Arkansas House Bill HR1109

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/25
• Refer: 4/7/25
• Report Pass: 4/9/25
• Passed: 4/14/25

Caption

To Urge The United States Department Of Housing And Urban Development And The United States Interagency Council On Homelessness To Take Certain Actions.

Impact

If adopted, HR1109 seeks to repeal the Continuum of Care Interim Rule, amend the Homeless Management Information System, and rescind certain federal performance standards. By doing so, it aims to reduce the administrative burden placed on local agencies, thereby allowing them to focus more on direct service delivery rather than compliance. Additionally, the resolution calls for the elimination of the Housing First policy mandates, promoting diverse housing options suited to the varying needs of individuals and families facing homelessness. These proposed changes could significantly enhance Arkansas's ability to address homelessness and housing insecurity through more localized responses.

Summary

House Resolution 1109 (HR1109) urges the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to take specific actions aimed at improving the effectiveness of housing programs for individuals experiencing homelessness in Arkansas. The resolution highlights the need for tailored housing policies that better reflect local conditions and demands, which are currently hindered by rigid federal standards that impose a one-size-fits-all approach. This legislation emphasizes that local agencies should have more autonomy to develop solutions that meet the unique needs of their communities.

Contention

The introduction of HR1109 reflects a notable contention between federal regulations and local governance. Proponents argue that federal mandates have been restrictive, limiting the range of services and options available to address homelessness effectively. Critics, however, may assert that loosening these regulations could lead to inconsistent quality of housing support and potentially undermine established standards aimed at ensuring minimum service levels. The resolution calls for a shift to block grant funding, which is believed to provide states greater discretion in resource allocation, posing potential implications for federal oversight versus local control in addressing homelessness.