Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs-Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity, 4194-4199 [2011-1346]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 15 (Monday, January 24, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4194-4199]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1346]



[[Page 4193]]

Vol. 76

Monday,

No. 15

January 24, 2011

Part IV





Department of Housing and Urban Development





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24 CFR Parts 5, 200, 203, et al.



Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs--Regardless of Sexual 
Orientation or Gender Identity; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 15 / Monday, January 24, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 4194]]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

24 CFR Parts 5, 200, 203, 236, 570, 574, and 982

[Docket No. FR 5359-P-01]
RIN 2501-AD49


Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs--Regardless of Sexual 
Orientation or Gender Identity

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HUD.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: As the Nation's housing agency, HUD administers programs 
designed to meet the goal of ensuring decent housing and suitable 
living environment for all. In pursuit of this goal, it is HUD's 
responsibility to ensure that all who are otherwise eligible to 
participate in HUD's programs have equal access to these programs and 
have the opportunity to compete fairly for HUD funds without being 
subject to arbitrary exclusion.
    There is evidence, however, that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and 
transgender (LGBT) individuals and families are being arbitrarily 
excluded from some housing opportunities in the private sector. Through 
this proposed rule, HUD strives to ensure that its core programs are 
open to all eligible individuals and families regardless of sexual 
orientation or gender identity.

DATES: Comment Due Date: March 25, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding 
this proposed rule to the Regulations Division, Office of General 
Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street, 
SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-0500. There are two methods for 
submitting public comments. All submissions and other communications 
must refer to the above docket number and title.
    1. Electronic Submission of Comments. Interested persons may submit 
comments electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 
https://www.regulations.gov. HUD strongly encourages commenters to 
submit comments electronically. Electronic submission of comments 
allows the commenter maximum time to prepare and submit a comment, 
ensures timely receipt by HUD, and enables HUD to make them immediately 
available to the public. Comments submitted electronically through the 
https://www.regulations.gov Web site can be viewed by other commenters 
and interested members of the public. Commenters should follow the 
instructions provided on that site to submit comments electronically.
    2. Submission of Comments by Mail. Comments may be submitted by 
mail to the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, Department 
of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street, SW., Room 10276, 
Washington, DC 20410-0500.

    Note: To receive consideration as public comments, comments must 
be submitted through one of the two methods specified above. Again, 
all submissions must refer to the docket number and title of the 
rule.

    No Facsimile Comments. Facsimile (FAX) comments are not acceptable.
    Public Inspection of Public Comments. All properly submitted 
comments and communications submitted to HUD will be available for 
public inspection and copying between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at the 
above address. Due to security measures at the HUD Headquarters 
building, an appointment to review the public comments must be 
scheduled in advance by calling the Regulations Division at 202-708-
3055 (this is not a toll-free number). Individuals with speech or 
hearing impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the 
Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Copies of all 
comments submitted are available for inspection and downloading at 
https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth J. Carroll, Director, Fair 
Housing Assistance Program Division, Office of Fair Housing and Equal 
Opportunity, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th 
Street, SW., Room 5206, Washington, DC 20410-8000; telephone number 
202-708-2333 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing or 
speech challenges may access this number through TTY by calling the 
toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Like all Federal agencies, HUD is charged with ensuring equal 
access to Federal programs that it administers. HUD also has a unique 
charge, as the Nation's housing agency, to promote the Federal goal of 
providing decent housing and a suitable living environment for all.\1\ 
Accordingly, HUD has a responsibility to ensure equal access to its 
core rental assistance and homeownership programs for all eligible 
individuals and families. HUD fulfills this responsibility by taking 
such actions as necessary so that all who are otherwise eligible to 
participate in HUD programs will not be excluded based on criteria that 
are irrelevant to the purpose of HUD's programs, such as sexual 
orientation or gender identity.
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    \1\ This goal is rooted in section 2 of the Housing Act of 1949, 
42 U.S.C. 1441.
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    There is evidence suggesting that LGBT individuals and families do 
not have equal access to housing. For example, a 2007 study of housing 
discrimination based on sexual orientation conducted by Michigan fair 
housing centers found disparate treatment in 32 out of 120 fair housing 
tests it conducted. Testers posing as gay or lesbian home seekers 
received unfavorable treatment on issues such as whether housing was 
available, the amount of rent, application fees, and levels of 
encouragement as compared to testers posing as heterosexual home 
seekers. The gay and lesbian testers also were subjected to offensive 
comments. See Michigan Fair Housing Center's Report on ``Sexual 
Orientation and Housing Discrimination in Michigan'' January 2007 at  
https://www.fhcmichigan.org/images/Arcus_web1.pdf.
    A recent survey of more than 6,000 transgender persons conducted by 
the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and 
Lesbian Task Force (Task Force) indicated significant levels of housing 
instability for transgender people. Twenty-six percent of respondents 
reported having to find different places to sleep for short periods of 
time due to bias. Eleven percent of respondents reported having been 
evicted due to bias, and 19 percent reported becoming homeless due to 
bias. See November 2009, ``Preliminary Findings, National Transgender 
Discrimination Survey,'' at https://www.thetaskforce.org/reports_and_research/trans_survey_preliminary_findings.
    In light of the increasing awareness of housing discrimination 
against LGBT persons, a growing number of States, counties, and cities 
are enacting laws that prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis 
of sexual orientation or gender identity. Twenty States, the District 
of Columbia, and over 200 localities have enacted such laws.\2\ The 
legislative records of some of these enactments are a source of further 
evidence of housing discrimination

