting_tenants foreclosure act bill amends protecting_tenants foreclosure act repeal sunset date december making act permanent bill restores revives act provisions law amended repealed regulations promulgated pursuant effect december sunset taken effect


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low-income housing tax credit, to make permanent the minimum 9% credit rate for new buildings that are not federally-subsidized and to establish a minimum 4% credit rate for existing buildings that are not federally-subsidized.

amends internal revenue code respect low income housing tax credit permanent minimum credit rate new buildings federally subsidized establish minimum credit rate existing buildings federally subsidized


Summary:
Small Public Housing Agency Opportunity Act of 2015

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to subject a small public housing agency (PHA) to the same requirements as a PHA.

A small PHA is a PHA for which the sum of the number of public housing dwelling units and the number of vouchers under Section 8 (tenant-based assistance) it administers is 550 or fewer.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall:

 carry out physical inspections of a small PHA public housing project at least once every three years, unless it is a troubled small PHA; determine the financial condition of a small PHA public housing program solely on the basis of the ratio of current assets to current liabilities; and determine management condition of a small PHA public housing program solely on the basis of the ratio of vacant unit months to eligible unit months. A small PHA administering Section 8 tenant-based assistance under the housing voucher program must make physical inspections of assisted units at least once every three years.

HUD shall evaluate the management of a small PHA's voucher program solely on the basis of its lease-up rate or the budget utilization rate, which must be at least 90% to be acceptable.

HUD shall designate a small PHA as a high-performing agency if it exceeds acceptability criteria.

HUD may designate a small PHA as a troubled small PHA with respect to its public housing program or housing voucher program only if it meets certain negative criteria.

HUD shall establish an appeals process for a small PHA to dispute a determination of deficiency.

HUD and a troubled small PHA shall enter into a one-year corrective action agreement (renewable at HUD option) under which the small PHA must undertake actions to correct deficiencies.

The bill prescribes and/or revises requirements to reduce the administrative burden on small PHAs with respect to:

 certain reports; community service; economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons; exemption of a small PHA administering not more than 400 public housing dwelling units, upon request, from any asset management requirement; exemption from environmental review for a development or modernization project with a total cost of not more than $100,000; and streamlined HUD procedures for such reviews. HUD shall carry out a demonstration project to examine how various methods of determining rent in public housing affect the administrative burden on small PHAs and public housing residents.

The bill establishes rent-setting mechanisms for demonstration project participants based on: (1) a tiered system for initial rents for extremely low-income families, very low-income families, and low-income families; (2) a certain range of gross income percentages; or (3) the existing method for establishing rents.

A small PHA may elect to be paid for its utility and waste management costs under a HUD assistance formula for a period, at its discretion, of up to 20 years based on its average annual consumption during the three-year period preceding the year in which the election is made.

HUD shall develop and deploy all electronic information systems necessary to accommodate full consolidated reporting by PHAs electing to operate in consortia.

opportunity act bill amends united_states housing act subject small public housing agency pha requirements pha small pha pha sum number public housing dwelling units number vouchers section tenant based assistance administers fewer department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud shall carry physical inspections small pha public housing project years troubled small pha determine financial condition small pha public housing program solely basis ratio current assets current liabilities determine management condition small pha public housing program solely basis ratio vacant unit months eligible unit months small pha administering section tenant based assistance housing voucher program physical inspections assisted units years hud shall evaluate management small pha voucher program solely basis lease rate budget utilization rate acceptable hud shall designate small pha high performing agency exceeds acceptability criteria hud designate small pha troubled small pha respect public housing program housing voucher program meets certain negative criteria hud shall establish appeals process small pha dispute determination deficiency hud troubled small pha shall enter year corrective action agreement renewable hud option small pha undertake actions correct deficiencies bill prescribes revises requirements reduce administrative burden small phas respect certain reports community service economic opportunities low- low income persons exemption small pha administering public housing dwelling units request asset management requirement exemption environmental review development modernization project total cost streamlined hud procedures reviews hud shall carry demonstration project examine methods determining rent public housing affect administrative burden small phas public housing residents bill establishes rent setting mechanisms demonstration project participants based tiered system initial rents extremely low income families low income families low income families certain range gross income percentages existing method establishing rents small pha elect paid utility waste management costs hud assistance formula period discretion years based average annual consumption year period preceding year election hud shall develop deploy electronic information systems necessary accommodate consolidated reporting phas electing operate consortia


Summary:
Healthy Housing Council Act of 2016

This bill establishes in the executive branch an independent Interagency Council on Healthy Housing.

The Council shall:

 review federal programs and services that provide housing, health, energy, or environmental services to families and individuals; monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements in programs and services administered, funded, or financed by federal, state, and local agencies; recommend ways to reduce duplication among federal programs and services; and ensure collaboration among and within agencies in the provision and availability of such programs and services.

bill establishes executive branch independent interagency council healthy housing council shall review federal programs services provide housing health energy environmental services families individuals monitor evaluate recommend improvements programs services administered funded financed federal state local agencies recommend ways reduce duplication federal programs services ensure collaboration agencies provision availability programs services


Summary:
End Housing Subsidies for the Rich Act of 2016

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise eligibility requirements for assisted housing.

