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Bill

HR 1696

Puerto Rico Low-Income Housing Support Act

119th Congress Introduced by Pablo José Hernández and 1 co-sponsor

Authorizes federal funding to expand affordable housing and rental assistance for Puerto Rico's low-income residents.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 1696

Summary of HR 1696 — Puerto Rico Low-Income Housing Support Act

Overview

HR 1696, titled the Puerto Rico Low-Income Housing Support Act, was introduced in the House on February 27, 2025. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. The primary sponsor is Pablo José Hernández, with Ritchie Torres listed as a cosponsor.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill’s title indicates an objective to bolster housing support for low-income residents in Puerto Rico. Specific statutory goals, funding levels, and program design details are not provided in the available information.
  • As introduced, the exact mechanisms, eligibility criteria, funding sources, and oversight provisions would be determined by the text of the bill and any accompanying reports or amendments.

Key provisions and changes (not specified in available text)

  • The exact substantive provisions are not included in the information provided. Typically for a bill of this type, one might expect:
    • Authorization of federal funding or programs aimed at expanding affordable housing opportunities in Puerto Rico.
    • Modifications to existing housing programs (e.g., HUD-supported rental assistance, HOME, public housing, or low-income housing tax credit administration) applicable to Puerto Rico.
    • Establishment of new formulas, demonstration programs, or grants to state or local housing authorities, non-profits, or developers.
    • Reporting, oversight, and compliance requirements to ensure funds are used for eligible low-income housing activities.
  • Until the text is available, these provisions remain speculative. The actual provisions could differ in scope, criteria, and funding mechanisms.

Affected parties and impact

  • Primary beneficiaries: low-income residents of Puerto Rico who need affordable housing options.
  • Other stakeholders: Puerto Rico housing authorities, nonprofit affordable housing developers, property owners participating in federal housing programs, and federal program administrators (e.g., HUD).
  • Potential impacts, if enacted, could include expanded rental assistance, new construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing, and increased program administration at the local level.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
  • No additional actions (e.g., hearings, markups, or floor votes) are listed in the provided information. The bill may progress with committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor consideration, depending on committee activity and scheduling.

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Pablo José Hernández.
  • Cosponsor: Ritchie Torres.

Next steps and how to monitor

  • Obtain the full bill text to review the specific provisions, funding levels, and implementation details.
  • Track committee activity for the House Committee on Financial Services (hearings, amendments, and reported versions).
  • Monitor any related hearings, scoring, or companion legislation in the Senate or administrative actions by federal partners (e.g., HUD) that could influence or align with the bill’s goals.

Note: This summary is based on the information provided. The actual bill’s provisions may differ once the full text is available.

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

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