KAMALA Act Keeping Aid for Municipalities And Localities Accountable Act
Impact
The ramifications of HB 9617 on state laws could be significant. By enforcing these restrictions, the bill effectively alters the landscape of housing support and community development funding available for various jurisdictions. States, local governments, and organizations that provide housing-related services may have to reevaluate their programs and eligibility criteria to comply with the new federal guidelines. This could potentially lead to a decrease in available services for certain populations, particularly low-income individuals who may not have legal residency.
Summary
House Bill 9617, also known as the 'KAMALA Act' (Keeping Aid for Municipalities And Localities Accountable Act), seeks to amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 by imposing restrictions on the use of federal grants for housing assistance based on the immigration status of recipients. Specifically, the bill prohibits any grant funds from being utilized to assist individuals who are not United States nationals or who do not have lawful permanent resident status. This provision aims to ensure that federal resources are allocated solely to citizens and legal residents, thereby limiting assistance to undocumented individuals.
Contention
Notably, the bill has sparked contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents advocate for the bill as a necessary measure to protect taxpayer funds and control immigration. They argue that assistance should be targeted at those who are legally recognized residents. Conversely, opponents criticize the bill for being discriminatory, suggesting that it undermines community cohesion and denies vulnerable populations the support they need. This divide highlights the continuing debate over immigration policy and local government authority in managing housing programs.
Keeping Aid for Municipalities And Localities Accountable Act or the KAMALA ActThis bill prohibits the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to assist non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who are not lawfully admitted permanent residents. The CDBG program is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provides states, local governments, and Indian tribes with funds for economic and community development.The bill also specifically prohibits HUD from making a CDBG grant to any state, local government, or Indian tribe that carries out a housing or community development program that assists such individuals.