If a public housing agency (PHA) determines that a tenant's income is greater than 120% of the area median income for two consecutive years, the PHA must terminate the family's tenancy within six months.

Such a family may, however, continue to occupy the dwelling unit month-to-month if:

 the PHA charges the family the fair market rent, and there are no eligible families applying for housing assistance from the PHA for that month and the agency provides at least a 30-day public notice of the availability of such assistance. A PHA may not rent a dwelling unit to or assist families with net family assets exceeding $100,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) or an ownership interest in property that is suitable for occupancy. This restriction does not apply to victims of domestic violence, individuals using housing assistance for homeownership opportunities, or a family that is offering a property for sale.

PHAs must require applicants to authorize financial institutions to disclose records necessary to determine eligibility for benefits.

end housing subsidies rich act bill amends united_states housing act revise eligibility requirements assisted housing public housing agency pha determines tenant income greater area median income consecutive years pha terminate family tenancy months family continue occupy dwelling unit month month pha charges family fair market rent eligible families applying housing assistance pha month agency provides day public notice availability assistance pha rent dwelling unit assist families net family assets exceeding annually adjusted inflation ownership interest property suitable occupancy restriction apply victims domestic violence individuals housing assistance homeownership opportunities family offering property sale phas require applicants authorize financial institutions disclose records necessary determine eligibility benefits


Summary:
Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low-income housing tax credit, to: (1) expand the credit by increasing the state housing credit ceiling, (2) modify the cost-of-living adjustment required for the state housing credit ceiling, (3) establish a new average income test which may be used to determine if a low-income housing project qualifies for the credit, and (4) establish a minimum credit rate of 4% for certain new or existing buildings.

bill amends internal_revenue_code respect low income housing tax credit expand credit increasing state housing credit ceiling modify cost living adjustment required state housing credit ceiling establish new average income test determine low income housing project qualifies credit establish minimum credit rate certain new existing buildings


Summary:
Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low-income housing credit, to rename the credit "the affordable housing credit" and make several modifications to the credit.

The bill increases state allocations for the credit and modifies the cost-of-living adjustments. It also revises tenant eligibility requirements, with respect to:

 the average income test, income eligibility for rural projects, increased tenant income, student occupancy rules, and tenant voucher payments that are taken into account as rent. The bill revises various requirements to:

 establish a 4% minimum credit rate for certain projects, permit relocation costs to be taken into account as rehabilitation expenditures, repeal the qualified census tract population cap, require state housing credit agencies to make certain determinations regarding community revitalization plans, prohibit local approval and contribution requirements, increase the credit for certain projects designated to serve extremely low-income households, increase the credit for certain bond-financed projects designated by state agencies, and eliminate the basis reduction for low-income housing properties that receive certain energy-related tax credits and deductions. The bill also modifies requirements regarding the reconstruction or replacement period after a casualty loss, rights related to building purchases, the prohibition on claiming acquisition credits for properties placed in service in the previous 10 years, and projects that assist Native Americans.

bill amends internal_revenue_code respect low income housing credit rename credit affordable housing credit modifications credit bill increases state allocations credit modifies cost living adjustments revises tenant eligibility requirements respect average income test income eligibility rural projects increased tenant income student occupancy rules tenant voucher payments taken account rent bill revises requirements establish minimum credit rate certain projects permit relocation costs taken account rehabilitation expenditures repeal qualified census tract population cap require state housing credit agencies certain determinations community revitalization plans prohibit local approval contribution requirements increase credit certain projects designated serve extremely low income households increase credit certain bond financed projects designated state agencies eliminate basis reduction low income housing properties receive certain energy related tax credits deductions bill modifies requirements reconstruction replacement period casualty loss rights related building purchases prohibition claiming acquisition credits properties placed service previous years projects assist native americans


Summary:
Homeowner Foreclosure Reduction Act of 2016

This bill requires the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and the Federal Housing Administration to permit certain nonprofit organizations and local governments to match the highest bids during sales of pools of certain nonperforming loans.

An entity that purchases a pool of loans under this bill may not foreclose on any of the occupied properties that secure loans in the pool during the 12-month period following the purchase.

The entity must also ensure that, within four years of the settlement date, at least 50% of the loans in the pool result in:

 a modified loan that meets specified requirements regarding the loan-to-value ratio, performance over a six-month period, fees and prepayment requirements, and the interest rate; a short sale of the property that secures the loan to an owner-occupant; holding the property that secures the loan for rental for a period of not less than three years, where the rental is affordable to a household with an annual income at or below the area median income; gifting the property that secures the loan to a land bank, a nonprofit organization, or a state or local government, with additional funds provided for demolition and maintenance; or sale of the loan or the property that secures the loan to a nonprofit organization. If the entity purchases a pool that contains a loan secured by a vacant property, the entity must ensure that the servicer of the loan: (1) does not release the lien on the property, and (2) maintains the property in accordance with generally acceptable maintenance standards.

