Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1640 - Heirs Estate Inheritance Resolution and Succession Act of 2025; HEIRS Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.1640, the Heirs Estate Inheritance Resolution and Succession Act of 2025 (HEIRS Act of 2025), aims to establish a grant program for states that adopt the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act. The bill directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer these grants. The goal is to assist residents with expenses related to establishing property ownership rights and settling estates, particularly concerning heirs' property.

Expected Effects

The bill's passage would lead to the establishment of grant programs at HUD. These programs would provide financial assistance to states and local governments. This assistance would help residents clear titles and resolve issues related to heirs' property, potentially increasing property ownership and stability, especially in underserved communities.

Potential Benefits

  • Provides financial assistance to states and local governments to adopt and implement the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act.
  • Helps residents, particularly those in underserved communities, establish and document property ownership rights.
  • Supports the resolution of heirs' property issues, which can lead to increased property ownership and stability.
  • Offers resources for housing counseling, legal assistance, and financial assistance related to title clearing and home retention.
  • Encourages partnerships between eligible entities to provide comprehensive assistance to homeowners.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Requires significant appropriations ($30 million per year from 2026-2036 and $10 million per year from 2026-2030), potentially increasing the national debt.
  • Creates additional bureaucracy within HUD to administer the grant programs and issue regulations.
  • May disproportionately benefit certain states or localities based on the criteria for grant selection.
  • Could lead to unintended consequences or inefficiencies in the distribution of funds.
  • Relies on the effectiveness of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act, which may not fully address all issues related to heirs' property.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The establishment of grant programs to assist residents with property ownership and estate settlement could be considered promoting the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

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).