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based on sexual orientation or gender identity. For example, in a State 
legislative hearing on a proposed amendment to the North Dakota fair 
housing law that would add sexual orientation to the list of protected 
characteristics, a woman recounted how she and her partner were evicted 
once the landlord learned her partner was not a man. See ``Gay-rights 
Advocates Press for Change in N.D. Law,'' February 4, 2009, Bismarck 
Tribune, at https://www.bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/article_fb795f86-fc42-5184-b6d6-ad424e3243ce.html.
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    \2\ See, e.g., Laws Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sexual 
Orientation and Gender Identity (Institute of Real Estate Management 
(IREM) Legislative Staff July 2007, which is available at https://www.irem.org/pdfs/publicpolicy/Anti-discrimination.pdf); see also 
https://www.hrc.org/issues/5499.htm.
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    The U.S. Congress has acted to protect the rights of LGBT 
individuals to be free from bias-motivated crime. In October 2009, 
Federal legislation was enacted adding certain crimes motivated by a 
victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity to 
the list of hate crimes covered by existing Federal law. See Matthew 
Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, Division E of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Pub. L. 
111-84, approved October 28, 2009). In support of this enactment, 
Congress found that violence motivated by the actual or perceived 
sexual orientation or gender identity of the victim ``poses a serious 
national problem'' because, among other things, it ``devastates not 
just the actual victim and the family and friends of the victim, but 
frequently savages the community sharing the traits that caused the 
victim to be selected.'' (See Pub. L. 111-84, Division E, Sec. 4702(1), 
(5).)
    In considering the mounting evidence of violence and discrimination 
against LGBT persons, the Department is concerned that its own programs 
may not be fully open to LGBT individuals and families. Accordingly, 
consistent with steps being taken at all levels of government to 
protect LGBT persons from discrimination, HUD is initiating this 
rulemaking in an effort to ensure that its rental housing and 
homeownership programs remain open to all eligible persons regardless 
of sexual orientation or gender identity.

II. This Proposed Rule

A. Defining Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

    The proposed rule would amend 24 CFR 5.100, which contains 
definitions generally applicable to HUD programs, to include 
definitions of ``sexual orientation'' and ``gender identity.'' Section 
5.100 would define ``sexual orientation'' as ``homosexuality, 
heterosexuality, or bisexuality.'' This is the definition that the 
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) uses in the context of the Federal 
workforce in its publication ``Addressing Sexual Orientation in Federal 
Civilian Employment: A Guide to Employee Rights.'' (See https://www.opm.gov/er/address.pdf at page 4.) The rule would define ``gender 
identity,'' consistent with the definition of ``gender identity'' in 
the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, 
Public Law 111-84, Division E, Section 4707(c)(4) (18 U.S.C. 
249(c)(4)), as ``actual or perceived gender-related characteristics.''

