This bill, titled the "Original Additional Credit FHA Pilot Program Authorization Act," establishes a pilot program under section 258 of the National Housing Act. The program's core purpose is to create an automated process for incorporating additional credit rating information when assessing the creditworthiness of mortgagors and prospective mortgagors for certain FHA-insured mortgages. The primary goal is to examine and evaluate the benefits of using credit scoring models that utilize this additional data, especially for individuals who may lack sufficient traditional credit history. Under the pilot program, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will select one or more commercially available credit scoring models that incorporate additional data, after consulting with the Government National Mortgage Association. Mortgagees participating in the program will be required to provide prospective mortgagors with a notice detailing the option to opt into this new credit scoring model, explaining how it differs from current FHA models, and offering information on housing counseling agencies. This ensures transparency and allows borrowers to compare their lending options. The bill mandates comprehensive reporting to Congress on the pilot program's effectiveness, including data on participation rates, demographic information of participants, and the impact on mortgage loan default prediction and the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. Reports will also assess whether borrowers with thin or no credit files, as well as other borrowers, benefited from this option. Furthermore, the Secretary is authorized to limit participation in the pilot program and appropriations are authorized to fund its establishment and operation.
Original Additional Credit FHA Pilot Program Authorization Act
USA119th CongressHR-8318| House
| Updated: 4/16/2026
This bill, titled the "Original Additional Credit FHA Pilot Program Authorization Act," establishes a pilot program under section 258 of the National Housing Act. The program's core purpose is to create an automated process for incorporating additional credit rating information when assessing the creditworthiness of mortgagors and prospective mortgagors for certain FHA-insured mortgages. The primary goal is to examine and evaluate the benefits of using credit scoring models that utilize this additional data, especially for individuals who may lack sufficient traditional credit history. Under the pilot program, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will select one or more commercially available credit scoring models that incorporate additional data, after consulting with the Government National Mortgage Association. Mortgagees participating in the program will be required to provide prospective mortgagors with a notice detailing the option to opt into this new credit scoring model, explaining how it differs from current FHA models, and offering information on housing counseling agencies. This ensures transparency and allows borrowers to compare their lending options. The bill mandates comprehensive reporting to Congress on the pilot program's effectiveness, including data on participation rates, demographic information of participants, and the impact on mortgage loan default prediction and the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. Reports will also assess whether borrowers with thin or no credit files, as well as other borrowers, benefited from this option. Furthermore, the Secretary is authorized to limit participation in the pilot program and appropriations are authorized to fund its establishment and operation.