Interagency Council on Affordable Housing Act of 2023
Impact
The establishment of this council is expected to significantly impact how affordable housing is managed and funded across states. The Council will comprise heads from key federal agencies, including the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor, and others, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling housing issues. It will also produce annual reports assessing affordable housing needs and program effectiveness, potentially leading to increased federal oversight and support for state housing initiatives. This may help streamline resources available to local governments and nonprofit organizations dealing with housing challenges.
Summary
House Bill 2974, known as the Interagency Council on Affordable Housing Act of 2023, aims to establish a Federal Interagency Council dedicated to addressing housing affordability and preservation. The primary purpose of the council will be to develop and implement federal policies designed to increase the supply of affordable housing, enhance the fairness of the rental market, and promote principles of fair housing. It seeks to create a collaborative network among various levels of government and the private sector to achieve these goals, thereby enhancing access to affordable housing for low-income individuals.
Contention
Despite the positive intentions of HB 2974, there may be points of contention regarding federal oversight versus local control in housing policy. Critics might argue that while the bill aims to unify and improve housing initiatives, it risks centralizing authority and potentially undermining localized efforts to address specific community needs. Advocates for state and local involvement may express concerns that the federal council could dictate terms without adequately considering local contexts or challenges. The effectiveness of the council will largely depend on its ability to balance federal objectives with the unique requirements of communities experiencing housing crises.
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.