Us Congress House Bill HB6336

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/9/23
• Refer: 11/9/23
• Refer: 11/27/23

Caption

Protect Veteran Students, Job Seekers, and Entrepreneurs Housing Act

Impact

The bill proposes amendments that would require landlords to include educational assistance as part of a veteran's income when determining their eligibility for lease agreements. This is expected to facilitate housing access for many veterans and their families, ensuring that educational benefits can aid in meeting rental obligations. A significant aspect of the bill is that it aligns with other housing assistance programs, potentially increasing overall housing stability for veterans who depend on these benefits post-service.

Summary

House Bill 6336, known as the 'Protect Veteran Students, Job Seekers, and Entrepreneurs Housing Act', aims to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The primary focus of the bill is to ensure that certain education and workforce development benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs are recognized as income when landlords assess the rental capabilities of servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents. This change is intended to provide veterans with easier access to housing by expanding what is considered acceptable income when applying for leases.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding potential landlord compliance with this amendment, as enforcement measures include penalties for landlords who disregard the new income recognition stipulations. This could raise concerns about the practicality of implementation, especially in areas with high rental turnover or where landlords may not be familiar with the legislative updates. Furthermore, there may be debates regarding the implications of recognizing such benefits as income and how that could impact other housing policies or programs.

Provisions

Additionally, the bill proposes a grace period before terminating educational benefits if a servicemember fails to meet a single program requirement. This measure aims to protect veterans from losing their housing due to minor administrative issues or miscommunications with the Department of Veterans Affairs, thereby further supporting their housing stability.