homeowner foreclosure reduction act bill requires federal_national_mortgage_association fannie_mae federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac federal_housing_administration permit certain nonprofit organizations local governments match highest bids sales pools certain loans entity purchases pool loans bill foreclose occupied properties secure loans pool month period following purchase entity ensure years settlement date loans pool result modified loan meets specified requirements loan value ratio performance month period fees prepayment requirements interest rate short sale property secures loan owner occupant holding property secures loan rental period years rental affordable household annual income area median income property secures loan land bank nonprofit organization state local government additional funds provided demolition maintenance sale loan property secures loan nonprofit organization entity purchases pool contains loan secured vacant property entity ensure servicer loan release lien property maintains property accordance generally acceptable maintenance standards


Summary: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a census tract that has a population of zero and is contiguous to one or more low-income communities to be treated as a low-income community for the purpose of the new markets tax credit.

bill amends internal_revenue_code permit census tract population zero contiguous low income communities treated low income community purpose new markets tax credit


Summary: Small Business Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow self-employed individuals to participate in cafeteria pension plans; (2) allow long-term care insurance under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements; (3) allow accelerated amortization of certain intangible assets (e.g., good will) acquired from a small business; (4) increase the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of certain small business stock; (5) provide a $2,500 standard tax deduction for home business expenses; (6) permit certain small businesses to elect a taxable year ending in a month from April to November; (7) increase the allowable number of S corporation shareholders; and (8) exempt certain small businesses from withholding of tax requirements for payments made by government entities.

simplification act amends internal revenue code allow self employed individuals participate cafeteria pension plans allow long term care insurance cafeteria plans flexible spending arrangements allow accelerated amortization certain intangible assets good acquired small business increase tax exclusion gain sale certain small business stock provide standard tax deduction home business expenses permit certain small businesses elect taxable year ending month april november increase allowable number corporation shareholders exempt certain small businesses withholding tax requirements payments government entities


Summary: National Small Business Regulatory Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), acting through the Associate Administrator for Small Business Development Centers, to establish a program to provide regulatory compliance assistance to small businesses through participating Small Business Development Centers (Centers), the Association for Small Business Development Centers (Association), and Federal compliance partnership programs. Requires the Administrator to enter into arrangements with participating Centers to provide: (1) access to regulatory information and resources; (2) training and education activities; (3) confidential counseling to owners and operators of small businesses regarding compliance with Federal and State regulations; and (4) technical assistance. Directs the Administrator to contract with the Association to act as the repository of and clearinghouse for data and information submitted by Centers. Requires the Administrator, giving substantial weight to the Association's recommendations, to select the Centers programs of two States from each of ten groups of States for participation in the program. Authorizes the Administrator to make additional selections after three years, with a preference for programs that have a plan for consulting with Federal and State agencies to ensure that assistance provided under this Act is not duplicated by any other Federal or State program. Sets forth the formula for determining program grant amounts.

amends small business act direct administrator small_business_administration sba acting establish program provide regulatory compliance assistance small businesses participating federal compliance partnership programs requires administrator enter arrangements participating centers provide access regulatory information resources training education activities confidential counseling owners operators small businesses compliance regulations technical assistance directs administrator contract association act repository clearinghouse data information submitted centers requires administrator giving substantial weight association recommendations select centers programs states groups states participation program authorizes administrator additional selections years preference programs plan consulting agencies ensure assistance provided act program sets forth formula determining program grant amounts


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the penalty tax for prohibited transactions loans from an individual retirement plan to acquire certain small business capital assets. Requires such loans to be repaid within five years.

amends internal revenue code exempt penalty tax prohibited transactions loans individual retirement plan acquire certain small business capital assets requires loans repaid years


Summary: Extends through July 31, 2007, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, authority, or provision, including any pilot program, that is currently authorized through February 2, 2007, under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.

extends july terms conditions authorization program authority provision including pilot program currently authorized february small business act small_business_investment_act


Summary: Amends the Small Business Act to include Campbell County, Virginia, as a qualified nonmetropolitan county for purposes of the HUBZone (heavily underutilized business zone) programs under such Act.

amends small_business_act include virginia qualified nonmetropolitan county purposes hubzone heavily underutilized business zone programs act


Summary: Small Business Paperwork Relief Act - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to direct agency heads not to impose civil fines for first-time paperwork violations by small business concerns unless there is potential for serious harm to the public interest, the detection of criminal activity would be impaired, the violation is not corrected within six months, the violation is a violation of internal revenue law or a law concerning the assessment or collection of any tax, debt, revenue, or receipt, or the violation presents a danger to the public health or safety. Permits an agency to determine that a fine should not be imposed for a violation that presents a danger to public health or safety if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after receipt by the small business owner of notification of the violation. Makes this Act inapplicable to any violation by a small business of a requirement regarding the collection of information by an agency if the small business previously violated any requirement concerning the collection of information by that agency.

small business paperwork relief act amends paperwork reduction act direct agency heads impose civil fines time paperwork violations small business concerns potential harm public interest detection criminal activity impaired violation corrected months violation violation internal revenue law law concerning assessment collection tax debt revenue receipt violation presents danger public health safety permits agency determine fine imposed violation presents danger public health safety violation corrected hours receipt small business owner notification violation makes act inapplicable violation small business requirement collection information agency small business previously violated requirement concerning collection information agency


