The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5410, aims to establish a veterans' housing program that will provide prefabricated homes at no cost to qualifying veterans. The program, effective October 1, 2026, will be administered by the Commissioner of Housing in coordination with the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. Eligible veterans must meet specific criteria, including having an income below the federal poverty line and being without a permanent residence for the preceding ninety days. Each prefabricated structure will be at least 500 square feet, featuring two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a bathroom.
The bill outlines the application process, which requires the commissioners to verify eligibility within ten days and notify applicants of their approval status. Approved veterans can occupy the housing within sixty days, although occupancy may be revoked under certain conditions related to health and safety. Additionally, the commissioners are mandated to submit an annual report on the program's performance and recommendations for improvement to the relevant legislative committees starting January 15, 2028. The bill introduces new legal language to establish this program while deleting any previous references that may conflict with its provisions.