,,ii #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bbcd ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #i1 #bjbe ,mr4 ,rounds 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,smith1 ,mr4 ,reed1 and ,mr4 ,crapo7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs ,a ,,bill ,to make improvements to the ,emergency ,solutions ,grants and ,continuum of ,care programs1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,reducing ,homelessness ,through ,program ,reform ,act4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,appropriate congressional committees ,the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#b7 ,at risk of homelessness ,the term at risk of homelessness has the meaning given the term in section #dja of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacfj74 7#c7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development4 7#d7 ,homeless ,the term homeless has the meaning given the term in section #ajc of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacjb74 7#e7 ,public housing agency ,the term public housing agency has the meaning given the term in section #c7;b7 of the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;a7b774 7#f7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary1 except as otherwise provided1 means the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development4 #c4 ,administrative costs for the ,emergency ,solutions ,grants program ,section #dah of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacgh7 is amended by striking #g4e percent and inserting #aj percent4 #d4 ,amendments to the ,continuum of ,care program 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,c of title ,,iv of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacha et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #djb7;g7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacfj;a7g77-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#b7 as paragraph 7#c72 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#a7 the following3 7#b7 ,time limit on designation ,the ,secretary-- 7,a7 shall accept applications for designation as a unified funding agency annually or biennially1 which designation shall be effective for not more than #b years2 and 7,b7 may1 on an annual or biennial basis1 renew any designation under subparagraph 7,a74 2 7#b7 in section #dbb 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aachb7-- 7,a7 in subsection 7b7-- 7i7 by striking ,the ,secretary and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary 2 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 #b-year notification ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 the ,secretary may issue a notification of funding availability for grants awarded under this subtitle that provides funding for #b successive fiscal years1 which shall-- 7,a7 award funds for the second year of projects1 including adjustments under subsection 7f71 unless the project is underperforming1 as determined by the collaborative applicant1 and the collaborative applicant applies to replace the project with a new project2 and 7,b7 include-- 7i7 the method for applying for and awarding projects to replace underperforming projects in year #b2 7ii7 the method for applying for and awarding renewals of expiring grants for projects that were not eligible for renewal in the first fiscal year2 7iii7 the method for allocating any amounts in the second fiscal year that are in excess of the amount needed to fund the second fiscal year of all grants awarded in the first fiscal year2 7iv7 the method of applying for and awarding grants1 which are #a-year transition grants awarded by the ,secretary to project sponsors for activities under this subtitle to transition from #a eligible activity to another eligible activity if the recipient-- 7,i7 has the consent of the continuum of care2 and 7,,ii7 meets standards determined by the ,secretary2 7,c7 announce by notice the award of second fiscal year funding and awards for new and renewal projects2 and 7,d7 identify the process by which the ,secretary may approve replacement of a collaborative applicant that is not a unified funding agency to receive the award in the second fiscal year4 2 7,b7 in subsection 7c77#b7-- 7i7 by striking 7,a7 ,in general4--,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary and inserting ,the ,secretary2 and 7ii7 by striking subparagraph 7,b72 and 7,c7 in subsection 7e71 by striking #a year and inserting #b years2 7#c7 in section #dbc7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aachc7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#d71 in the third sentence-- 7i7 by striking 1 at the discretion of the applicant and the project sponsor12 and 7ii7 by inserting not more than before #ae years2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#g71 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by inserting payment of not more than #f months of arrears for rent and utility expenses1 after moving costs12 and 7,c7 in paragraph 7#aj71 by striking #c percent and inserting the greater of #gj1jjj or #e percent2 7#d7 in section #dbe 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aache71 by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,adjustment of costs ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this subsection1 and on a biennial basis thereafter1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 shall study the hiring1 retention1 and compensation levels of the workforce providing the services described in subsection 7c71 including executive directors1 case managers1 and front line staff1 and examine whether low compensation is undermining program effectiveness2 7#b7 shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on any findings1 