Idaho Senate Republicans advance bill to provide $175 million in immediate rental assistance

Idaho Senate Republicans advanced House Bill 176 which provides $175 million in immediate rental assistance funding for Idaho families who are facing eviction or other housing difficulties due to job loss or other COVID-related expenses. The Senate voted unanimously to approve the bill which now goes to the governor for a signature.

Sen, Jim. Woodword, R-Sagle, sponsored the legislation in the Senate and noted that payments will be administered by the Idaho Housing & Finance Association and would go directly to landlords, property managers or utility companies, to ensure the funds are used for housing payments.

Idaho has had an eviction moratorium in place since March 2020, and this funding provides assistance for landlords and property owners who have not been able to collect rental payments and are facing foreclosure. Due to the pandemic, rising property costs, a shortage of affordable housing many households are cost burdened, spending 30 percent to more than half of their income on housing.