The Affordable Housing and Welfare Accountability Act (AHWAA)

Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Affordable Housing and Welfare Accountability Act” or AHWAA.

Findings:
1.1. The rising cost of housing has made affordable living unattainable for many hardworking Americans, even those earning $20 an hour.
1.2. Current affordable housing policies disproportionately benefit those on welfare or disability, leaving many working individuals unable to access housing.
1.3. The welfare system lacks sufficient safeguards to prevent long-term dependency and abuse.
Purpose:
2.1. To ensure housing is affordable and accessible for all Americans, regardless of employment status.
2.2. To regulate rental markets, preventing price gouging and exploitation.
2.3. To reform the welfare system, encouraging self-sufficiency through work requirements and purchasing guidelines for public assistance programs.

Eligibility Expansion:
1.1. Affordable housing programs shall expand eligibility to include working individuals earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level, adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences.
1.2. Housing assistance eligibility shall no longer be contingent solely on being unemployed or receiving welfare benefits.
Income-Based Rent Caps:
2.1. Rent prices for affordable housing units shall be capped at 30% of the tenant’s gross income.
2.2. Landlords receiving federal subsidies for affordable housing must comply with these caps or face penalties, including subsidy revocation and fines.
Incentivizing Development:
3.1. Federal grants and tax incentives shall be offered to developers building affordable housing units in high-cost areas.
3.2. Local governments must allocate at least 15% of new residential zoning for affordable housing projects to qualify for federal housing grants.

Federal Rental Price Index (FRPI):
1.1. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall establish the FRPI to set regional rent ceilings based on median incomes and housing costs.
1.2. Landlords charging rents above the FRPI threshold must provide justification, subject to review by HUD.
Rent Transparency Requirements:
2.1. Landlords shall disclose all fees, utilities, and maintenance costs in rental agreements upfront.
2.2. Failure to disclose costs shall result in financial penalties and possible lease nullification.
Tenant Protections:
3.1. Tenants may not be evicted without documented cause, including nonpayment of rent, lease violations, or property damage.
3.2. States must adopt tenant protection laws compliant with federal guidelines within two years of this Act’s enactment.

Time-Limited Assistance:
1.1. Welfare recipients may not receive cash assistance for more than 36 cumulative months within a five-year period, except in cases of disability or caregiving for dependents with special needs.
1.2. States shall develop transitional assistance programs to help recipients prepare for the expiration of benefits.
Work Requirements:
2.1. Able-bodied adults without dependents receiving welfare benefits must secure part-time or full-time employment within 12 months of receiving assistance.
2.2. States shall provide job training, education programs, and childcare subsidies to support recipients in meeting these requirements.
Benefit Phase-Out:
3.1. Welfare benefits shall phase out gradually as recipients increase their income to ensure a smooth transition to self-sufficiency.
3.2. The phase-out rate shall be no more than 50% of increased earnings to reduce disincentives for employment.

Eligible Purchases:
1.1. SNAP benefits may be used only for essential, nutritious food items as determined by the Department of Agriculture.
1.2. Prohibited items include but are not limited to: sweets, sodas, chips, fast food, alcohol, and luxury meats.
Health Incentives:
1.1. SNAP benefits shall provide additional credits for purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
1.2. Nutrition education programs shall be offered to recipients to encourage healthier food choices.
Fraud Prevention:
1.1. Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards shall require multi-factor authentication for purchases to reduce fraud.
1.2. Violations of SNAP guidelines shall result in temporary benefit suspension or permanent disqualification for repeat offenders.

Affordable Housing Compliance:
1.1. Landlords and developers failing to meet the requirements of this Act shall face fines up to $50,000 per violation, revocation of federal subsidies, or both.
Welfare and SNAP Compliance:
1.1. States failing to enforce welfare timeframes or work requirements shall lose up to 10% of their federal welfare block grant funding.
1.2. Retailers and recipients found guilty of SNAP fraud shall face fines, benefit suspension, or criminal penalties depending on the severity of the offense.

Annual Housing and Welfare Report:
1.1. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall jointly issue an annual report to Congress detailing progress, challenges, and recommendations related to this Act.
Audits and Reviews:
1.1. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall conduct biennial audits of affordable housing programs and welfare systems to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.

Timeline:
1.1. This Act shall take effect one year after enactment, with specific provisions phased in over a three-year period.
1.2. HUD and HHS shall issue detailed implementation guidelines within six months of enactment.

Provision Validity:
1.1. If any provision of this Act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.