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119-hr-8789119th CongressWALLET

Volunteer First Responder Housing Act

Sponsored By: Representative Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]

Introduced

Summary

Expands housing benefits to qualified volunteer first responders. The bill opens USDA and HUD housing programs to volunteers who meet specific service and certification rules.

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  • Volunteer first responders gain a clear eligibility test. They must have served continuously for 2 years, and during each year either meet their employer’s minimum active membership or volunteer at least 200 hours, and hold local certification.
  • Rural and single-family borrowers can claim an $18,000 annual deduction under the Department of Agriculture’s single-family housing guaranteed loan rules after submitting a verification letter.
  • Applicants for HUD property disposition programs, including Good Neighbor Next Door style sales, can qualify as long as they provide the verification letter and agree to continue serving for at least one year after closing.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Big income deduction for volunteer first responders

If enacted, a qualified volunteer first responder would be able to reduce annual income by $18,000 for USDA Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan rules. To get the deduction, you would submit a verification letter from the head of your volunteer employer. The letter must show your join date, attest you served continuously for the last two years and that each year you met the employer’s minimum active membership or volunteered at least 200 hours, and include your state or tribal first-responder certification. This change would take effect upon enactment.

Discounted HUD homes for volunteer responders

If enacted, a qualified volunteer first responder could qualify as a firefighter or EMT for discounted HUD single-family home sales. You would submit a verification letter from your volunteer employer that shows your join date, attests you served continuously for the last two years and that each year you met minimum active membership or volunteered at least 200 hours, and includes your state or tribal first-responder certification. The letter must also include your good-faith promise to continue volunteering for at least one year after closing. This change would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]

NY • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 8/31/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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