Senate committee hears bill to create short-term tenant assistance program funded by recording fees

Senate Bill 5,731, presented to the Senate Housing Committee, would create a tenant assistance program in the Department of Commerce to provide short-term grants to public housing authorities for eligible renters. Under the bill, payments could not exceed the lesser of $400 or the amount needed to reduce a household's monthly housing costs to no more than 30% of income. Eligible renters could receive payments for up to 12 consecutive months and would be required to recertify income monthly; recipients who provide false documentation would be required to repay benefits and would become ineligible.

Melissa Van Gorkom, staff to the committee, told members Commerce would prioritize renters at or below 60% of area median income or those receiving Supplemental Security Income and that the program would be funded by redirecting document recording fee distributions from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2032. Van Gorkom said Commerce anticipates additional staffing needs and JLARC was expected to audit the program,…