Utilizing National Land for Opportunities and Community Key (UNLOCK) Housing Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 3215
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3215Housing and Community Development
Utilizing National Land for Opportunities and Community Key (UNLOCK) Housing Act
INTRO MAY 6· LAST ACTION MAY 6
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it attempts to address the widespread issue of housing affordability. Across the country, many families struggle to find safe and affordable places to live, often spending a large portion of their income on rent or mortgage payments. If this bill becomes law, it could unlock a new pathway for developing affordable housing by making underutilized federal lands available.
By defining affordable housing as a 'public purpose' and creating a dedicated task force, the bill aims to cut through bureaucratic hurdles and identify suitable land, potentially increasing the supply of housing for those who need it most. Without this bill, the process of using federal land for affordable housing would likely remain more complicated and less prioritized, meaning fewer opportunities to alleviate the housing crisis using this particular avenue.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Amends the Recreation and Public Purposes Act to define affordable housing development, operation, and maintenance for low-income families as a 'public purpose.'
This change opens the door for federal land to be more easily leased or sold at a discount for affordable housing projects.
PROVISION 02
Establishes a Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing, led by the Secretaries of HUD and the Interior, within 30 days of the bill becoming law.
This creates a dedicated team to proactively address the challenge of utilizing federal land for housing.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Joint Task Force to identify underutilized federal land suitable for residential development, streamline land transfer processes, and promote policies to increase affordable housing.
These duties aim to overcome practical barriers and bureaucratic complexities in using federal land for housing.
PROVISION 04
Mandates the Joint Task Force to evaluate and quantify the costs incurred by federal and state governments due to a lack of affordable housing.
This will provide data to highlight the economic impact of the housing crisis and potentially justify further action.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Joint Task Force to submit annual reports to Congress and terminates the task force after 10 years.
This ensures accountability and transparency for the task force's efforts and provides a sunset clause.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Voters should care about this bill because it attempts to address the widespread issue of housing affordability. Across the country, many families struggle to find safe and affordable places to live, often spending a large portion of their income on rent or mortgage payments. If this bill becomes law, it could unlock a new pathway for developing affordable housing by making underutilized federal lands available.
By defining affordable housing as a 'public purpose' and creating a dedicated task force, the bill aims to cut through bureaucratic hurdles and identify suitable land, potentially increasing the supply of housing for those who need it most. Without this bill, the process of using federal land for affordable housing would likely remain more complicated and less prioritized, meaning fewer opportunities to alleviate the housing crisis using this particular avenue.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Amends the Recreation and Public Purposes Act to define affordable housing development, operation, and maintenance for low-income families as a 'public purpose.'
This change opens the door for federal land to be more easily leased or sold at a discount for affordable housing projects.
med
Establishes a Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing, led by the Secretaries of HUD and the Interior, within 30 days of the bill becoming law.
This creates a dedicated team to proactively address the challenge of utilizing federal land for housing.
high
Requires the Joint Task Force to identify underutilized federal land suitable for residential development, streamline land transfer processes, and promote policies to increase affordable housing.
These duties aim to overcome practical barriers and bureaucratic complexities in using federal land for housing.
med
Mandates the Joint Task Force to evaluate and quantify the costs incurred by federal and state governments due to a lack of affordable housing.
This will provide data to highlight the economic impact of the housing crisis and potentially justify further action.
low
Requires the Joint Task Force to submit annual reports to Congress and terminates the task force after 10 years.
This ensures accountability and transparency for the task force's efforts and provides a sunset clause.
Establishment of the Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing.
Each year
Submission of annual reports to Congress by the Joint Task Force.
10 years after the date of enactment
Termination of the Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing.
GLOSSARY
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Affordable Housing
Housing that costs a household no more than 30% of their income, including utilities. It's usually targeted at families with low, very low, or extremely low incomes compared to the average in their area.
Public Purpose
A use or activity that benefits the general community rather than specific private interests. Under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, this allows federal land to be leased or sold at a low cost.
Federal Land
Land owned and managed by the United States government.
Extremely Low-Income Families
Families whose income is 30% or less of the median income for their area.
Very Low-Income Families
Families whose income is 50% or less of the median income for their area.
Low-Income Families
Families whose income is 80% or less of the median income for their area.
Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP Act)
A 1926 law that allows certain federal lands to be leased or sold at below-market rates to state and local governments and qualified non-profit organizations for public purposes like recreation, public health, and education.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAY 6, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 6, 25
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.