and to the ,secretary any recommendations1 as the ,comptroller ,general considers appropriate regarding funding levels for the cost of the supportive services and the staffing to provide the services described in subsection 7c72 and 7#c7 in carrying out the study under paragraph 7#a71 may reference the ,consumer ,price ,index or other similar surveys4 2 7#e7 in section #dbf 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aachf71 by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,inspections ,when complying with inspection requirements for a housing unit provided to a homeless individual or family using assistance under this subtitle1 the ,secretary may allow a grantee to-- 7#a7 conduct a pre-inspection not more than #fj days before leasing the unit2 7#b7 conduct a remote or video inspection of the unit2 and 7#c7 allow the unit to be leased prior to completion of an inspection if the unit passed an alternative ,federal inspection within the preceding #ab-month period1 so long as the unit is inspected not later than #ae days after the start of the lease4 2 and 7#f7 in section #dcj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aachf;d71 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,costs paid by program income ,with respect to grant amounts awarded under this subtitle1 costs paid by the program income of a grant recipient may count toward the contributions required under subsection 7a7 if the costs-- 7#a7 are eligible expenses under this subtitle2 7#b7 meet standards determined by the ,secretary2 and 7#c7 supplement activities carried out by the recipient under this subtitle4 4 7b7 ,other modifications 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the terms collaborative applicant and eligible entity have the meanings given those terms in section #dja of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacfj72 and 7,b7 the terms ,indian tribe and tribally designated housing entity have the meanings given those terms in section #d of the ,native ,american ,housing ,assistance and ,self-,determination ,act of #aiif 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dajc74 7#b7 ,nonapplication of civil rights laws ,with respect to the funds made available for the ,continuum of ,care program authorized under subtitle ,c of title ,,iv of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacha et seq47 under the heading ,homeless ,assistance ,grants in the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development ,appropriations ,act1 #bjba 7,public ,law #aaf-bfj7 and under section #bca of the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development ,appropriations ,act1 #bjbj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacfd;a71 title ,,vi of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;d et seq47 and title ,,viii of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cfja et seq47 shall not apply to applications by or awards for projects to be carried out-- 7,a7 on or off reservation or trust lands for awards made to ,indian tribes or tribally designated housing entities2 or 7,b7 on reservation or trust lands for awards made to eligible entities4 7#c7 ,certification ,with respect to funds made available for the ,continuum of ,care program authorized under subtitle ,c of title ,,iv of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacha et seq47 under the heading ,homeless ,assistance ,grants under section #bca of the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development ,appropriations ,act1 #bjbj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacfd;a7-- 7,a7 applications for projects to be carried out on reservations or trust land shall contain a certification of consistency with an approved ,indian housing plan developed under section #ajb of the ,native ,american ,housing ,assistance and ,self-,determination ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #daab71 notwithstanding section #ajf of the ,cranston-,gonzalez ,national ,affordable ,housing ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abgjf7 and section #djc of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacfa72 7,b7 ,indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities that are recipients of awards for projects on reservations or trust land shall certify that they are following an approved housing plan developed under section #ajb of the ,native ,american ,housing ,assistance and ,self-,determination ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #daab72 and 7,c7 a collaborative applicant for a ,continuum of ,care whose geographic area includes only reservation and trust land is not required to meet the requirement in section #djb7;f77#b7 of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacfj;a7f77#b774 #e4 ,amendments to the ,housing ,choice ,voucher program ,section #h7o7 of the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;f7o77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#e71 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,exceptions ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 a public housing agency may accept a third party income calculation and verification of family income for purposes of this subsection if-- 7,i7 the calculation and verification was completed for determination of income eligibility for a ,federal program or service during the preceding #ab-month period2 and 7,,ii7 there has been no change in income or family composition since the calculation and verification under clause 7i72 and 7ii7 when using prior year income under section #c7;a77#g77;,b71 a public housing agency shall use the income of the family as determined by the agency or owner for the prior calendar year or another #ab-month period ending during the preceding #ab months1 