81 FR 80989 - Equal Access to Housing in HUD's Native American and Native Hawaiian Programs-Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 222 (November 17, 2016)

As the Nation's housing agency, HUD has the unique charge to promote the Federal goal of providing decent housing and a suitable living environment for all. In February 2012, HUD issued a final rule requiring HUD programs to make eligibility determinations for individuals seeking admission to HUD-assisted or -insured housing without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. The 2012 rule did not, however, cover HUD's Native American and Native Hawaiian programs. Through this final rule, HUD revises its Native American and Native Hawaiian program regulations to ensure all eligible individuals and families, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status, have access to these programs. This final rule seeks to provide consistency across HUD programs and restates the Department's commitment that eligibility for admission and continued occupancy in HUD-assisted and -insured housing is not based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 222 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 80989-80993]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27196]



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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 80989]]



DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

24 CFR 5, 1000, 1003, 1005, 1006 and 1007

[Docket No. FR-5861-F-03]
RIN 2506-AC40


Equal Access to Housing in HUD's Native American and Native 
Hawaiian Programs--Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HUD.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: As the Nation's housing agency, HUD has the unique charge to 
promote the Federal goal of providing decent housing and a suitable 
living environment for all. In February 2012, HUD issued a final rule 
requiring HUD programs to make eligibility determinations for 
individuals seeking admission to HUD-assisted or -insured housing 
without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital 
status. The 2012 rule did not, however, cover HUD's Native American and 
Native Hawaiian programs. Through this final rule, HUD revises its 
Native American and Native Hawaiian program regulations to ensure all 
eligible individuals and families, regardless of sexual orientation, 
gender identity, or marital status, have access to these programs. This 
final rule seeks to provide consistency across HUD programs and 
restates the Department's commitment that eligibility for admission and 
continued occupancy in HUD-assisted and -insured housing is not based 
on sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

DATES: Effective: December 19, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heidi J. Frechette, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary, Office of Native American Housing Programs, Office of Public 
and Indian Housing, 451 7th Street SW., Room 4126, Washington, DC 
20410-4000; telephone number 202-402-6321 (this is not a toll-free 
number). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this 
number through TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 
(this is a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background--Tribal Consultation and the May 9, 2016, Proposed Rule

    On February 3, 2012, at 77 FR 5662, HUD issued a final rule 
entitled ``Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Regardless of Sexual 
Orientation or Gender Identity,'' which required that HUD-assisted and 
-insured housing be made available in accordance with program 
eligibility requirements and without regard to sexual orientation, 
gender identity, or marital status, but excluded HUD's Native American 
and Native Hawaiian programs. HUD committed in the 2012 rule's preamble 
to engage in tribal consultation before applying these same 
requirements to its Native American and Native Hawaiian programs. HUD 
engaged in tribal consultation, in the form of a ``Dear Tribal Leader 
Letter,'' before proceeding with this rulemaking.
    On May 9, 2016, HUD published a proposed rule, at 81 FR 28037, to 
amend its Native American and Native Hawaiian program regulations to 
require that access be provided without regard to actual or perceived 
sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status in housing 
assisted or insured under these programs. The proposed rule sought to 
add the equal access provisions in 24 CFR 5.105(a)(2) and adopt the 
definitions of ``sexual orientation'' and ``gender identity'' provided 
in Sec.  5.100 to the Native American and Native Hawaiian programs. 
Specifically, the proposed rule sought to amend regulations for the 
following: Native American Housing Activities, at 24 CFR part 1000; 
Community Development Block Grants for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native 
Villages, at 24 CFR part 1003; the Section 184 Indian Home Loan 
Guarantee Program, at 24 CFR part 1005; the Native Hawaiian Housing 
Block Grant Program, at 24 CFR part 1006; and Section 184A Loan 
Guarantees For Native Hawaiian Housing, at 24 CFR part 1007. HUD also 
proposed to make conforming amendments to Sec.  5.105(a)(2) to make 
explicit that the requirements in Sec.  5.105(a)(2) apply to housing 
with loans guaranteed or insured under one of HUD's Native American or 
Native Hawaiian housing programs, and not solely to loans insured by 
the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). A detailed description of the 
proposed amendments can be found in the preamble to the proposed rule 
available at https://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/granule/FR-2016-05-09/2016-10753.