Summary: Vocational and Technical Entrepreneurship Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a program under which the Administrator shall make grants to, or may enter into cooperative agreements with, state small business development centers to provide, on a statewide basis, technical assistance to secondary schools, or to post-secondary vocational or technical schools, for the development and implementation of curricula designed to promote vocational and technical entrepreneurship. Provides for the minimum amount of a grant to not be less than $200,000. Directs the association of small business development centers to act as an information clearinghouse regarding vocational and technical entrepreneurship education programs.

vocational technical entrepreneurship development act amends small business act direct administrator small_business_administration establish program administrator shall grants enter cooperative agreements state small business development centers provide statewide basis technical assistance secondary schools post secondary vocational technical schools development implementation curricula designed promote vocational technical entrepreneurship provides minimum grant directs association small business development centers act information clearinghouse vocational technical entrepreneurship education programs


Summary: Small Business Freedom to Lend Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a three-year pilot program to permit an eligible certified development company (CDC) to make loans (for small business development) in any state that is contiguous to its the state of incorporation. Makes eligible CDCs that are designated as either an accredited or premier certified lender under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Removes the requirement that such a CDC maintain, in each state in which it makes or intends to make loans, separate and distinct memberships, officers, boards of directors, and loan committees. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to allow an officer, director, or manager of one qualified state or local development company to serve as an officer, director, or manager of another qualified state or local development company.

small business freedom lend act directs administrator small_business_administration sba establish year pilot program permit eligible certified development company cdc loans small business development state contiguous state incorporation makes eligible cdcs designated accredited premier certified lender small_business_investment_act removes requirement cdc maintain state makes intends loans separate distinct memberships officers boards directors loan committees amends small_business_investment_act allow officer director manager qualified state local development company serve officer director manager qualified state local development company


Summary: Disadvantaged Business Disaster Eligibility Act - Amends the Small Business Act to provide that if a small business is affected by a catastrophic incident while participating in any section 8(a) business development program, the eligibility period for its participation in such program shall be extended by 18 months. Deems the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, and Rita as catastrophic incidents for purposes of this Act.

disaster eligibility act amends small business act provide small business affected catastrophic incident participating section business development program eligibility period participation program shall extended months deems hurricanes katrina wilma rita catastrophic incidents purposes act


Summary: Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain investors a business tax credit for 25% of equity investments made in small businesses, up to an annual limit of $500,000. Terminates such credit after 2011.

amends internal revenue code allow certain investors business tax credit equity investments small businesses annual limit terminates credit


Summary: National Small Business Regulatory Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a program to provide regulatory compliance assistance to small businesses through participating Small Business Development Centers (Centers), the Association for Small Business Development Centers (Association), and federal compliance partnership programs. Requires the Administrator to enter into arrangements with participating Centers to provide: (1) access to regulatory information and resources; (2) training and education activities; (3) confidential counseling to owners and operators of small businesses regarding compliance with federal and state regulations; and (4) technical assistance. Directs the Administrator to contract with the Association to act as the repository of and clearinghouse for data and information submitted by Centers. Requires the Administrator, giving substantial weight to the Association's recommendations, to select the Centers programs of two states from each of ten groups of states for participation in the program. Authorizes the Administrator to make additional selections after three years, with a preference for programs that have a plan for consulting with federal and state agencies to ensure that assistance provided under this act is not duplicated by any other federal or state program. Sets forth the formula for determining program grant amounts. Provides a minimum grant amount of $250,000.

amends small business act direct administrator small_business_administration sba establish program provide regulatory compliance assistance small businesses participating federal compliance partnership programs requires administrator enter arrangements participating centers provide access regulatory information resources training education activities confidential counseling owners operators small businesses compliance federal state regulations technical assistance directs administrator contract association act repository clearinghouse data information submitted centers requires administrator giving substantial weight association recommendations select centers programs states groups states participation program authorizes administrator additional selections years preference programs plan consulting federal state agencies ensure assistance provided act federal state program sets forth formula determining program grant amounts provides minimum grant


Summary: Family Small Business Tax Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a married couple filing a joint tax return an election to conduct a trade or business as a qualified joint venture for purposes of determining separate net employment income. Defines "qualified joint venture" as an entity that is not treated as a partnership and that allows spouses to: (1) treat items of income and expense in accordance with their respective interests in the venture; and (2) conduct their business activities as sole proprietors.

amends internal revenue code allow married couple filing joint tax return election conduct trade business qualified joint venture purposes determining separate net employment income defines qualified joint venture entity treated partnership allows spouses treat items income expense accordance respective interests venture conduct business activities sole proprietors


Summary: Small Business Growth Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans that meet certain ERISA certification requirements and whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations. Requires the Secretary to establish a Solvency Standards Working Group.Preempts any state law that may preclude a health insurance issuer from: (1) offering health insurance coverage in connection with a certified AHP; or (2) offering health insurance coverage of the same policy type to other employers operating in the state that are eligible for coverage under such AHPs, whether or not such other employers are participating employers in such plan.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2011 the increased expensing allowance for small business assets.Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to prohibit agency heads from imposing civil fines for first-time paperwork violations by small business concerns unless certain requirements are met.Amends Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require courts to impose sanctions on attorneys, law firms, or parties who file frivolous lawsuits. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) additional sanctions for willful and intentional destruction of certain documents; and (2) public disclosure of Rule 11 proceedings.Amends the Small Business Act to increase the government-wide goal for procurement contracts awarded to small businesses concerns to 25% (currently, 23%) of federal procurement contracts awarded in a fiscal year.

