Bill > HR1607

This bill addresses challenges faced by property owners with non-traditional ownership documentation when seeking disaster recovery and mitigation assistance through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to modify regulations to help "heir property" owners (defined as residential properties inherited through intestacy and held by multiple heirs as tenants in common) prove property ownership when applying for disaster recovery or mitigation assistance. The bill introduces a standardized, non-notarized affidavit of ownership form that applicants can use, along with alternative documentation like letters from schools, benefit providers, social service organizations, and community assistance programs. Grantees must provide this affidavit to applicants in English, Spanish, and other locally predominant languages, ensuring that individuals who lack traditional property ownership documents can still access critical housing repair, reconstruction, and mitigation assistance following a Presidentially declared disaster.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1607/all-info