B. Prohibiting Inquiries Regarding Sexual Orientation or Gender 
Identity

    To further ensure equal access to HUD's housing and housing-related 
service programs without regard to sexual orientation or gender 
identity, HUD is proposing to prohibit inquiries regarding sexual 
orientation or gender identity. This prohibition would preclude owners 
and operators of HUD-assisted housing or housing whose financing is 
insured by HUD from inquiring about the sexual orientation or gender 
identity of an applicant for, or occupant of, the dwelling, whether 
renter- or owner-occupied. While the rule prohibits inquiries regarding 
sexual orientation or gender identity, nothing in the rule prohibits 
any individual from voluntarily self-identifying his or her sexual 
orientation or gender identity. Additionally, this rule is not intended 
to prohibit otherwise lawful inquiries of an applicant or occupant's 
sex where the housing provided or to be provided to the individual 
involves the sharing of sleeping areas or bathrooms.
    Through this rulemaking, HUD is proposing to institute this policy 
in its rental assistance and homeownership programs, which include 
HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance programs, 
community development programs, and public and assisted housing 
programs.\3\ This prohibition on inquiries regarding sexual orientation 
or gender identity would be provided in a new paragraph (a)(2) added to 
24 CFR 5.105. Section 5.105 of HUD's regulations is entitled ``Other 
Federal Requirements.'' The proposed rule would divide the existing 
paragraph (a) into two new subparagraphs. The text in the current 
paragraph (a) would become subparagraph (a)(1), but retain the heading 
and content as currently found in Sec.  5.105(a). A new subparagraph 
(a)(2) would be added, entitled ``Prohibition on inquiries regarding 
sexual orientation or gender identity.'' The regulations for the HUD 
programs to which the prohibition on such inquiries apply already 
include cross-reference to Sec.  5.105, and with the amendment to this 
section, the cross-reference would now include the prohibition in Sec.  
5.105(a).
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    \3\ Institution of this policy in HUD's Native American programs 
will be undertaken by separate rulemaking.
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    This policy prohibiting inquiries regarding sexual orientation or 
gender identity is undertaken pursuant to HUD's general rulemaking 
authority granted by section 7(d) of the Department of Housing and 
Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3535(d)) and HUD's specific rulemaking 
authority to establish eligibility criteria for participation in HUD 
programs granted by the statutes that establish the various HUD 
programs.

C. Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as Grounds for 
Decisionmaking in Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Programs

    Section 203.33(b) of HUD's FHA regulations (24 CFR 203.33(b)) 
provides that a mortgagee's determination of the adequacy of a single-
family mortgagor's income ``shall be made in a uniform manner without 
regard to'' specified prohibited grounds. The proposed rule would add 
actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity to the 
prohibited grounds enumerated in 24 CFR 203.33(b) to ensure FHA-insured 
lenders do not deny or otherwise alter the terms of mortgages on the 
basis of criteria that are irrelevant to the purpose of obtaining FHA-
mortgage insurance.

D. Eligible Families in HUD Programs

    For the following HUD regulations specified below, this proposed 
rule clarifies that all otherwise eligible families, regardless of 
marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity, have the 
opportunity to participate in HUD programs. The majority of HUD's 
rental housing and homeownership programs already interpret ``family'' 
broadly. Family includes a single person and families with or without 
children, just to cite two examples. This proposed rule clarifies that 
families who are otherwise eligible for HUD programs may not be 
excluded because one or more members of the family may be an LGBT 
individual or have an LGBT relationship or be perceived to be such an 
individual or in such relationship.
    This section lists the HUD programs for which this proposed rule 
clarifies and confirms the broad meaning of family.
    1. Section 8 Tenant-Based Assistance (Housing Choice Voucher 
Program) and Public Housing Programs (24 CFR part 5 and 24 CFR part 
982). The proposed rule would amend the regulations in 24

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CFR 5.403, which contains the definitions applicable to HUD's Housing 
Choice Voucher (HCV) and public housing programs. The term ``family,'' 
provided in part 5 for these HUD programs, is based on section 3 of the 
U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S. 1437a) (1937 Act). Section 3(b)(3)(B) 
of the 1937 Act provides as follows:

    Families.--The term ``families'' includes families with children 
and, in the cases of elderly families, near-elderly families, and 
disabled families, means families whose heads (or their spouses), or 
whose sole members, are elderly, near-elderly, or persons with 
disabilities, respectively. The term includes, in the cases of 
elderly families, near-elderly families, and disabled families, 2 or 
more elderly persons, near-elderly persons, or persons with 
disabilities living together, and 1 or more such persons living with 
1 or more persons determined under the public housing agency plan to 
be essential to their care or well-being.