small business growth act amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide establishment governance association health plans ahps group health plans meet certain erisa certification requirements sponsors trade industry professional chamber commerce similar business associations requires secretary establish preempts state law preclude health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage connection certified ahp offering health insurance coverage policy type employers operating state eligible coverage ahps employers participating employers plan amends internal revenue code extend increased expensing allowance small business assets amends paperwork reduction act prohibit agency heads imposing civil fines time paperwork violations small business concerns certain requirements met amends rule federal_rules_of_civil_procedure require courts impose sanctions attorneys law firms parties file frivolous lawsuits sets forth provisions concerning additional sanctions willful intentional destruction certain documents public disclosure rule proceedings amends small_business_act increase government wide goal procurement contracts awarded small businesses concerns currently federal procurement contracts awarded fiscal year


Summary: Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) guarantee the payment of principal and interest on private lender loans to small businesses located in a disaster area; and (2) make disaster loans to private nonprofit organizations located or operating in a disaster area. Increases disaster loan caps.

small business disaster response loan improvements act amends small business act authorize administrator small_business_administration sba guarantee payment principal interest private lender loans small businesses located disaster area disaster loans private nonprofit organizations located operating disaster area increases disaster loan caps


Summary: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Equity Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to award contracts to small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans on the same basis as those awarded to socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Requires annual certification to the SBA as to the service-disabled veteran-owned nature of the small business.

service disabled veteran owned small business equity act amends small business act authorize administrator small_business_administration sba award contracts small businesses owned controlled service disabled veterans basis awarded socially economically disadvantaged small businesses requires annual certification sba service disabled veteran owned nature small business


Summary: Small Business Lending Improvements Act of 2007 - Title I: 7(A) Program - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act relating to the 7(a) (business start-up loan) program to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to offset (contribute to) borrower and lender fees associated with 7(a) loans when funds are made available to the SBA for such contributions. Requires the quarterly adjustment of any contributions made. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator to carry out a rural lending outreach program to provide up to an 85 percent guaranty for loans of $250,000 or less made by lenders to small businesses in rural areas. Requires the SBA to approve or decline such loan within 36 hours. (Sec. 103) Directs the Administrator to carry out a permanent Community Express Program (currently a pilot program) for loans of $250,000 or less to small businesses: (1) whose majority ownership is held by women, members of qualified Indian tribes, socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, veterans, or members of the reserves; or (2) located in a low- or moderate-income area. Requires the SBA to approve or decline such loans within 36 hours. (Sec. 104) Requires the Administrator to carry out a Medical Professionals in Designated Shortage Areas Program to provide loans to small businesses that provide medical, dental, or psychiatric services and are located in a health professional shortage area (as defined under the Public Health Service Act). Directs the SBA to guarantee 90 percent of such loan, and reduces by half the borrower and lender fees. (Sec. 105) Directs the Administrator to carry out an Increased Veteran Participation Program to small businesses whose majority ownership is held by veterans or members of the reserves. Directs the SBA to guarantee 90 percent of such loan, and eliminates the borrower and lender fees. (Sec. 106) Directs the Administrator to establish, and permit a lender making a 7(a) loan to use, an alternative size standard (such as business net worth and average net income) for determining loan eligibility. (Sec. 107) Requires the Administrator to carry out a program to provide support to regional SBA offices in assisting small business lenders who do not participate in the SBA's preferred lender program to participate in the 7(a) program. Title II: Certified Development Company Economic Development Loan Program - (Sec. 201) Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA) to designate the financing program authorized under title IV of the SBIA as the Certified Development Company Economic Development Loan Program. (Sec. 203) Provides eligibility requirements for designation as a certified development company (CDC) under the SBIA, including: (1) less than 500 employees; (2) a purpose of fostering economic development to create and preserve jobs and stimulate private investment; (3) nonprofit status; (4) in good standing with all local laws; (5) full-time professional management and staff; (6) a specific area of operations; and (7) ethical requirements, including conflict of interest standards. (Sec. 204) Defines a "rural area" for SBIA purposes as any area other than a city or town with a population greater than 50,000 and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such city or town. (Sec. 205) Includes as an SBIA public policy goal the expansion of businesses in low-income communities that would be eligible for new market tax credit investments under the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 206) Allows the ownership interest of two or more owners to be combined to determine whether a small business is at least 51 percent owned by minorities, women, or veterans in order to qualify for assistance as a group listed in the public policy goals. (Sec. 207) Permits an SBIA borrower to refinance a limited amount of existing indebtedness that was not previously guaranteed by the SBA. (Sec. 208) Allows SBIA borrowers to provide more than the required amount of equity and to use the excess equity to reduce the amount of the first mortgage loan up to, but not less than, the amount of the SBA-guaranteed portion of the loan. (Sec. 209) Requires any CDC which does not foreclose and liquidate defaulted loans under the SBIA to contract with a qualified third party to do so. Directs the SBA to reimburse a CDC for expenses paid in connection with such foreclosure and liquidation activities if such expenses were either approved in advance or were reasonable and appropriate. (Sec. 210) Allows SBIA borrowers to include loan and debenture closing costs, other than borrower's attorney fees, in the debenture. (Sec. 211) Allows a borrower to obtain maximum SBIA financing and also obtain a 7(a) loan in the maximum amount permitted under that program. (Sec. 212) Authorizes SBIA loans for projects which: (1) reduce energy consumption by at least ten percent; or (2) increase the use of design to produce buildings that reduce the use of non-renewable resources, minimize environmental impact, and relate with the natural environment. Makes such projects eligible for the $4 million debenture under the CDC Economic Development Loan Program. (Sec. 214) Extends through FY2008 the period during which CDCs will be permitted to: (1) base their loan loss reserves on the outstanding balance of debentures; and (2) use an alternative risk-based methodology to calculate such reserves.

