Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2025
Summary
The Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2025 aims to prevent individuals who legally use marijuana under state law from being denied occupancy in federally assisted housing. It amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 and the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 to reflect this change. The bill also directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue regulations restricting marijuana smoking in federally assisted housing, mirroring existing tobacco smoking restrictions.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would allow individuals using marijuana legally under state laws to reside in federally assisted housing without fear of eviction or denial of housing. HUD would need to create and enforce regulations regarding marijuana smoking in these residences. This could lead to increased housing access for individuals in states where marijuana is legal.
Potential Benefits
- Increased housing access for individuals legally using marijuana in states where it is legal.
- Alignment of federal housing policy with evolving state laws regarding marijuana.
- Potential reduction in housing discrimination based on marijuana use.
- Clarification of rules and regulations regarding marijuana use in federally assisted housing.
- Standardized regulations for smoking marijuana, similar to those for tobacco, potentially improving air quality in some units.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential conflicts between state and federal law, as marijuana remains illegal at the federal level.
- Concerns about the impact of marijuana use on other residents of federally assisted housing, particularly children.
- Challenges in enforcing regulations regarding marijuana use, especially in multi-unit dwellings.
- Possible increase in costs for housing authorities to implement and enforce new regulations.
- Risk of increased illegal activity related to marijuana in federally assisted housing.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill touches upon the balance of power between the federal government and state governments, particularly concerning the regulation of substances. While the federal government has broad authority to regulate interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. This bill attempts to navigate this balance by deferring to state laws regarding marijuana use within federally assisted housing, but it does not directly contradict any specific constitutional provision.
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).