taking into consideration any redetermination of income between the start of such prior calendar year or other #ab-month period and the date of the annual review4 2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#h7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a77iii7-- 7i7 in the clause heading1 by striking for interim period2 7ii7 in the first sentence-- 7,i7 by striking before and inserting without performing2 and 7,,ii7 by striking has been completed and all that follows through subparagraph 7,b72 and 7iii7 in the second sentence1 by striking subparagraph 7,d7 and inserting subparagraphs 7,d7 and 7,f72 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by adding at the end the following3 ,this subparagraph shall not apply with respect to a dwelling unit for which the public housing agency relied on an alternative inspection method under subparagraph 7,e7 as the initial inspection42 and 7,c7 in subparagraph 7,e7-- 7i7 in clause 7i7-- 7,i7 by inserting 7,i7 after 7i72 7,,ii7 in subclause 7,i71 as so designated1 by striking and at the end2 and 7,,iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,,ii7 the public housing agency 7or other entity pursuant to paragraph 7#aa77 conducted the inspection during the preceding #ab-month period when the unit was occupied by a previous tenant assisted under this subsection or was vacant2 or 7,,iii7 the public housing agency-- 7aa7 conducted a pre-inspection not more than #fj days before leasing a unit2 7bb7 conducted a remote or video inspection of a unit2 or 7cc7 allowed a unit to be leased prior to completion of an inspection if the unit passed alternative inspection within the preceding #ab-month period1 so long as the unit is inspected not later than #ae days after the start of the lease2 and 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#bc7 ,use of housing assistance funds for deposits and holding fees 7,a7 ,in general ,a public housing agency may use current and prior year available housing assistance for tenant-based rental assistance under this subsection for-- 7i7 standard security deposits for rent1 utilities1 and any other deposits allowed by the ,secretary that are necessary to lease a dwelling unit under this subsection2 and 7ii7 fees to hold an available dwelling unit under this subsection during the inspection and approval process4 7,b7 ,maximum amount ,the maximum amount a public housing agency may provide to or on behalf of a family under clause 7i7 or 7ii7 of subparagraph 7,a7 is the equivalent of #a month's rent of the selected unit for each of the purposes under those clauses4 7,c7 ,allocation baseline ,any funds used for the purposes described in subparagraph 7,a7 shall be part of the allocation baseline for tenant-based contract renewals4 7,d7 ,cap ,the ,secretary shall establish a cap to limit the percentage of funds made available under a housing assistance payment contract that a public housing agency may use for the purposes described in subparagraph 7,a74 4 #f4 ,technology upgrades 7a7 ,e-,snaps system 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #e1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbe1 in addition to amounts otherwise available1 to remain available until expended1 for information technology upgrades to the ,e-,snaps system used to support the program application and awards process under subtitle ,c of title ,,iv of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacha et seq474 7#b7 ,development process ,in the development process of upgrading the ,e-,snaps system described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 focus on the needs of users of the ,e-,snaps system1 meaning grant recipients and other relevant stakeholders1 and take into consideration1 to the extent practicable-- 7i7 the guidelines outlined in the ,u4,s4 ,web ,design ,standards maintained by the ,general ,services ,administration and the ,digital ,services ,playbook and ,tech,f,a,r ,handbook for ,procuring ,digital ,services ,using ,agile ,processes2 and 7ii7 the relevant successor documents or recommendations of such guidelines2 7,b7 use modern1 relevant privacy- and security-enhancing technology2 and 7,c7 plan for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the system and product to ensure its ongoing capability4 7#c7 ,nonapplication of the ,paperwork ,reduction ,act ,subchapter ,i of chapter #ce of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall not apply to any aspect of the development process described in paragraph 7#b74 7b7 ,expansion of working capital fund for information technology services ,section #g7;f7 of the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cece7;f77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,secretary and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,working capital fund information technology activities 7,a7 ,in general ,the authorized services of the working capital fund established under paragraph 7#a7 7in this paragraph referred to as the ,fund7 shall include the activities described in this paragraph for information technology1 which shall be managed by the ,chief ,information ,officer of the ,department under the overall ,fund management of the ,office of the ,chief ,financial ,officer4 7,b7 ,activities ,the ,fund shall be used for recurring and nonrecurring expenses relating to information technology needs of the ,department1 including services1 products1 upgrades1 modernization1 and maintenance needs and projects1 for the purposes of meaningfully improving digital service and program delivery and customer experience4 7,c7 ,transfers and deposits 7i7 ,in general ,the ,fund shall include unobligated balances of expired discretionary funds appropriated in fiscal year #bjbe or any succeeding fiscal