    Section 3(b)(3)(A) of the 1937 Act provides that the term ``single 
person'' includes a family that consists of a single person. (See 
Section 3(b)(3)(C) of the 1937 Act.) Section 3(b)(3)(C) provides that 
the temporary absence of a child from a home due to placement in foster 
care shall not be considered in determining family composition and 
family size, meaning that a child, although absent from the home, is 
still considered a family member. Sections 3(b)(3)(D), (E), (F), and 
(G) also specify the meaning of the following terms: elderly person, 
person with disabilities, displaced person, and near-elderly person. 
All of these statutory terms are currently captured in the term 
``family'' in Sec.  5.403.
    These statutory terms result in an expansive view of what can 
constitute a family, and the 1937 Act provides examples of what the 
term ``families'' includes but does not limit the composition of 
families to the statutory examples. Consistent with the broad meaning 
given to the term family by the 1937 Act, this proposed rule, clarifies 
that a family, however composed, is a family regardless of marital 
status, sexual orientation, or gender. The term ``family'' in Sec.  
5.403 is similar in substance to the term ``family composition'' in 
Sec.  982.201, but HUD finds that the statutory terms are more 
coherently reflected in Sec.  982.201. Therefore, in addressing the 
term ``family'' in Sec.  5.403, HUD has structured the organization of 
this term as found in Sec.  982.201.
    This proposed rule also would amend the terms ``disabled family,'' 
``elderly family,'' and ``near-elderly family'' in Sec.  5.403. Each of 
these terms is stated as a family whose head, spouse, or sole member 
is, respectively, for each of these terms, a person with disabilities, 
a person at least 62 years of age, or a person who is at least 50 years 
of age but below the age of 62. To each of these terms, the proposed 
rule adds the term ``co-head.''
    ``Co-head'' is a term that has long been used in supplementary 
documents to HUD's rental assistance programs. Form HUD-50058 
pertaining to the Multifamily Tenant Characteristics System (MTCS) and 
its accompanying Instruction Booklet use the term ``co-head'' and 
provides that ``co-head'' is an individual in the household who is 
equally responsible for the lease with the head of household. HUD's Web 
page devoted to frequently asked questions about general income and 
rent determination for HUD's rental housing programs provides in the 
answer to question 38 an example of co-head as follows: ``An example of 
this [co-head] would be an unmarried couple or two persons living 
together and listed as head and co-head on the lease agreement.'' (See 
https://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph/rhiip/faq_gird.cfm).
    The inclusion in the proposed amendment to Sec.  5.403 of ``co-
head,'' again a familiar term to housing providers of HUD assistance, 
would not change the meaning of the statutory term ``heads'' of 
household, which is not currently defined in statute or regulation. The 
inclusion would merely codify HUD's existing interpretation of 
``heads,'' which, as noted above, recognizes that some families living 
in HUD-assisted rental housing have more than one family head. Nor 
would including the term ``co-head'' in ``disabled family,'' ``elderly 
family,'' and ``near-elderly family'' alter or expand the meaning of 
``spouse.'' Consistent with longstanding HUD interpretation, a head and 
co-head of the family may be a married couple, an unmarried couple, or 
two adults living together who are listed as head and co-head on the 
lease agreement.
    The proposed rule would add ``family,'' as provided in 24 CFR 
5.403, to the list of general definitions in Sec.  5.100, and clarify 
that the term is applicable to all HUD programs unless otherwise 
provided in the regulations for a specific HUD program.
    The proposed rule also would add to 24 CFR 982.4 and Sec.  982.201 
a cross-reference to the term ``family'' in 24 CFR 5.403.
    2. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Programs (24 CFR Parts 200, 
203, 236, and 291). Basic definitions that are generally applicable to 
all FHA multifamily programs are found in 24 CFR 200.3. This regulatory 
section would be amended to cross-reference to ``family'' in 24 CFR 
5.403.
    In addition to the proposed amendment to 24 CFR 200.3, HUD proposes 
to amend 24 CFR 236.1. Section 236.1(a) contains the savings clause of 
applicable regulations for the mortgages insured under the Rental and 
Cooperative Housing for Lower Income Families Program, for which new 
mortgages have not been insured since 1983. Although no new mortgages 
are insured under this program, authority remains to refinance 
mortgages insured under section 236 of the National Housing Act (NHA) 
or to finance, pursuant to section 236(j)(3) of the NHA, the purchase 
by a cooperative or nonprofit corporation or association of a project 
assisted under section 236. The proposed amendment would provide that 
the term ``family'' in 24 CFR 200.3(a) applies to any refinancing of a 
mortgage insured under section 236 of the NHA, or to financing, 
pursuant to section 236(j)(3) of the NHA, of the purchase, by a 
cooperative or nonprofit corporation or association, of a project 
assisted under section 236.
    3. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Programs (24 CFR Part 
570). Section 570.3 of the CDBG regulations (24 CFR part 570, subpart 
A) provides basic definitions that are applicable to all CDBG programs. 
The proposed rule would amend 24 CFR 570.3 to cross-reference to the 
term ``family'' in 24 CFR 5.403. The proposed rule would revise the 
term ``household'' in Sec.  570.3, another term used in CDBG programs, 
to ensure there is no exclusion of an eligible household on the basis 
of sexual orientation or gender identity. The revisions to 
``household'' would also remove some redundancy in terminology. The 
current term ``household'' provides that occupants of a household may 
be a single family or one person living alone, but the term ``family,'' 
as discussed earlier in this preamble, includes a single person. 
Accordingly, the revisions to ``household'' are designed to eliminate 
any conflict between the terms ``household'' and ``family.''
    4. Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) (24 CFR Part 
574). The proposed rule would amend 24 CFR 574.3 to cross-reference to 
``family'' in 24 CFR 5.403, and to remove obsolete language that states 
that for a person to be eligible to live with another person, the other 
person must be determined to be important to the person's care or well-
being.

