Volunteer First Responder Housing Act

This legislation aims to expand housing assistance for qualified volunteer first responders by modifying eligibility requirements for specific federal programs. To be considered a qualified volunteer, an individual must be a bona fide volunteer performing qualified services for an eligible employer. They must have continuously served for two years, meeting minimum active membership requirements or volunteering at least 200 hours annually, and be certified as a firefighter or other first responder in their jurisdiction. This bill seeks to recognize and support these essential community members by making federal housing benefits more accessible.

Under the Department of Agriculture's single family housing guaranteed loan program, qualified volunteer first responders would be eligible for an $18,000 deduction in annual income. This deduction requires a verification letter from their employer attesting to their service and certification. Furthermore, the bill allows these volunteers to qualify as firefighters or emergency medical technicians for discounted home purchases through the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Good Neighbor Next Door sales program. To access this program, volunteers must provide a similar verification letter and certify their intention to continue volunteering for at least one year after closing.