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AN ACT
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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To amend the Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005 to establish grounds for an extension to
the Family Re-Housing Stabilization Program, whereby the Department of Human
Services or its designee will thoroughly consider the totality of the participant's
circumstances, including their progress and eligibility for affordable housing.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
act may be cited as the “Family Re-Housing Stabilization Program Protection Temporary
Amendment Act of 2023”.
Sec. 2. Section 7(b)(4)(B) of the Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005, effective
October 22, 2005 (D.C. Law 16-35; D.C. Official Code § 4–753.01(b)(4)(B)), is amended as
follows:
(a) The existing text is designated as sub-subparagraph (i).
(b) New sub-subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) are added to read as follows:
“(ii) The Department, or the Department’s designee, shall consider
requests for Family Re-Housing Stabilization Program (“FRSP”) assistance extending past 12
months if:
“(I) There is funding available within FRSP;
“(II) The participant has requested an extension in writing;
“(III) The participant has made a good faith effort towards
the achievement of goals set forth in an individualized plan with the aim of a targeted
progression towards exit from the supports of FRSP, as observed by the service provider at
consistent intervals, but cannot yet sustain housing stability independently of FRSP; and
“(IV) The participant has not yet been approved for
permanently affordable housing.
“(iii) When making a determination of whether to grant a
participant in FRSP an extension beyond 12 months, the Department or Department's designee
shall:
“(I) Consider the totality of the circumstances; and
“(II) Grant extensions of time in increments not greater
than 6 months, with regular formal reviews every 3 months to ensure that participants are given
the support necessary to exit FRSP with stable housing.” ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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“(iv) If a requested extension of FRSP assistance by a participant is
denied, the participant shall be given 30 days written notice prior to the final subsidy payment
explicitly setting forth the reason for the denial of additional assistance and inform the
participant that the FRSP participant has a right to:
“(I) Appeal the determination through a fair hearing and
administrative review, including deadlines for requesting an appeal; and
“(II) The continuation of FRSP services pending the
outcome of any fair hearing requested within 15 days of receipt of written notice of a
termination.”.
Sec. 3. Applicability.
This act shall apply as of July 31, 2023.
Sec. 4. Fiscal impact statement.
The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement of the Budget Director as the fiscal impact
statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, approved
October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a).
Sec. 5. Effective date.
(a) This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by
the Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of congressional review
as provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December
24, 1973 (87 Stat. 788; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)), and publication in the District of
Columbia Register.
(b) This act shall expire after 225 days of its having taken effect.
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Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia
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Mayor
District of Columbia ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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