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E. HUD Programs for Which Eligible Family Does Not Require Amendment

    The proposed rule does not revise the term ``family'' in the 
regulations for the Home Investment Partnership Program, which are 
codified at 24 CFR part 92. ``Family'' in Sec.  92.2 already cross-
references to the term family in Sec.  5.403. The proposed rule would 
not amend the part 891 definitions of ``household'' (Sec.  891.105), 
``elderly person'' (Sec.  891.205), or ``disabled household'' (Sec.  
891.305) governing programs that provide Supportive Housing for the 
Elderly and Persons with Disabilities. These programs already provide 
meanings for the term family.
    Additionally, the rule does not propose to amend the term 
``family'' in the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program regulations, 
codified at 24 CFR part 983. The PBV regulations, in Sec.  983.4, 
already cross-reference to the definitions in 24 CFR part 5, subpart D, 
which includes the Sec.  5.403.

F. Changes to HUD Forms

    This rule, as proposed, does not impose any new information 
collection requirements on participants in the covered HUD programs. 
Rather than requiring collection of information, the rule prohibits 
inquiries regarding sexual orientation or gender identity of any 
individual or family receiving housing assistance or benefitting from 
mortgage insurance under the covered HUD programs. At the final rule 
stage, if HUD identifies any forms for which the regulatory citation to 
the term ``family'' must be included as a result of promulgation of 
this rule, HUD will work with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
to include such term. As noted earlier in this preamble, such inquiry 
is irrelevant to an individual's or family's eligibility to participate 
in a HUD-covered program.

III. Solicitation of Comments

    The Department welcomes comment on the amendments proposed in this 
rule, including identification of any program area which may have been 
inadvertently overlooked and should reference ``family'' in 24 CFR 
5.403. The Department also welcomes any information regarding exclusion 
or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity 
in HUD programs. Such information will help the Department in its 
effort to craft regulations that will effectively ensure access to HUD 
programs by all eligible persons regardless of sexual orientation or 
gender identity.

