PRIA Logo™
Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110

§9918 Limitations on Use of Funds

Title 42 › CHAPTER 106 — COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM › § 9918

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

Stops most grant money under this chapter from being used to buy land or to buy, build, or make permanent improvements to buildings or other facilities. Money set aside under section 9903(b)(3) is not covered by this rule. Small home energy work, like low-cost weatherization or other energy repairs, is allowed. The Secretary can say yes to a State’s request to use funds for land or buildings if the State shows unusual reasons and the Secretary agrees it will help carry out the program. Says groups that run these programs and get money count like a State or local agency for certain federal rules. Programs paid for by these funds must not be used for political activity. That means no support for candidates or parties, no giving voters rides to the polls, and no voter registration drives. The Secretary will make rules to enforce this, including emergency steps like stopping funds. People cannot be excluded or treated badly because of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in any program paid for with these funds. If a State breaks these rules, the Secretary will tell the State leader to fix it. If the State does not fix the problem within 60 days, the Secretary can refer the case to the Attorney General or use other civil-rights powers, and the Attorney General may sue in federal court.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §9918

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Construction of facilities
(1)Limitations
Except as provided in paragraph (2), grants made under this chapter (other than amounts reserved under section 9903(b)(3) of this title) may not be used by the State, or by any other person with which the State makes arrangements to carry out the purposes of this chapter, for the purchase or improvement of land, or the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement (other than low-cost residential weatherization or other energy-related home repairs) of any building or other facility.
(2)Waiver
The Secretary may waive the limitation contained in paragraph (1) upon a State request for such a waiver, if the Secretary finds that the request describes extraordinary circumstances to justify the purchase of land or the construction of facilities (or the making of permanent improvements) and that permitting the waiver will contribute to the ability of the State to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(b)Political activities
(1)Treatment as a State or local agency
For purposes of chapter 15 of title 5, any entity that assumes responsibility for planning, developing, and coordinating activities under this chapter and receives assistance under this chapter shall be deemed to be a State or local agency. For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 1502(a) of such title, any entity receiving assistance under this chapter shall be deemed to be a State or local agency.
(2)Prohibitions
Programs assisted under this chapter shall not be carried on in a manner involving the use of program funds, the provision of services, or the employment or assignment of personnel, in a manner supporting or resulting in the identification of such programs with—
(A)any partisan or nonpartisan political activity or any political activity associated with a candidate, or contending faction or group, in an election for public or party office;
(B)any activity to provide voters or prospective voters with transportation to the polls or similar assistance in connection with any such election; or
(C)any voter registration activity.
(3)Rules and regulations
The Secretary, after consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, shall issue rules and regulations to provide for the enforcement of this subsection, which shall include provisions for summary suspension of assistance or other action necessary to permit enforcement on an emergency basis.
(c)Nondiscrimination
(1)In general
No person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available under this chapter. Any prohibition against discrimination on the basis of age under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.) or with respect to an otherwise qualified individual with a disability as provided in section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), or title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.) shall also apply to any such program or activity.
(2)Action of Secretary
Whenever the Secretary determines that a State that has received a payment under this chapter has failed to comply with paragraph (1) or an applicable regulation, the Secretary shall notify the chief executive officer of the State and shall request that the officer secure compliance. If within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 60 days, the chief executive officer fails or refuses to secure compliance, the Secretary is authorized to—
(A)refer the matter to the Attorney General with a recommendation that an appropriate civil action be instituted;
(B)exercise the powers and functions provided by title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), or title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.), as may be applicable; or
(C)take such other action as may be provided by law.
(3)Action of Attorney General
When a matter is referred to the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (2), or whenever the Attorney General has reason to believe that the State is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of the provisions of this subsection, the Attorney General may bring a civil action in any appropriate United States district court for such relief as may be appropriate, including injunctive relief.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), (2)(B), is title III of Pub. L. 94–135, Nov. 28, 1975, 89 Stat. 728, which is classified generally to chapter 76 (§ 6101 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 6101 of this title and Tables. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), (2)(B), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 12131 et seq.) of chapter 126 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 12101 of this title and Tables. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(B), is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241. Title VI of the Act is classified generally to subchapter V (§ 2000d et seq.) of chapter 21 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 2000a of this title and Tables.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 9918

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110