To expand eligibility for certain housing programs for qualified volunteer first responders.

Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

2026-05-13

The proposal would make it easier for volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other volunteer first responders to qualify for federal housing assistance programs by expanding who is considered eligible. Currently, many housing programs prioritize paid professionals, so this change would help volunteer responders—who often work without pay to protect their communities—access loans, grants, or other housing support. The measure recognizes that volunteer first responders frequently struggle financially because they don't receive regular paychecks, making homeownership or stable housing harder to achieve.