HB1436 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 03016 KTG 13034 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB1436

Introduced 1/28/2025, by Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 3805/7.34 new
30 ILCS 105/5.1030 new

Amends the Illinois Housing Development Act. Requires the Illinois Housing Development Authority to establish and administer a Housing Hardship Program to provide up to 3 months of emergency rental or mortgage assistance or up to $1,600 per month for 3 months, whichever is less, to eligible applicants who demonstrate a hardship or other extenuating circumstances that place them at risk of eviction or foreclosure. Lists certain financial hardships that qualify for assistance under the program. Provides that applicants may apply for assistance once every 2 years regardless of household income. Requires applicants to submit a financial affidavit supported by banking statements and other documentary evidence as prescribed by the Authority. Requires the Authority to provide assistance to eligible applicants based upon the following factors in order of priority: (1) Whether the applicant has never previously received housing or public assistance from any other State or federal program. (2) If the applicant has previously received housing or public assistance, the number of times the applicant received such assistance. (3) The severity of the applicant's declared hardship or circumstances. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Housing Hardship Program Fund.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Housing Development Act is amended by adding Section 7.34 as follows:

(20 ILCS 3805/7.34 new)

Sec. 7.34. Housing Hardship Program.

(a) The Authority shall establish and administer a Housing Hardship Program. The Authority shall use moneys in the Housing Hardship Program Fund, and any other funds appropriated for this purpose, to provide up to 3 months of emergency rental or mortgage assistance or up to $1,600 per month for 3 months, whichever is less, to eligible applicants who demonstrate a hardship or other extenuating circumstances that place them at risk of eviction or foreclosure. To be eligible for assistance, an applicant must demonstrate one of the following hardships or extenuating circumstances:

(1) Recent divorce.

(2) Loss of employment.

(3) Loss of income.

(4) Incurred funeral expenses following the unexpected death of a spouse or dependent.

(5) Short-term disability.

(6) Taking unpaid medical leave to care for self, spouse, dependent, or aging family member.

(7) Medical expenses for the applicant, spouse, or dependent that resulted in substantial debt.

(b) Applicants may apply for assistance under the program once every 2 years regardless of household income. When applying for assistance, an applicant must submit a financial affidavit supported by banking statements and other documentary evidence as prescribed by the Authority. An applicant shall not be eligible for assistance under the program if the applicant's banking statements or other documentary evidence indicates a large withdrawal of funds, as determined by the Authority, from the applicant's checking or savings account prior to the applicant submitting an application for assistance. The Authority shall provide assistance to eligible applicants based upon the following factors in order of priority:

(1) Whether the applicant has never previously received housing or public assistance from any other State or federal program.

(2) If the applicant has previously received housing or public assistance from any other State or federal program, the number of times the applicant received such assistance.

(3) The severity of the applicant's declared hardship or circumstances.

(c) The Housing Hardship Program Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury. The Fund shall consist of any moneys appropriated for the Housing Hardship Program and all interest earned on moneys in the Fund. Subject to appropriation, moneys in the Fund shall be used by the Authority to provide emergency rental and mortgage assistance under the Housing Hardship Program and for no other purpose.

Section 10. The State Finance Act is amended by adding Section 5.1030 as follows:

(30 ILCS 105/5.1030 new)

Sec. 5.1030. Housing Hardship Program Fund.