small business lending improvements act title program sec amends small business act relating business start loan program authorize administrator small_business_administration sba offset contribute borrower lender fees associated loans funds available sba contributions requires quarterly adjustment contributions sec directs administrator carry rural lending outreach program provide percent guaranty loans lenders small businesses rural areas requires sba approve decline loan hours sec directs administrator carry permanent currently pilot program loans small businesses majority ownership held women members qualified indian tribes socially economically disadvantaged individuals veterans members reserves located low- moderate income area requires sba approve decline loans hours sec requires administrator carry medical professionals designated shortage areas program provide loans small businesses provide medical dental psychiatric services located health professional shortage area defined public_health_service_act directs sba guarantee percent loan reduces half borrower lender fees sec directs administrator carry increased veteran participation program small businesses majority ownership held veterans members reserves directs sba guarantee percent loan eliminates borrower lender fees sec directs administrator establish permit lender making loan use alternative size standard business net worth average net income determining loan eligibility sec requires administrator carry program provide support regional sba offices assisting small business lenders participate sba preferred lender program participate program title sec amends small_business_investment_act designate financing program authorized title sec provides eligibility requirements designation certified development company cdc including employees purpose fostering economic development create preserve jobs stimulate private investment nonprofit status good standing local laws time professional management staff specific area operations ethical requirements including conflict interest standards sec defines rural area purposes area city town population greater urbanized area contiguous adjacent city town sec includes public policy goal expansion businesses low income communities eligible new market tax credit investments internal revenue code sec allows ownership interest owners combined determine small business percent owned minorities women veterans order qualify assistance group listed public policy goals sec permits borrower refinance limited existing indebtedness previously guaranteed sba sec allows borrowers provide required equity use excess equity reduce mortgage loan sba guaranteed portion loan sec requires cdc foreclose liquidate defaulted loans contract qualified party directs sba reimburse cdc expenses paid connection foreclosure liquidation activities expenses approved advance reasonable appropriate sec allows borrowers include loan debenture closing costs borrower attorney fees debenture sec allows borrower obtain maximum financing obtain loan maximum permitted program sec authorizes loans projects reduce energy consumption percent increase use design produce buildings reduce use non renewable resources minimize environmental impact relate natural environment makes projects eligible million debenture sec extends fy2008 period cdcs permitted base loan loss reserves outstanding balance debentures use alternative risk based methodology calculate reserves