year from the general fund of the ,treasury to the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development1 which may be transferred1 not later than the end of the fifth fiscal year after the last fiscal year for which such funds are available for the purposes for which they were appropriated1 into the ,fund for use under this paragraph4 7ii7 ,salaries and expenses ,of the amounts made available for salaries and expenses in a fiscal year1 excluding amounts made available under the heading ,office of ,inspector ,general1 a total of up to #aj1jjj1jjj may be transferred to the ,fund for use under this paragraph4 7iii7 ,availability ,amounts transferred to or deposited in the ,fund under this subparagraph shall be available until expended1 in addition to such other funds as may be available for the activities described in subparagraph 7,b71 subject to approval by the ,office of ,management and ,budget4 4 #g4 ,improving coordination between health care systems and supportive services 7a7 ,report by ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services and the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development shall seek to enter into an agreement with the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine to conduct and submit to the appropriate congressional committees an evidence-based1 nonpartisan analysis that-- 7#a7 reviews the research on linkages between health care and homelessness and analyzes the effect of greater coordination and partnerships between health care organizations1 mental health and substance use disorder and substance use disorder service providers1 and housing service providers1 including possible cost-savings of providing greater access to health services1 recovery housing1 or housing-related supportive services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and other types of homelessness2 and 7#b7 includes policy and program recommendations for improving access to health care and housing1 health care and housing outcomes1 possible cost-savings and efficiencies1 and best practices4 7b7 ,demonstration authority 7#a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iv of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacfj et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #dji4 ,demonstration authority 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,covered recipient ,the term covered recipient means a recipient of assistance under this title4 7#b7 ,healthcare organization ,the term healthcare organization means a provider of physical or behavioral healthcare1 including-- 7,a7 a hospital2 7,b7 a community health center2 7,c7 a provider of substance use or mental health services2 and 7,d7 a provider of public health services and initiatives1 which may include area agencies on aging4 7#c7 ,housing provider ,the term housing provider means an entity1 including a grant recipient under subtitle ,b or ,c of this title1 a public housing agency 7as defined in section #c of the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;a771 or a federally funded organization or a nonprofit organization1 providing housing services1 including rapid re-housing1 transitional housing1 housing choice vouchers1 and housing-related supportive services to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness4 7b7 ,authority ,the ,secretary may establish demonstration projects or partnerships that involve collaboration between housing providers and healthcare organizations to provide housing-related supportive services1 such as housing navigation1 placement1 financing1 and casework1 or improve access to health services for homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness1 including-- 7#a7 assistance in coordinating data systems with the ,health ,insurance ,portability and ,accountability ,act 7,public ,law #ajd-aia72 and 7#b7 projects or partnerships that are aimed at serving individuals-- 7,a7 who are homeless1 chronically homeless1 or at risk of homelessness2 and 7,b7 with-- 7i7 a high-use of emergency services or emergency departments2 7ii7 chronic disabilities1 including physical health or mental health conditions2 7iii7 substance use disorders2 7iv7 serious mental illness2 or 7v7 other severe service needs4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,appropriate congressional committees defined ,in this subsection1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#b7 ,requirement ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and every #d years thereafter1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on each demonstration project or partnership established under this section4 4 7#b7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,the table of contents in section #aja7;b7 of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacja note7 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #djh the following3 ,sec4 #dji4 ,demonstration authority4 4 #h4 ,advisory ,committee on ,homelessness 7a7 ,advisory ,committee on ,homelessness 7#a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iv of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacfj et seq471 as amended by this ,act1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #daj4 ,advisory ,committee on ,homelessness 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development 7in this section referred to as the ,department7 the ,advisory ,committee on ,homelessness 7in this section referred to as the ,committee74 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of not less than #aj and not more than #ae members jointly appointed by the ,secretary and the ,executive ,director of the ,united ,states ,interagency ,council on ,homelessness 7in this section referred to as the ,executive ,director7 from among