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HR 9072

HOME for Foster Youth Act

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 6 co-sponsors

Extends foster youth eligibility for tenant-based rental assistance from 90 to 180 days after emancipation and excludes ETV funds from housing calculations.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9072

Summary of HR 9072 (119th Congress) – HOME for Foster Youth Act

Purpose

  • To amend the United States Housing Act of 1937 to adjust eligibility requirements for eligible youths seeking tenant-based rental assistance (Section 8) and to enhance coordination and program support for current and former foster youth.
  • Proposes to broaden the window for youth leaving foster care and to clarify the treatment of education and training vouchers in eligibility calculations.
  • Aims to modernize access to housing assistance and supportive services for foster youth through interagency coordination.

Key Provisions

1) Eligibility Window for Leaving Foster Care
- Changes the trigger for eligibility—from leaving foster care within 90 days to within 180 days.
- Removes the previously stated condition that the youth “is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older.”
- Effect: Expands the period during which a foster youth can qualify for tenant-based rental assistance after exiting foster care, potentially increasing access for youth who take longer to secure housing after emancipation.

2) Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Consideration
- Amends Section 3(b)(4) of the Housing Act to exclude any amounts a family receives from Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) under section 477(i) of the Social Security Act from the definition or calculations related to eligibility or benefit amounts under this part.
- Effect: Distinguishes ETV funds from housing assistance calculations, preventing duplication or misallocation of benefits when families receive ETV support for education and training.

3) Guidance and Communications Updates
- Requires updating all HUD guidance, notices, and related materials to reflect the amendments made by this act.
- Ensures that housing authorities, service providers, and affected families have current information on eligibility criteria and program rules.

4) Interagency Coordination and Program Streamlining
- Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collaborate using existing program funds to modernize and improve access to housing assistance and supportive services for current and former foster youth.
- Focus: Streamlining processes and enhancing coordination between housing programs and supportive services (potentially including case management, education/training support, and other youth services).

Who Would be Affected

  • Current and Former Foster Youth who are seeking or receiving tenant-based rental assistance (Section 8). The eligibility window for emancipation-related eligibility is broadened.
  • Families Receiving Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs): The act clarifies that ETV funds should not be counted within certain housing assistance calculations, affecting how such funds interact with housing benefits.
  • HUD and HHS Programs/Staff: Those involved in administering housing assistance and foster youth support services would see updated guidance and increased interagency coordination.
  • Housing Authorities and Service Providers: Will need to implement updated eligibility rules and updated guidance materials.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the House (May 29, 2026) by Rep. Nunn (and co-sponsors). Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
  • The bill includes a directive to update HUD guidance and notices to carry out its amendments, implying future agency rulemaking or guidance revisions if enacted.
  • There is no stated effective date within the text provided; if enacted, federal agencies would implement changes through amended statute, updated guidance, and coordinated interagency efforts.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Access to Housing: Extending the emancipation eligibility window from 90 to 180 days could increase the number of foster youth who obtain tenant-based rental assistance, reducing housing instability during the transition out of care.
  • Program Clarity: By excluding ETV funds from certain housing calculations, the bill aims to prevent unintended monetization or overlap of aid streams.
  • Supportive Services: The interagency coordination provision suggests a holistic approach, potentially linking housing with education, employment, and health services to support successful independence for foster youth.
  • Implementation: Real-world impact depends on final passage and accompanying HUD/HHS rulemaking and guidance updates to reflect these changes.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, advocates, housing practitioners) or add a comparison with current law to highlight the exact changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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