II. Final Rule

    This final rule follows publication of the May 9, 2016, proposed 
rule and takes into consideration the public comments received. The 
public comment period closed on July 8, 2016, and HUD received 13 
distinct comments relating to the proposed rule. HUD received public 
comments from individuals, tribal nations, housing authorities, 
nonprofit social service providers, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and 
transgender (LGBT) advocacy organizations. Section III of this preamble 
responds to the comments received on the proposed rule. HUD has decided 
to adopt the proposed rule and makes a minor change to Sec.  
5.105(a)(2) to clarify that all loans insured by HUD are subject to the 
equal access provisions, not only loans insured by FHA. This final rule 
ensures that eligibility determinations for housing-assisted or -
insured under HUD's Native American or Native Hawaiian housing programs 
are made without regard to actual or perceived sexual orientation, 
gender identity, or marital status.
    HUD notes that in adopting this final rule with the cross-
references to Sec.  5.105(a)(2), the changes to Sec.  5.105(a) that 
were adopted in HUD's final rule entitled ``Equal Access in Accordance 
with an Individual's Gender Identity in Community Planning and 
Development Programs'' (the CPD Equal Access Rule), at 81 FR 64763, 
will apply to HUD's Native American or Native Hawaiian housing 
programs. Those changes include amended definitions of ``gender 
identity'' and ``sexual orientation'' and the removal of the 
prohibition of inquiries provision that was previously at Sec.  
5.105(a)(2)(ii). The amended ``gender identity'' definition states that 
gender identity ``means the gender with which a person identifies, 
regardless of the sex assigned to that person at birth and regardless 
of the person's perceived gender identity. Perceived gender

[[Page 80990]]

identity means the gender with which a person is perceived to identify 
based on that person's appearance, behavior, expression, other gender 
related characteristics, or sex assigned to the individual at birth or 
identified in documents.'' The amended ``sexual orientation'' 
definition states that sexual orientation ``means one's emotional or 
physical attraction to the same and/or opposite sex (e.g., 
homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality).'' See 81 FR 64763 for 
further information.

III. Public Comments Submitted on Proposed Rule and HUD's Responses

    HUD received 13 distinct comments relating to the proposed rule. 
Most commenters were very supportive and appreciative of HUD's efforts 
to ensure access in HUD's Native American and Native Hawaiian programs 
for LGBT individuals. Although the majority of commenters supported the 
rule as important to protect the rights of LGBT individuals, some 
expressed different opinions on the way the rule could be improved to 
ensure that vulnerable populations are protected. Many of the 
commenters stated that the rule's language needed to be clarified to 
ensure greater protections for the LGBT population. Commenters provided 
their overall views regarding the rule, as well as specific comments on 
HUD's regulatory text. All comments can be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov/.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Please note, www.regulations.gov assigns numbers to the 
comments starting with 0002. The number 0001 is reserved for the 
Federal Register publication (the November 20, 2015, proposed rule).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    HUD appreciates all of the comments offered in response to HUD's 
proposed rule.
    Comment: Applying this rule to Native American and Native Hawaiian 
communities promotes consistent policies throughout all of HUD's 
programs. Commenters stated that it is important to ensure consistency 
where there is overlap between HUD's Native American and Native 
Hawaiian programs and other HUD programs, which are already subject to 
the requirements of the Equal Access Rule. Many commenters wrote that 
the rule is a strong step in the direction of alleviating 
discrimination against LGBT persons in Native American and Native 
Hawaiian populations and promoting the Federal goal of providing decent 
housing and a suitable living environment for all.
    HUD Response: As the Nation's housing agency, it is important that 
HUD maintain consistent policies across its programs, inclusive of 
Native American and Native Hawaiian programs. HUD issued guidance to 
assist LGBT individuals and families facing housing discrimination. 
(See http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/LGBT_Housing_Discrimination). In addition to the 
guidance, HUD initiated Equal Access rule rulemaking to make clear that 
HUD's rental housing and homeownership programs are open to all 
eligible persons regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or 
marital status. This rule furthers HUD's goal of equal treatment for 
all individuals who are eligible for HUD-assisted or -insured housing.
    Comment: The rule is aligned with traditional Native tribal 
beliefs. Commenters stated that Native nations have not historically 
discriminated against those who are LGBT. Commenters stated that Native 
nations believe in acceptance of all persons, no matter their 
differences, and that traditional practices teach them that no one is 
to be excluded or homeless because of their sexual orientation. Another 
commenter stated that promulgating the rule demonstrates respect for 
the values of the Native American and Native Hawaiian communities and 
American society as a whole. A commenter provided sources that 
demonstrate that Native American tribes ``respected'' and ``highly 
revered'' LGBT people historically and that Native Hawaiians likely 
accepted LGBT individuals prior to colonization by Western and 
Christian influences. Commenters described their own and others' 
experiences with Native cultures and how inclusion of all, including 
the LGBT community, was not in violation of Native values.
    HUD Response: HUD appreciates the comments stating that the Equal 
Access rule, as applied to Native American and Native Hawaiian HUD-
assisted or -insured housing, is consistent with Native tribal beliefs.
    Comment: Social stigma against LGBT individuals is not uncommon and 
has caused disparities in housing access for LGBT Native members. 
Commenters cited statistics that indicated access to safe housing for 
members of the LGBT communities may be hard to find--citing that 
between 20 and 40 percent of youth experiencing homelessness identify 
as LGBT, questioning, intersex, or two spirit; and 26 percent of LGBT 
youth were forced from their home upon revealing their sexual identity 
to their parents. Commenters also noted that it is difficult to fully 
assess the impact of housing discrimination in the LGBT community 
because of a lack of nationwide data collection. Commenters cited 
general statistics outside of Native communities from a 2001 Kaiser 
Family Foundation study that shows that 34 percent of LGB people 
reported having experienced, or knowing someone who had experienced, 
housing discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation. 
Further, commenters cited a 2006 Michigan housing study showing that 27 
percent of same-sex test couples inquiring about renting or buying 
housing in Michigan encountered discrimination on the basis of their 
sexual orientation.
    HUD Response: The exclusion of an individual or family from HUD 
housing due to that individual's sexual orientation or gender identity 
is inconsistent with HUD's mission to ensure decent housing and a 
suitable living environment for all. The housing discrimination, 
harassment, and homelessness that LGBT persons face in the United 
States is part of what precipitated HUD's rulemaking in this area. 
Accordingly, it is incumbent on HUD to ensure that the regulations 
governing its Native American and Native Hawaiian housing programs 
provide the same protections for LGBT persons as HUD's other programs.
    Comment: Research reveals that the transgender community is even 
more vulnerable to housing discrimination. Commenters cited the 
National Transgender Discrimination Survey, which found that 47 percent 
of American Indians and American Natives reported having been denied a 
home or apartment because they were transgender or gender 
nonconforming. The survey also found that 19 percent of transgender 
respondents reported being refused a home or apartment due to their 
sexual orientation and 11 percent of transgender respondents reported 
being evicted because of their gender identity or expression. The 
commenters further said that one in five respondents (19 percent) have 
experienced homelessness as a result of discrimination or mistreatment 
because of their gender identity or expression, and that discrimination 
was particularly pronounced for transgender people of color.
    HUD Response: HUD is aware of the significant challenges that 
transgender persons face in Native American and Native Hawaiian 
communities when attempting to access housing and shelter. HUD 
understands that housing discrimination and equal access are critical 
issues for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, as they 
are for everyone, and HUD's rulemaking in this area is in direct 
response. HUD believes that by

