Studying Barriers to Homelessness Act
Bill: H.R.7123 | Sponsor: Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. (D-TX)
Policy area: Housing and Community Development

Summary:
Studying Barriers to Homelessness Act
This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study to identify any barriers to the use of public housing to provide assistance for the homeless.

To require the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study to 
    identify barriers to reducing homelessness by providing housing 
    assistance under the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher 
                   programs, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Studying Barriers to Homelessness 
Act''.

SEC. 2. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON REDUCING HOMELESSNESS THROUGH PUBLIC 
              HOUSING AND SECTION 8 RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall 
conduct a study to identify any barriers that limit the ability of a 
public housing agency in attempting to provide housing assistance under 
the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs under title I of 
the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.) for 
populations experiencing homelessness, which shall include--
            (1) identification of any laws, regulations, and any other 
        notices or guidance pertaining to--
                    (A) waiting lists, documentation requirements, or 
                tenant screening that effect the ability of a public 
                housing agency to accept persons and families 
                experiencing homelessness into the public housing or 
                voucher program; and
                    (B) funding formulas and performance measures that 
                may penalize public housing agencies trying to serve 
                persons and families experiencing homelessness;
            (2) analyzing and determining the effect of the limitation 
        under section 8(o)(13)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 
        1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(13)(B); relating to the maximum amount 
        of housing voucher assistance that a public housing agency may 
        use for project-based assistance) has on the ability of public 
        housing agencies to serve persons and families experiencing 
        homelessness; and
            (3) identification of barriers to fair housing and the 
        coordination of Federal housing assistance and homelessness 
        funds, including outreach and marketing of such funds, to 
        affirmatively further fair housing for protected classes under 
        the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) that are 
        disproportionately experiencing homelessness.
    (b) Report.--Not later than the expiration of the 12-month period 
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller 
General shall submit a report to the Congress describing the study 
conducted pursuant to subsection (a) and setting forth the results and 
conclusions of the study.
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