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.
Impact
If enacted, HB50 would significantly alter the framework of federal assistance programs under the Housing and Community Development Act. The bill introduces restrictions that would prevent any financial aid provided via federal grants from being allocated to non-residents, thereby solidifying the legal accessibility criteria for such funds. This could lead to numerous implications for various municipalities that rely on these grants to address local housing needs, potentially leaving vulnerable populations without necessary support.
Summary
House Bill 50, known as the Keeping Aid for Municipalities And Localities Accountable Act (KAMALA Act), seeks to amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 by specifically prohibiting the use of federal grants to assist individuals who are not nationals of the United States or those who do not have lawful permanent residence. The intent of this legislation is to restrict access to federal housing assistance programs from undocumented individuals, thereby aiming to ensure that these resources are solely available to legal residents and citizens.
Contention
The KAMALA Act has sparked notable debate regarding the balance between federal funding regulations and the humanitarian aspects of housing assistance. Proponents argue that limiting funding to legal residents is a necessary measure to preserve the integrity of government assistance programs. Conversely, opponents contend that this bill could exacerbate existing inequalities and negatively impact communities where undocumented individuals contribute to the workforce and local economies. They claim that restricting aid based on immigration status undermines broader community welfare, especially in areas with high immigrant populations.
A bill to establish a new Housing and Urban Development grant program to provide community land trusts and other community-based housing organizations an incentive to convert vacant housing into readily available housing for unhoused individuals.
To amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 and the Housing Act of 1949 to make financial assistance available to DACA recipients, and for other purposes.
A bill to require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to carry out a grant and revolving loan program to provide funding for projects to increase the resiliency and energy efficiency of communications networks, and for other purposes.
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that employment authorization is only available to aliens who are lawfully present in the United States, and for other purposes.
A bill to provide grants to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations for activities to increase the availability of child care options and to support the child care workforce, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, to publish guidelines and best practices for State zoning and local zoning frameworks, and for other purposes.