Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026

Increased flexibility for technical assistance: Indian tribes and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will receive maximum flexibility and deference when determining how to use technical assistance funding (Section 3).

Streamlined environmental reviews: The bill allows for the consolidation of environmental review requirements and provides exemptions for certain activities, such as affordable housing projects under $250,000, which could speed up development (Section 4).

Expanded housing eligibility: The act allows for housing assistance for "essential families" whose presence is necessary for the well-being of the community (Section 6).

New support for students: The bill explicitly includes college housing assistance under the definition of self-sufficiency and other services (Section 7).

Enhanced homeownership opportunities: The legislation provides for homeownership assistance for Indian families with household incomes up to 120 percent of the area median income (Section 6).

Increased leasehold interests: The bill increases the leasehold interest in trust or restricted lands for housing purposes from 50 years to 99 years (Section 18).

Support for Indian veterans: A new program, the Tribal HUD-VASH program, is established to provide rental assistance and supported housing for eligible Indian veterans who are homeless or at risk (Section 26).

Addressing homelessness through pilot programs: New pilot programs are established to provide housing and supportive services for homeless Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians (Sections 30 and 31).

Creation of a permanent advisory body: The Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee will provide a formal way for tribal leaders to provide policy recommendations to HUD (Section 33).

Changes to rent rules: Recipients may establish their own policies for maximum and minimum rents, which could include rents that exceed 30 percent of monthly adjusted income (Section 8).

Authority to suspend funds: The Secretary is granted the authority to immediately suspend grant funds in emergencies (Section 15).

Environmental review changes: Certain projects may be exempt from Federal Flood Risk Management Standards and flood insurance requirements (Section 4).

Lead testing modifications: The bill changes how lead paint testing is conducted for target housing in remote areas (Section 4).

Removal of certain civil rights protections: The bill includes exemptions from certain provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 for specific tribal projects (Section 27).