Summary: Relief for Entrepreneurs: Coordination of Objectives and Values for Effective Recovery Act of 2007 or RECOVER Act - Title I: Planning - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive written disaster plan, which shall include, among other things, a description of disasters most likely to occur in each SBA region as well as an assessment of the needs to respond to each disaster. Requires the plan to be: (1) completed within 180 days after enactment of this Act; and (2) updated annually and following any incident of national significance (significant incident). Directs the Administrator to report to the congressional small business committees with respect to each update. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a disaster simulation exercise at least once each fiscal year; and (2) report to the small business committees with respect to each exercise. (Sec. 103) Requires: (1) the Administrator to maintain a disaster reserve corps of at least 1,000 individuals to perform functions related to disaster response; (2) each such individual to be appropriately trained; and (3) the Administrator to report to the small business committees with respect to the corps. (Sec. 104) Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop long-term plans to secure additional office space to accommodate an expanded workforce in times of disaster; and (2) report such plans to the small business committees. (Sec. 105) Requires the Administrator to ensure that SBA disaster programs are coordinated, to the maximum extent practicable, with the disaster assistance programs of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Requires a report from the Administrator to the small business committees concerning SBA regulations to ensure that each application for SBA disaster assistance is submitted to the SBA as quickly as practicable or directed to the appropriate agency. (Sec. 106) Establishes in the SBA an Associate Administrator for Disaster Assistance to: (1) develop and implement the SBA's plans for disaster response; and (2) direct the SBA's training exercises with respect to disasters. Establishes a Director for Disaster Lending to direct all aspects of the SBA's disaster lending program. Title II: Lending - (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide disaster loans to certain private nonprofit organizations with respect to a significant incident; (2) make or guarantee a mitigation loan to a small business for damage or destruction due to a significant incident; and (3) provide or make such loans for FY2006 with respect to a nonprofit or small business located, as of August 28, 2005, in an area affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, or Wilma. (Sec. 202) Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop, implement, and maintain a centralized information system to track communications between SBA personnel and applicants for disaster assistance; and (2) ensure that each applicant receives follow-up communications from the SBA at all critical stages of the application process. (Sec. 203) Requires the Administrator to carry out an Immediate Disaster Assistance program under which the SBA participates on a deferred basis in 85% of the balance of financing of a loan less than or equal to $25,000 for a business affected by a disaster. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Administrator, in making disaster mitigation loans, to provide to the recipient an option to defer loan repayment for up to four years. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring repayment until 12 months after the final loan disbursement is made. (Sec. 206) Provides a process for the SBA disbursement of disaster mitigation loans, with separate processes for loans: (1) of up to $150,000; (2) from $150,000 to $500,000; and (3) greater than $500,000. (Sec. 207) Prohibits the Administrator, in making a business disaster mitigation loan of $100,000 or less, from requiring the borrower to use the borrower's home as collateral. (Sec. 208) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a program to permit banks and other financial institutions to process, approve, close, and service disaster loans for a fee of up to 2% of the total loan amount. Allows such program during any period: (1) of a significant incident; or (2) which the average time for the SBA to approve disaster loans in response to any single disaster is 30 days or more. (Sec. 209) Directs the Administrator to ensure that SBA has in place a facility for disaster loan processing that, whenever the SBA's primary processing facility becomes unavailable, is able to take over such processing within two days. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 210) Authorizes the Administrator to make grants of up to $100,000 to small businesses located in disaster areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, or Wilma that experienced specified housing and/or infrastructure losses, upon such businesses' certification to reestablish in the same areas. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 211) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a program under which the Administrator makes grants to individuals who: (1) are victims of a declared disaster; (2) receive disaster assistance because of that disaster; (3) receive disaster benefits other than the SBA assistance; and (4) are required to remit those benefits to the SBA because of a duplication of benefits. Permits grants to be up to the amount required to be remitted by the individual. (Sec. 212) Increases from $1.5 million to $3 million the maximum disaster loan limit for individual borrowers. (Sec. 213) Prohibits the Administrator, in making disaster loans, from requiring the borrower to pay any non-amortized amount for the first five years after repayment begins. (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Administrator to make economic injury disaster loans to private nonprofit organizations. (Sec. 215) Allows the $3 million maximum disaster loan limit to be waived in the case of applicants that will constitute a major source of employment due to changed economic circumstances. (Sec. 216) Increases from 90 days to one year after an essential employee of a small business is released or discharged from active duty after required military service the period during which the affected small business may apply for economic injury assistance due to such employee's absence. Allows the Administrator, when appropriate, to waive such limit and provide a later ending date. Directs the Administrator to establish a process under which such a business may file a preliminary application for such assistance before the date on which the employee is ordered to active duty. (Sec. 217) Authorizes the Administrator to provide economic injury disaster loans under circumstances caused by ice storms and blizzards. (Sec. 218) Requires a report from the Administrator to the small business committees concerning the SBA's ability to provide disaster loans to small businesses that depend on high snowfall and sustain economic injury due to a lack of snowfall. (Sec. 219) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a program to refinance Gulf Coast disaster loans by providing an option to defer loan repayment by up to four years after the original loan disbursement was made. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Oversight - (Sec. 301) Requires, 45 days after the end of each fiscal year, a report from the Administrator to the small business committees on SBA disaster assistance operations for that fiscal year. Requires, during the period of a significant incident, the Administrator to report, on a monthly basis, on SBA disaster assistance operations with respect to that incident.

relief entrepreneurs coordination objectives values effective recovery act planning sec amends small_business_act direct administrator small_business_administration sba develop implement maintain comprehensive written disaster plan shall include things description disasters likely occur sba region assessment needs respond disaster requires plan completed days enactment act updated annually following incident national significance significant incident directs administrator report congressional small business committees respect update sec directs administrator conduct disaster simulation exercise fiscal year report small business committees respect exercise sec requires administrator maintain disaster reserve corps individuals perform functions related disaster response individual appropriately trained administrator report small business committees respect corps sec directs administrator develop long term plans secure additional office space accommodate expanded workforce times disaster report plans small business committees sec requires administrator ensure sba disaster programs coordinated maximum extent practicable disaster assistance programs federal_emergency_management_agency fema requires report administrator small business committees concerning sba regulations ensure application sba disaster assistance submitted sba quickly practicable directed appropriate agency sec establishes sba associate administrator disaster assistance develop implement sba plans disaster response direct sba training exercises respect disasters establishes director disaster lending direct aspects sba disaster lending program title lending sec authorizes administrator provide disaster loans certain private nonprofit organizations respect significant incident guarantee mitigation loan small business damage destruction significant incident provide loans fy2006 respect nonprofit small business located august area affected hurricanes katrina rita wilma sec directs administrator develop implement maintain centralized information system track communications sba personnel applicants disaster assistance ensure applicant receives follow communications sba critical stages application process sec requires administrator carry immediate disaster assistance program sba participates deferred basis balance financing loan equal business affected disaster sec authorizes administrator making disaster mitigation loans provide recipient option defer loan repayment years prohibits administrator requiring repayment months final loan disbursement sec provides process sba disbursement disaster mitigation loans separate processes loans greater sec prohibits administrator making business disaster mitigation loan requiring borrower use borrower home collateral sec authorizes administrator carry program permit banks financial institutions process approve close service disaster loans fee total loan allows program period significant incident average time sba approve disaster loans response single disaster days sec directs administrator ensure sba place facility disaster loan processing sba primary processing facility unavailable able processing days authorizes appropriations sec authorizes administrator grants small businesses located disaster areas affected hurricanes katrina rita wilma experienced specified housing infrastructure losses businesses certification reestablish areas authorizes appropriations sec authorizes administrator carry program administrator makes grants individuals victims declared disaster receive disaster assistance disaster receive disaster benefits sba assistance required remit benefits sba duplication benefits permits grants required remitted individual sec increases million million maximum disaster loan limit individual borrowers sec prohibits administrator making disaster loans requiring borrower pay non amortized years repayment begins sec authorizes administrator economic injury disaster loans private nonprofit organizations sec allows million maximum disaster loan limit waived case applicants constitute major source employment changed economic circumstances sec increases days year essential employee small business released discharged active duty required military service period affected small business apply economic injury assistance employee absence allows administrator appropriate waive limit provide later ending date directs administrator establish process business file preliminary application assistance date employee ordered active duty sec authorizes administrator provide economic injury disaster loans circumstances caused ice storms blizzards sec requires report administrator small business committees concerning sba ability provide disaster loans small businesses depend high sustain economic injury lack sec authorizes administrator carry program refinance gulf_coast disaster loans providing option defer loan repayment years original loan disbursement authorizes appropriations title iii oversight sec requires days end fiscal year report administrator small business committees sba disaster assistance operations fiscal year requires period significant incident administrator report monthly basis sba disaster assistance operations respect incident


