S. 2776 — Introduced in Senate

II 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2776 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 21, 2021Ms. Warren (for herself, Mr. Markey, Mr. Padilla, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Sanders, and Mrs. Gillibrand) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions A BILL To clarify that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has authority to implement a residential eviction moratorium under the quarantine authority vested by the Public Health Service Act, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Keeping Renters Safe Act. 2. Clarification HHS has authority for residential eviction moratoria Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e) Consistent with the standard described in subsection (a), regulations under this section may implement, maintain, or extend a residential eviction moratorium. . 3. COVID–19 eviction moratorium (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall implement a national residential eviction moratorium under section 361 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264) to reduce the introduction, transmission, and spread of COVID–19 and otherwise address the public health emergency declared under section 319 of the such Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) with respect to COVID–19. (b) Applicability The moratorium under subsection (a) shall— (1) be automatic, without requiring individuals to apply for coverage; and (2) apply to all residential eviction filings, hearings, judgments, and execution of judgments, except that the Secretary of Health and Human Services may establish moratorium exceptions necessary to protect the health and safety of others. (c) Period following public health emergency The moratorium under subsection (a) shall remain in effect at least 60 days after the conclusion of the public health emergency described in such subsection, including any extensions thereof.