IV. Findings and Certifications

Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review

    OMB reviewed this proposed rule under Executive Order 12866 
(entitled ``Regulatory Planning and Review''). A determination was made 
that this proposed rule is a ``significant regulatory action,'' as 
defined in section 3(f) of the Order (although not economically 
significant, as provided in section 3(f)(1) of the Order). The docket 
file is available for public inspection in the Regulations Division, 
Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 
451 7th Street, SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-0500. Due to 
security measures at the HUD Headquarters building, please schedule an 
appointment to review the docket file by calling the Regulations 
Division at 202-402-3055 (this is not a toll-free number). Individuals 
with speech or hearing impairments may access this number via TTY by 
calling the Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
generally requires an agency to conduct a regulatory flexibility 
analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking 
requirements, unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
This proposed rule would not impose any new costs, or modify existing 
costs, applicable to HUD grantees. Rather, the purpose of the proposed 
rule is to ensure open access to HUD's core programs, regardless of 
sexual orientation or gender identity. In this rule, HUD affirms the 
broad meaning of ``family'' that is already provided for in HUD 
programs by statute. The only clarification that HUD makes is that a 
family is a family as currently provided in statute and regulation, 
regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 
Accordingly, the undersigned certifies that this rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    Notwithstanding HUD's determination that this rule will not have a 
significant effect on a substantial number of small entities, HUD 
specifically invites comments regarding any less burdensome 
alternatives to this rule that will meet HUD's objectives as described 
in the preamble to this rule.

Environmental Impact

    This proposed rule sets forth nondiscrimination standards. 
Accordingly, under 24 CFR 50.19(c)(3), this rule is categorically 
excluded from environmental review under the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321).

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    Executive Order 13132 (entitled ``Federalism'') prohibits an agency 
from publishing any rule that has federalism implications if the rule 
either: (i) Imposes substantial direct compliance costs on State and 
local governments and is not required by statute, or (ii) preempts 
State law, unless the agency meets the consultation and funding 
requirements of section 6 of the Executive Order. This proposed rule 
would not have federalism implications and would not impose substantial 
direct compliance costs on State and local governments or preempt State 
law within the meaning of the Executive Order.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 
1531-1538) (UMRA) establishes requirements for Federal agencies to 
assess the effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and 
Tribal governments, and on the private sector. This proposed rule would 
not impose any Federal mandates on any State, local, or Tribal 
governments, or on the private sector, within the meaning of the UMRA.

List of Subjects

24 CFR Part 5

    Administrative practice and procedure, Aged, Claims, Drug abuse, 
Drug traffic control, Grant programs-- housing and community 
development, Grant programs--Indians, Individuals with disabilities, 
Loan programs-- housing and community development, Low and moderate 
income housing, Mortgage insurance, Pets, Public housing, Rent 
subsidies, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

24 CFR Part 200

    Administrative practice and procedure, Claims, Equal employment 
opportunity, Fair housing, Home improvement, Housing standards, Lead 
poisoning, Loan programs--housing and community development, Mortgage 
insurance, Organization and functions (Government agencies), Penalties, 
Reporting and recordkeeping.

[[Page 4198]]

24 CFR Part 203

    Hawaiian Natives, Home improvement, Indians--lands, Loan programs--
housing and community development, Mortgage insurance, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Solar energy.

24 CFR Part 236

    Grant programs--housing and community development, Low- and 
moderate-income housing, Mortgage insurance, Rent subsidies, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

24 CFR Part 570

    Administrative practice and procedure, American Samoa, Community 
development block grants, Grant programs--education, Grant programs--
housing and community development, Guam, Indians, Loan programs--
housing and community development, Low and moderate income housing, 
Northern Mariana Islands, Pacific Islands Trust Territory, Puerto Rico, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Student aid, Virgin Islands.

24 CFR Part 574

    Community facilities, Grant programs--health programs, Grant 
programs--housing and community development, Grant programs--social 
programs, HIV/AIDS, Low and moderate income housing, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

24 CFR Part 982

    Grant programs--housing and community development, Grant programs--
Indians, Indians, Public housing, Rent subsidies, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Accordingly, for the reasons stated above, HUD proposes to amend 24 
CFR parts 5, 200, 203, 236, 570, 574, and 982 as follows:

PART 5--GENERAL HUD PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS; WAIVERS

    1. The authority citation for 24 CFR part 5 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 3535(d), unless otherwise noted.

