HUD Seeks Public Comments on Information Collection for VAWA 2013

HUD has recently published a notice in the Federal Register (also attached) seeking comments on implementing the new rules and form revisions included in the recent VAWA Reauthorization Act (signed into law on March 15, 2022).  HUD is solicitating comments on five key questions, particularly seeking member input on questions 4 and 5:

1. Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
2. The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;
3. Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;
4. Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of response; and
5. HUD seeks comment on the implementation of the requirement that covered housing providers must keep a record of all emergency transfers requested under its emergency transfer plan, and the outcomes of such requests, and that such data must be reported to HUD annually. Specifically, is HUD’s list of potential outcomes adequate or are there outcomes that should be added or modified? Further, HUD proposes to collect data on the ‘‘length of time’’ for emergency transfers to be implemented? Should a covered housing provider only measure from when the emergency transfer was requested to approval/denial and/or should it be measured to move-in date? If a victim is issued a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) because of their emergency transfer request, should the length of time be measured from request to voucher issuance and/or lease-up date? Should covered housing providers be able to explain the circumstances that affected the length of time for emergency transfers (e.g., the victim turned down offered units due to safety concerns?)

If you would like NAHMA to submit your comments, please send them to NAHMA staff by Friday, December 16, 2022.  Members can also submit their feedback to HUD by January 3, 2023.