Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.1667 - Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

The Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2025, or S.1667, aims to amend the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to better address the needs of homeless children, youth, and families. It emphasizes honoring local community assessments and priorities in the allocation of resources and implementation of programs. The bill focuses on refining definitions of homelessness, improving data collection and accessibility, and enhancing coordination among various federal programs and local agencies.

Expected Effects

The bill is likely to expand the scope of services and protections available to homeless children and youth by broadening the definition of homelessness. It will also improve data transparency and coordination among different agencies. These changes could lead to more effective and targeted interventions, ultimately reducing homelessness among vulnerable populations.

Potential Benefits

  • Enhanced eligibility for homeless children and youth under various federal programs.
  • Improved data collection and transparency through public availability of HMIS data.
  • Increased coordination among local educational agencies, early care programs, and institutions of higher education.
  • Prioritization of local needs and assessments in the allocation of resources.
  • Better support for unaccompanied youth, especially regarding access to higher education financial aid.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased administrative burden due to expanded definitions and reporting requirements.
  • Possible challenges in coordinating data collection across different federal programs.
  • Risk of inconsistent implementation across different localities due to emphasis on local control.
  • Potential for increased costs associated with expanded services and data management.
  • The bill's effectiveness depends on the actual implementation and funding allocated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by aiming to provide for the needs of a vulnerable population. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The bill's focus on data collection and reporting could raise potential privacy concerns, but these are not explicitly addressed in the provided text.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).