the following3 7,a7 ,individuals who have experienced or are currently experiencing homelessness4 7,b7 ,a representative of or advocate for people experiencing homelessness4 7,c7 ,a community-based provider of services for people experiencing homelessness4 7,d7 ,a provider of or expert in affordable housing or permanent housing services4 7,e7 ,a provider of or expert in health care for people experiencing homelessness4 7,f7 ,a provider of mental health1 substance use disorder1 or wraparound services4 7,g7 ,a provider of job training and employment assistance programs or services4 7,h7 ,a representative of a federally-recognized ,indian tribe who has experience in ,tribal housing and homelessness services4 7,i7 ,an individual representing local government or local law enforcement4 7,j7 ,such other organization1 group1 or stakeholder as the ,secretary and ,executive ,director consider appropriate4 7#b7 ,ex-officio members ,the ,committee shall include1 as ex officio members-- 7,a7 the ,secretary1 or a representative thereof1 and the ,executive ,director1 or a representative thereof2 7,b7 the ,secretaries1 or representatives thereof1 of-- 7i7 ,health and ,human ,services2 7ii7 ,agriculture2 7iii7 ,education2 7iv7 ,veterans ,affairs2 7,c7 the ,assistant ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services for ,mental ,health and ,substance ,use1 or a representative thereof2 7,d7 the ,director of the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs1 or a representative thereof2 and 7,e7 such other ex officio members as the ,secretary and the ,executive ,director consider appropriate4 7#c7 ,period of appointment2 vacancies 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary and ,executive ,director shall determine the terms of service of the members of the ,committee1 except that-- 7i7 a term of service may not exceed #d years2 and 7ii7 the ,secretary may reappoint any member for additional terms of service4 7,b7 ,vacancies ,a vacancy in the ,committee-- 7i7 shall not affect the powers of the ,committee2 and 7ii7 shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment4 7c7 ,meetings 7#a7 ,initial meeting ,not later than #f months after the date on which all members of the ,committee have been appointed1 the ,committee shall hold the first meeting of the ,committee4 7#b7 ,frequency ,the ,committee shall meet at the call of the ,chairperson4 7#c7 ,quorum ,a majority of the members of the ,committee shall constitute a quorum1 but a lesser number of members may hold hearings4 7d7 ,chairperson and ,vice ,chairperson ,the ,committee shall select a ,chairperson and ,vice ,chairperson from among the members of the ,committee4 7e7 ,best practices ,the ,secretary and the ,executive ,director shall implement strategies and activities associated with best practices of incorporating advisory groups of people with lived experience1 this may include-- 7#a7 orientation and training for ,committee members on the work of the ,secretary1 the ,united ,states ,interagency ,council on ,homelessness1 and relevant agencies2 7#b7 training and professional development on best practices for effective engagement with the lived experience advisory group for involved staff for the ,department2 and 7#c7 strategies to reduce barriers to participation for individuals with lived experience of homelessness4 7f7 ,duties of the ,committee 7#a7 ,advice to ,secretary and ,executive ,director 7,a7 ,consultation ,the ,secretary and the ,executive ,director shall consult with and seek the advice of the ,committee on a regular basis with respect to policy1 programs1 and initiatives related to homelessness4 7,b7 ,activities ,in providing advice to the ,secretary and ,executive ,director under this subsection1 the ,committee1 drawing from their own independent judgement1 shall-- 7i7 assemble and review information relating to the needs1 experiences1 and expertise of people experiencing homelessness2 7ii7 provide an on-going assessment of the effectiveness of the policies1 programs1 and services of the ,department in assisting people experiencing homelessness and creating interim1 transitional1 and permanent housing opportunities2 7iii7 provide on-going advice on the most appropriate1 effective1 and dignified means of assisting all populations of people experiencing homelessness2 and 7iv7 provide on-going insights for departments1 policies1 and programs across the ,federal ,government that serve people experiencing homelessness4 7#b7 ,additional activities ,the ,committee shall-- 7,a7 primarily review the continuum of homelessness and homelessness prevention services provided by the ,department and assess new policies1 programs1 and procedures related to homelessness resources1 supportive services1 and prevention1 including-- 7i7 identifying recommendations to address programmatic gaps and barriers to effectively serving the full demographic and geographic spectrum of people experiencing homelessness and at risk of homelessness2 7ii7 uplifting best practices1 innovative solutions1 efficiencies1 and local policy initiatives for consideration by the ,department1 as well as identifying successes within the policies and programs of the ,department2 and 7iii7 identifying opportunities for increased liaison by the ,department with nongovernmental organizations1 ,state and local governments1 and individual groups providing services to homeless populations2 7,b7 advise agency partners within the ,united ,states ,interagency ,council on ,homelessness to strengthen coordination of all services involved in addressing needs of people experiencing homeless1 including by-- 7i7 identifying recommendations to strengthen the accessibility and efficacy of ,federal programs and policies that serve people experiencing