Summary: Emergency Child Care Lending for the Gulf Coast Act of 2007 - Authorizes the proceeds of a loan for plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to be used by the certified development company to provide loans to small, nonprofit child care businesses that have a track record of providing such services in the presidentially declared disaster areas in the Gulf Coast region.Limits to 3% the amount of the total number of such loans guaranteed in FY2008-FY2009 that may be awarded for the program under this Act. Terminates such program after December 30, 2008.

emergency child care lending authorizes proceeds loan plant acquisition construction conversion expansion small_business_investment_act certified development company provide loans small nonprofit child care businesses track record providing services presidentially declared disaster areas gulf_coast region limits total number loans guaranteed fy2008 fy2009 awarded program act terminates program december


Summary: Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), in making disaster loans to small businesses, to provide an option to defer repayment on such loans for a period of up to four years. Applies such authority retroactively to any SBA disaster loan that was made: (1) in response to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita; and (2) for a small business located in a county or parish designated by the Administrator as a disaster area by reason of either such hurricane.

amends small_business_act authorize administrator small_business_administration sba making disaster loans small businesses provide option defer repayment loans period years applies authority retroactively sba disaster loan response hurricanes katrina rita small business located county parish designated administrator disaster area reason hurricane


Summary: Disadvantaged Business Disaster Eligibility Act - Permits any small business that was participating in a Small Business Administration (SBA) business development program located in a Louisiana parish or Mississippi or Alabama county designated by the SBA Administrator as a disaster area by reason of Hurricane Katrina to continue participation and eligibility in such program for an additional 18 months.

disaster eligibility act permits small business participating small_business_administration sba business development program located louisiana parish mississippi alabama county designated sba administrator disaster area reason hurricane katrina continue participation eligibility program additional months


Summary: 8(a) Modernization Act - Amends the Small Business Act to increase the thresholds for the award by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of government procurement and service contracts and subcontracts to certain small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals from: (1) $5 million to $12 million, in the case of small business manufacturers; and (2) $3 million to $10 million, in the case of other small businesses. Requires the SBA Administrator to establish, for each industry classification, a maximum level of net worth for an economically disadvantaged individual (for purposes of eligibility for the contract award program). Prohibits the Administrator from establishing a maximum net worth that prohibits program entry of less than $750,000.

modernization act amends small business act increase thresholds award small_business_administration sba government procurement service contracts subcontracts certain small businesses owned socially economically disadvantaged individuals million million case small business manufacturers million million case small businesses requires sba administrator establish industry classification maximum level net worth economically disadvantaged individual purposes eligibility contract award program prohibits administrator establishing maximum net worth prohibits program entry


Summary: Securing Equity for the Economic Development of Low Income Areas Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), in selecting companies to participate in the New Markets Venture Capital Program (Program), to select at least one company from each geographic region of the SBA. Requires (currently, authorizes) the Administrator to make grants to such companies to be used for loans to new-market small businesses, and to guarantee debentures issued by such companies. Establishes the Office of New Markets Venture Capital, headed by a Director, to administer the Program. Revises the definition of "low income geographic area" for Program eligibility purposes. Requires a study by the SBA's Chief Counsel for Advocacy on the availability of equity capital in low-income urban and rural areas. Authorizes operational assistance grants to conditionally approved companies.

securing equity economic development low income areas act amends small_business_investment_act direct administrator small_business_administration sba selecting companies participate select company geographic region sba requires currently authorizes administrator grants companies loans new market small businesses guarantee debentures issued companies headed director administer program revises definition low income geographic area program eligibility purposes requires study sba chief counsel advocacy availability equity capital low income urban rural areas authorizes operational assistance grants conditionally approved companies