    2. The heading of subpart A is revised to read as follows:

Subpart A--Generally Applicable Definitions and Requirements; 
Waivers

    3. In Sec.  5.100, definitions for ``family,'' ``gender identity,'' 
and ``sexual orientation'' are added to read as follows:


Sec.  5.100  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Family has the meaning provided this term in Sec.  5.403, and 
applies to all HUD programs unless otherwise provided in the 
regulations for a specific HUD program.
* * * * *
    Gender identity means actual or perceived gender-related 
characteristics.
* * * * *
    Sexual orientation means homosexuality, heterosexuality, or 
bisexuality.
* * * * *
    4. In Sec.  5.105, the introductory text is revised, paragraph (a) 
is redesignated as paragraph (a)(1), and a new paragraph (a)(2) is 
added to read as follows:


Sec.  5.105  Other Federal requirements.

    The requirements set forth in this section apply to all HUD 
programs, except as may be otherwise noted in the respective program 
regulations in title 24 of the CFR, or unless inconsistent with 
statutes authorizing certain HUD programs:
    (a)(1) Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. * * *
    (2) Prohibition on inquiries regarding sexual orientation or gender 
identity. No owner or administrator of HUD-assisted or HUD-insured 
housing, approved lender in an FHA mortgage insurance program, nor any 
(or any other) recipient or subrecipient of HUD funds may inquire about 
the sexual orientation, or gender identity of an applicant for, or 
occupant of, a HUD-assisted dwelling or a dwelling whose financing is 
insured by HUD, whether renter- or owner-occupied. This prohibition on 
inquiries regarding sexual orientation or gender identity does not 
prohibit any individual from voluntarily self-identifying his or her 
sexual orientation or gender identity. This prohibition on inquiries 
regarding sexual orientation or gender identity does not prohibit 
lawful inquiries of an applicant or occupant's sex where the housing 
provided or to be provided to the individual involves the sharing of 
sleeping areas or bathrooms.
* * * * *

Subpart D--Definitions for Section 8 and Public Housing Assistance 
Under the United States Housing Act of 1937

    5. In Sec.  5.403, the definitions of ``Disabled family,'' 
``Elderly family,'' ``family,'' and ``Near-elderly family'' are revised 
to read as follows:


Sec.  5.403  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Disabled family means a family whose head (including co-head), 
spouse, or sole member is a person with a disability. It may include 
two or more persons with disabilities living together, or one or more 
persons with disabilities living with one or more live-in aides.
* * * * *
    Elderly family means a family whose head (including co-head), 
spouse, or sole member is a person who is at least 62 years of age. It 
may include two or more persons who are at least 62 years of age living 
together, or one or more persons who are at least 62 years of age 
living with one or more live-in aides.
    Family includes but is not limited to, regardless of marital 
status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or gender identity, the 
following:
    (1) A single person, who may be an elderly person, displaced 
person, disabled person, near-elderly person, or any other single 
person; or
    (2) A group of persons residing together, and such group includes, 
but is not limited to:
    (i) A family with or without children (a child who is temporarily 
away from the home because of placement in foster care is considered a 
member of the family);
    (ii) An elderly family;
    (iii) A near-elderly family;
    (iv) A disabled family;
    (v) A displaced family; and
    (vi) The remaining member of a tenant family.
* * * * *
    Near-elderly family means a family whose head (including co-head), 
spouse, or sole member is a person who is at least 50 years of age but 
below the age of 62; or two or more persons, who are at least 50 years 
of age but below the age of 62, living together; or one or more persons 
who are at least 50 years of age but below the age of 62, living with 
one or more live-in aides.
* * * * *

PART 200--INTRODUCTION TO FHA PROGRAMS

    6. The authority citation for 24 CFR part 200 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1702-1715z-21; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

    7. Section 200.3(a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  200.3  Definitions.

    (a) The definitions ``Department,'' ``Elderly person,'' ``Family,'' 
``HUD,'' and ``Secretary,'' as used in this subpart A, shall have the 
meanings given these definitions in 24 CFR part 5.
* * * * *
    8. Section 200.300 is revised to read as follows:

[[Page 4199]]

Sec.  200.300  Nondiscrimination and fair housing policy.