homelessness2 and 7ii7 identifying areas for increased streamlining1 flexibilities1 efficiency1 and synchronization under existing laws and policies to promote effective coordination of ,federal agencies with ,state and local agencies addressing homelessness2 and 7,c7 perform such other functions as the ,secretary1 the ,executive ,director1 and ,committee members may direct4 7g7 ,powers of ,committee 7#a7 ,hearings ,the ,committee may hold such hearings1 sit and act at such times and places1 take such testimony1 and receive such evidence as the ,committee considers advisable to carry out this section4 7#b7 ,information from ,federal agencies 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee may secure directly from a ,federal department or agency such information as the ,committee considers necessary to carry out this section4 7,b7 ,furnishing information ,on request of the ,chairperson of the ,committee1 the head of the department or agency shall furnish the information to the ,committee4 7#c7 ,postal services ,the ,committee may use the ,united ,states mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the ,federal ,government4 7#d7 ,donations ,the ,committee may accept1 use1 and dispose of donations of services or property4 7h7 ,committee personnel matters 7#a7 ,compensation of members ,a member of the ,committee who is not paid by their employer while attending and participating in activities of the ,committee may receive compensation at a rate established by the ,secretary and ,executive ,director and in accordance with guidance of the ,department on best practices for compensating people with expertise based on their lived experience of homelessness4 7#b7 ,travel expenses ,a member of the ,committee who is not paid by their employer while attending and participating in activities of the ,committee shall be allowed travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter ,i of chapter #eg of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the ,committee4 7#c7 ,executive director and staff 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall detail a staff member of the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development to serve as executive director of the ,committee and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the ,committee to perform its duties1 except that the appointment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the ,committee4 7,b7 ,detail of government employees ,a ,federal ,government employee may be detailed to the ,committee without reimbursement1 and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege4 7#d7 ,procurement of temporary and intermittent services ,the ,chairperson of the ,committee may procure temporary and intermittent services under section #caji7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level ,v of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecaf of that title4 7i7 ,reports 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #c months after the ,annual ,homelessness ,assessment ,report is released each year1 the ,committee shall submit to the ,secretary and the ,executive ,director a brief report on select programs and activities of the ,department and ,united ,states ,interagency ,council on ,homelessness that relate to homelessness1 which may include-- 7,a7 an assessment of the experiences and needs of people experiencing homelessness2 7,b7 a brief review of successes and areas to strengthen within programs and activities of the ,department and ,united ,states ,interagency ,council on ,homelessness2 7,c7 a review of the activities of the ,committee2 and 7,d7 such recommendations 7including recommendations for administrative and legislative action7 as the ,committee considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,transmission to ,congress ,not later than #ij days after the receipt of a report under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall transmit to the ,committee ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives a copy of the report1 together with any comments and recommendations concerning the report that the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,additional reports and recommendations ,the ,committee may submit to the ,secretary and the ,executive ,director such other reports and recommendations as the ,committee considers appropriate4 7j7 ,termination ,section #ajac of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall not apply to the ,committee4 7k7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated for the ,committee #aej1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbe through #bjcj to carry out this section1 to remain available until expended4 4 7#b7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,the table of contents in section #aja7;b7 of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacja note71 as amended by this ,act1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #dji the following3 ,sec4 #daj4 ,advisory ,committee on ,homelessness4 4 7b7 ,grantees and member agencies ,the ,secretary and the ,united ,states ,interagency ,council on ,homelessness shall support its grantees and ,federal member agencies in incorporating individuals with lived experience of homelessness within their homelessness programs1 relevant committees1 and workgroups1 including by-- 7#a7 examining opportunities to incentivize meaningfully including the expertise of individuals with lived and ongoing experiences of homelessness in grants1 policies1 and programs that impact individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness1 as well as opportunities to compensate people with lived experience for their contributions2 and 7#b7 addressing barriers such as ,federal program