The Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026 creates a new tax credit for individuals aged 60 or older to help cover the costs of home modifications that improve accessibility and safety. This credit allows eligible taxpayers to claim up to $10,000 for expenses related to installing features such as wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, adding grab bars, and replacing bathroom fixtures. The amount of the credit is reduced based on the taxpayer's income, with the full benefit available to those earning less than $100,000 annually, and the law also authorizes $500 million in federal grants to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund additional home modification projects for older adults from 2027 through 2031.
The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026 modernizes the H-2A visa program by transferring administrative authority to the Department of Homeland Security and introducing a unified online platform to streamline applications for employers and workers. Key provisions include establishing new housing standards with mandatory inspections, creating a system for staggered worker entry and exit, and allowing workers to transfer between employers without losing their status. The bill also defines specific job classifications for wage calculations, expands the scope of covered agricultural activities, and provides legal protections for employers who document the employment of workers seeking visa status. Additionally, it requires agencies to develop a heat illness prevention plan and allows for contract termination due to natural disasters.
The Ounce of Prevention Act allows communities receiving federal Community Development Block Grants to use those funds for projects that reduce risks from weather-related disasters. This legislation expands the definition of eligible activities to include measures that protect health and welfare by lessening the impact of future hazards, such as building new structures or rehabilitating existing ones in high-risk areas. To support these efforts, the bill requires grantees to submit plans detailing how they will address specific disaster needs and mandates that the Department of Housing and Urban Development provide technical assistance. Additionally, the act permits communities to treat assisted housing units as a single structure for regulatory purposes and sets a deadline for the Secretary to issue new rules formalizing these mitigation efforts.
The Community Housing Act of 2026 aims to increase the supply and affordability of housing by directing significant new federal funding to programs like the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund. It establishes a new Office of Community Land Use and Zoning within HUD to help states and localities reform restrictive zoning laws that limit housing development. The bill also expands financial support for rural areas, creates a new fund to promote shared equity and community land trusts, and removes a legal cap on the number of public housing units agencies can manage. Additionally, it provides grants to protect tenants from eviction and authorizes low-cost financing options for affordable housing projects.
The Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act aims to improve housing stability for current and former foster youth by expanding their access to federal housing assistance and supportive services. It amends existing laws to allow states to use funding for services such as financial literacy counseling, help with lease contracts, and assistance with security deposits and moving costs. The bill also clarifies that these supportive services do not count toward spending limits on room and board, enabling more funds to be used for housing support. Additionally, it requires the Departments of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development to create joint guidance within a year to better coordinate programs for youth aging out of foster care. Finally, the act mandates a report to Congress within three years detailing how many eligible youth are receiving housing aid and the outcomes of these programs.
The Community Schools and Health Equity Act establishes a competitive grant program led by the Department of Education to fund school-based health services in community schools. Eligible recipients, such as local school districts and community partnerships, can use these funds to hire staff like nurses and social workers, provide wraparound support including nutrition and housing assistance, and address social determinants of health. The legislation prioritizes grants for schools serving high numbers of low-income students, English learners, and families in medically underserved areas. To ensure accountability, grantees must annually report on student outcomes and health impacts, while the Education and Health and Human Services Secretaries must coordinate to reduce administrative burdens and share technical assistance.
The Affordable Homes for Veterans Act of 2026 requires lenders to process applications for assuming existing VA home loans within 45 calendar days. This bill also mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs update its guidance to ensure lenders cannot discourage applicants by suggesting longer wait times. Additionally, the law directs the Office of Inspector General to conduct a comprehensive assessment of current processing speeds and denial rates, with a report due to Congress within 18 months. These measures aim to make the process of taking over a veteran's home loan faster and more transparent for potential buyers.
The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026 strengthens the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure individuals with long-term service and support needs have a federally protected right to live in their communities rather than institutions. It requires states and insurance providers to offer community-based services that allow people to maintain independence, control their own care, and access affordable, integrated housing. The bill mandates that public entities and insurers create enforceable transition plans to move people out of institutions, conduct self-evaluations to identify barriers, and establish clear grievance procedures for resolving complaints. Enforcement is handled by the Department of Justice, which can investigate violations, while individuals may also file civil lawsuits to seek damages or court orders preventing institutionalization.
The Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2026 offers a financial incentive for first-time homebuyers by reducing their mortgage insurance premiums. To qualify for this discount, applicants must complete a financial literacy housing counseling program before signing their mortgage application or sales agreement. The bill lowers the premium rate by 25 basis points compared to the standard amount set by the Secretary, provided the counseling is finished prior to the mortgage signing. This policy directly affects individuals purchasing their first home who participate in the required educational program.
The VA Home Loan Navigator Act establishes a free, voluntary program to help veterans and eligible borrowers navigate VA home loan benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs will fund independent, neutral organizations to provide education, counseling on loan processes, and assistance with issues like foreclosure prevention and understanding costs. To ensure fairness, the law strictly prohibits these service providers from receiving payments from lenders or real estate agents and requires them to remain operationally separate from any mortgage or brokerage businesses. Designated entities must meet specific criteria, including HUD approval and a primary mission of serving military families, while individual counselors must be certified and recertified every three years. The program will be monitored through regular reports to Congress evaluating borrower satisfaction and outcomes such as foreclosure prevention rates.
