The proposed bill updates current statutes by extending the operation of the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) until July 1, 2026, and repealing it on January 1, 2027. It mandates a special audit by the Auditor General to evaluate expenditures on homelessness programs over the past five years and introduces new requirements for ADOH, such as establishing a comprehensive performance measurement system, conducting biennial evaluations of housing programs, and implementing secure wire transfer protocols to reduce fraud risks. Additionally, it expands reporting requirements for ADOH and the Department of Economic Security regarding homelessness prevention efforts and prohibits the use of Housing Trust Fund monies for down payment assistance programs without legal authorization.

The bill also amends section 41-1954 to require annual reports to include estimates of homeless populations for municipalities and counties based on point-in-time counts, while repealing section 41-3025.06. It specifies that Housing Trust Fund monies cannot be used for down payment assistance without prior review by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Furthermore, it appropriates $1,650,000 from the Housing Trust Fund for the special audit and outlines requirements for quarterly reporting on fund usage until the end of 2026. Overall, these updates aim to enhance accountability, improve data collection, and address affordable housing challenges for low and moderate-income families in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-3025.06, 41-3026.14
House Engrossed Version: 41-1954, 41-3025.06, 41-3026.14, 41-3953, 41-3955, 41-3958, 41-1953, 100-485, 91-517, 41-1956, 41-1981, 35-146, 35-147, 104-193, 36-2903.01, 36-2904, 25-814, 42-2003, 25-520, 35-726, 35-728, 41-4010, 41-3957, 36-1404, 44-313, 35-751, 35-313, 35-190