eligibility and caps on earned income to ensure individuals with lived experience of homelessness are compensated for their participation in planning activities and input processes without risking any benefits or assistance that they receive from the ,federal ,government1 which may include the provision of waivers1 subject to a process determined by the ,secretary1 regarding eligibility for ,federal housing assistance programs to individuals who would otherwise be eligible for those programs if not for the compensation provided for their consultation services4 #i4 ,streamlining coordinated entry 7a7 ,audit by the ,comptroller ,general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7#a7 conduct a multi-community evaluation of the operations of coordinated assessment systems by the ,continuum of ,care ,program under subtitle ,c of title ,,iv of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacha et seq47 program to examine the efficiency1 accuracy1 and outcomes of those operations2 and 7#b7 submit to the appropriate congressional committees on any findings and to the ,secretary on any recommendations1 as the ,comptroller ,general considers appropriate1 for a more effective and efficient coordinated entry process4 7b7 ,assessments ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 evaluate the coordinated assessment processes under the ,continuum of ,care ,program under subtitle ,c of title ,,iv of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacha et seq471 which shall include-- 7,a7 a request for information from continuums of care about coordinated entry tools1 processes1 barriers1 documentation barriers1 and necessary guidance2 7,b7 incorporating findings from relevant reports and demonstrations of the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development including relevant reports such as the report described in subsection 7a72 and 7,c7 consulting with organizations with expertise in providing health care to people experiencing homelessness on best practices in assessment tools for prioritizing resources and characterizing chronic homelessness and people experiencing homelessness with high-service needs2 7#b7 issue an updated notice1 which shall include guidance-- 7,a7 on effective assessment processes that remove barriers1 streamline access1 minimize bias1 allow for coordination with public housing agencies1 include trauma-informed data collection practices1 improve accuracy1 address needs for underserved groups1 and successfully divert individuals from homelessness2 and 7,b7 that includes all key populations and subpopulations1 including consideration for age1 family status1 health status1 or other vulnerabilities1 access points1 prioritization1 programs1 and the programs and systems serving individuals experiencing homelessness and that allow for local flexibility and tailoring based on the needs and resources within the specific community2 and 7#c7 establish a timely1 periodic procedure to request feedback on coordinated assessment and update the guidance1 which may include conducting a request for information not less frequently than once every #e years4 #aj4 ,streamlining documentation requirements 7a7 ,assessment ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the ,secretary and the appropriate congressional committees a report that assesses-- 7#a7 the documentation requirements 7beyond photo identification7 for determining eligibility and resource prioritization for homelessness assistance programs of the ,department2 7#b7 the influence of those documentation requirements on housing access and resource access2 and 7#c7 recommendations for reducing documentation barriers to homelessness assistance programs of the ,department and evaluating the opportunity to incorporate the use of ,state-issued1 existing forms of digital identification that ,states have provided all of their residents and are not specific to people experiencing homelessness4 7b7 ,evaluation ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 evaluate the assessment required under subsection 7a72 7#b7 publish a request for information from continuums of care and public housing agencies about the matters described in paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c7 of subsection 7a72 and 7#c7 submit to the appropriate congressional committees ongoing reports on the impact of waivers provided in ,august #bjbc1 and any similar1 subsequent waivers1 to modify admissions to the housing choice voucher program under section #h7o7 of the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;f7o77 and expedite assistance to homeless individuals4 #aa4 ,improving targeted data collection1 funding1 and coordination 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 issue not less than #a request for information on-- 7,a7 improving data collection1 including through the use of the ,homeless ,management ,information ,system or other data systems1 7,b7 coordination and use of data between housing and homelessness providers and physical1 mental1 and behavioral health organizations1 substance use treatment providers1 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 and the criminal justice system for purposes of programs involved with providing services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness2 and 7,c7 the potential use and value of using artificial intelligence models for the purpose of improving program effectiveness and assessing the effectiveness of interventions for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness2 7#b7 consider providing incentives to improve data collection1 enhance the use of the ,homeless ,management ,information ,system1 implement community information exchanges1 and strengthen the coordination of data from