SB312: Statewide housing choice voucher program; DHCD to develop.

SENATE BILL NO. 312

Offered January 12, 2022
Prefiled January 11, 2022
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 36-139.5:2, relating to the Department of Housing and Community Development; statewide housing choice voucher program.
Patron-- Bell

Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 36-139.5:2 as follows:

§ 36-139.5:2. Statewide housing choice voucher program.

The Department shall develop and implement a statewide housing choice voucher program to assist low-income Virginians with securing safe, decent, and affordable rental housing. Such program shall have the same purpose as that of the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, may be used by low-income families in addition to any federal funds received for the purpose of providing a housing subsidy, and shall be administered by the Department. In developing the program, the Department shall consider the following: (i) recent data regarding poverty, homelessness, and unemployment rates; (ii) the current number of affordable housing dwelling units in the Commonwealth and the current unmet need for affordable housing; (iii) the practical aspects of implementing such program; and (iv) the estimated ongoing appropriation needed to fund the program.

2. That the Department of Housing and Community Development shall develop and implement the program described in § 36-139.5:2 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, on or before January 1, 2023.