Substitute House Bill No. 5394 seeks to amend the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act by enhancing the provisions for payments to displaced individuals. Key insertions include a requirement that state agencies provide payments to those who have occupied their dwelling for at least ninety days prior to acquisition negotiations, with relocation assistance capped at four thousand dollars. The bill also establishes that any payments exceeding two thousand dollars for down payments must be matched by the recipient. Additionally, it clarifies the liability of landlords for payments made to displaced tenants due to code enforcement actions and mandates that relocation advisory assistance programs offer comprehensive support, including housing information and help in securing suitable replacements.

Further amendments allow municipalities to cover costs for emergency and temporary housing without being subject to the $4,000 cap, with landlords responsible for repaying these costs and any advisory assistance provided. The bill modifies the process for municipalities to receive state grants for relocation costs, enabling them to qualify for grants even without taking legal steps like placing a lien on the landlord's property. It also requires municipalities to assign claims against landlords to the state within one year after the last payment for relocation assistance, with the Attorney General responsible for collecting these claims. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 8-270, 8-280
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 8-270, 8-280
File No. 263: 8-270, 8-280
File No. 751: 8-270, 8-280