physical1 mental1 and behavioral health organizations and the criminal justice system with housing and homelessness providers1 in order to target resources for housing1 outreach1 homelessness prevention1 and housing-related supportive services for homeless individuals1 chronically homeless individuals1 or those at risk of homelessness with significant criminal justice system or law enforcement interaction2 7#c7 coordinate with the ,secretary of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs on data sharing to improve coordination between data for vouchers provided under section #h7o77#ai7 of the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;f7o77#ai771 the ,homeless ,management ,information ,system1 and any other applicable homeless program supported by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs2 and 7#d7 issue guidance to establish best practices and mechanisms to enable ,homeless ,management ,information ,system data to be made available in a usable format for academic researchers using artificial intelligence models without including personally-identifying information and with appropriate risk-mitigation strategies in place1 with the aim of improving the understanding and effectiveness of interventions for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness4 7b7 ,demonstration authority ,the ,secretary may use unobligated funding to pilot demonstration projects or partnerships between the entities described in subsection 7a77#b7 for purposes of improving access to housing and support services necessary for gainful and permanent employment1 which may include flexibility and waivers related to-- 7#a7 program requirements under subtitles ,b and ,c of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacga et seq41 #aacha et seq472 7#b7 flexibility to serve individuals exiting an institution where they have resided for #abj days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering that institution2 7#c7 flexibility to serve individuals exiting an institution where they have resided and who otherwise lack a fixed1 regular1 and adequate nighttime residence2 or 7#d7 flexibility to serve individuals exiting the criminal justice system4 7c7 ,,usich report ,following a reasonable time after the conclusion of a demonstration project or partnership described in subsection 7b71 the ,united ,states ,interagency ,council on ,homelessness shall issue a publicly available report summarizing those efforts and recommending best practices4 7d7 ,guidance ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,attorney ,general1 shall issue guidance on best practices for improving targeted data collection1 funding1 and coordination relating to behavioral health and criminal justice system interaction with housing assistance and homelessness programs for the purpose of diverting people who are exiting institutions from entering homelessness4 #ab4 ,authorization for ,interagency ,council on ,homelessness 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,ii of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacaa et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #bjd7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacad7;a77-- 7,a7 by striking ,the ,council and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,council 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,testimony ,the ,executive ,director of the ,council shall annually testify before the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives on the coordinated response to homelessness by the ,federal ,government4 2 7#b7 in section #bjh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacah71 by striking to carry out this title #c1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjaj and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years #bjaa and inserting such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title until the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of the ,reducing ,homelessness ,through ,program ,reform ,act2 7#c7 by striking section #bji 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacai72 and 7#d7 by redesignating section #baj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacbj7 as section #bji4 7b7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,the table of contents in section #aja7;b7 of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacja note7 is amended by striking the items relating to sections #bji and #baj and inserting the following3 ,sec4 #bji4 ,encouragement of ,state involvement44 #ac4 ,evaluation ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall conduct an evaluation and submit to the appropriate congressional committees1 and make publicly available1 a report on grant allocation amounts1 matching requirements1 and funding under the ,emergency ,solutions ,grants program and the ,continuum of ,care program under subtitles ,b and ,c1 respectively1 of title ,,iv of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacga et seq41 #aacha et seq471 which shall include surveys of the field1 unmet need 7on a relative and absolute basis71 and local program availability compared to community needs in small ,states1 small communities1 and ,tribal and rural communities1 as it relates to program funding levels4 #ad4 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this ,act or the amendments made by this ,act shall be construed to limit the authority of the ,secretary to provide flexibility under housing laws in effect as of the date of enactment of this ,act4 ,the flexibilities and waivers authorized under this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act shall not replace or result in the termination of other flexibilities and waivers that the ,secretary is authorized to exercise4