    Federal Housing Administration programs shall be administered in 
accordance with:
    (a) The nondiscrimination and fair housing requirements set forth 
in 24 CFR part 5, including the prohibition on inquiries regarding 
sexual orientation or gender identity set forth in 24 CFR 5.105(a)(2); 
and
    (b) The affirmative fair housing marketing requirements in 24 CFR 
part 200, subpart M and 24 CFR part 108.

PART 203--SINGLE FAMILY MORTGAGE INSURANCE

    9. The authority citation for 24 CFR part 203 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  12 U.S.C. 1709, 1710, 1715b, 1715z-16, and 1715u; 42 
U.S.C. 3535(d).

    10. In Sec.  203.33, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  203.33  Relationship of income to mortgage payments.

* * * * *
    (b) Determinations of adequacy of mortgagor income under this 
section shall be made in a uniform manner without regard to race, 
color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, handicap, 
marital status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender 
identity, source of income of the mortgagor, or location of the 
property.

PART 236--MORTGAGE INSURANCE AND INTEREST REDUCTION PAYMENT FOR 
RENTAL PROJECTS

    11. The authority citation for 24 CFR part 236 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1715b and 1715z-1; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

    12. Section 236.1 is amended to add a sentence at the end of 
paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  236.1  Applicability, cross-reference, and savings clause.

    (a) Applicability. * * * The definition of family in 24 CFR 
200.3(a) applies to any refinancing of a mortgage insured under section 
236, or to financing pursuant to section 236(j)(3) of the purchase, by 
a cooperative or nonprofit corporation or association of a project 
assisted under section 236.
* * * * *

PART 570--COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS

    13. The authority citation for 24 CFR part 570 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d), and 5301-5320.

Subpart A--General Provisions

    14. In Sec.  570.3, the definitions of ``family'' and ``household'' 
are revised to read as follows:


Sec.  570.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Family refers to the definition of ``family'' set out in 24 CFR 
5.403.
    Household means all persons occupying a housing unit. The occupants 
may be a family, as defined in 24 CFR 5.403, two or more families 
living together, or any other group of related or unrelated persons who 
share living arrangements, regardless of marital status, actual or 
perceived sexual orientation, or gender identity.
* * * * *

PART 574--HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS

    15. The authority citation for 24 CFR part 574 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d) and 12901-12912.

    16. In Sec.  574.3, the definition of ``family'' is revised to read 
as follows:


Sec.  574.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Family is defined as set forth in 24 CFR 5.403 and includes one or 
more eligible persons living with another person or persons, regardless 
of marital status, or actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender 
identity, and the surviving member or members of any family described 
in this definition who were living in a unit assisted under the HOPWA 
program with the person with AIDS at the time of his or her death.
* * * * *

PART 982--SECTION 8 TENANT-BASED ASSISTANCE: HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER 
PROGRAM

    17. The authority citation for 24 CFR part 982 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1437f and 3535(d).

    18. In Sec.  982.4, paragraphs (a)(1) is revised, paragraph (a)(2) 
is removed, paragraph (a)(3) is redesignated as new paragraph (a)(2), 
and the definition of ``family'' in paragraph (b) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec.  982.4  Definitions.

    (a) Definitions found elsewhere. (1) General definitions. The 
following terms are defined in part 5, subpart A of this title: 1937 
Act, covered person, drug, drug-related criminal activity, Federally 
assisted housing, guest, household, HUD, MSA, other person under the 
tenant's control, public housing, Section 8, and violent criminal 
activity.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    Family. A person or group of persons, as determined by the PHA 
consistent with 24 CFR 5.403, approved to reside in a unit with 
assistance under the program. See discussion of family composition at 
Sec.  982.201(c).
* * * * *
    19. In Sec.  982.201, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  982.201  Eligibility and targeting.

* * * * *
    (c) Family composition. See definition of ``family'' in 24 CFR 
5.403.
* * * * *

    Dated: December 1, 2010.
Shaun Donovan,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011-1346 Filed 1-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P