[[Page 80991]]

requiring equal access for LGBT individuals, including gender 
nonconforming persons, in this regulation, HUD will be better able to 
address concerns of access to HUD-assisted and -insured housing in its 
Native American and Hawaiian Native programs.
    Comment: The current definition of gender identity under Sec.  
5.100, providing that gender identity means ``actual or perceived 
gender-related characteristics'' is unclear. Commenters stated that 
this definition could cause difficulty in enforcement of the proposed 
rule and that HUD should specify how it intends to determine ``the 
gender with which a person identifies,'' in order to prevent 
misinterpretation by agency employees. One commenter stated the rule's 
language needs to be unequivocally clear and that the difference 
between ``actual'' and ``perceived'' characteristics is ambiguous. The 
commenter stated that the definition of gender identity must be clear, 
so that programs are able to refrain from discriminatory practices when 
making placement decisions and not be in violation of the Equal Access 
Rule. Many commenters supported the adoption of the revised definitions 
of gender identity and perceived gender identity set forth in the CPD 
Equal Access Rule and use of the definitions in all applications of 
HUD's Equal Access Rules.
    A commenter stated that the current ``gender identity'' language 
under Sec.  5.100 states that gender identity refers to ``actual or 
perceived gender-related characteristics,'' and proposed a change to 
the language to state that gender identity is ``the gender with which a 
person identifies, regardless of the sex assigned to that person at 
birth or perceived gender identity.''
    HUD Response: HUD appreciates the suggested revisions to the 
definition of ``gender identity'' offered by the commenters, and HUD 
agrees that a consistent definition across its programs makes sense. 
Therefore, as noted above, HUD will apply the amended definition of 
``gender identity'' as provided in the CPD Equal Access Rule to HUD's 
Native American and Native Hawaiian programs.
    Comment: HUD should expressly reinforce the broad definition of 
``family'' that was included in the final version of the Equal Access 
Rule adopted in 2012. Commenters stated that the provision in the Equal 
Access Rule of 2012 that an eligible family, including an individual, 
may not be excluded from housing programs because of actual or 
perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status was 
one of the core advancements of that critically important rule, and it 
should apply equally to the extension of the rule to HUD's Native 
American and Native Hawaiian programs. Commenters noted that despite 
the Supreme Court's affirmation of marriage equality nationwide, key 
challenges for two spirit and LGBT families remain, including 
impediments to two spirit and LGBT people creating legal relationships 
with their children, which makes the application of a broad and 
inclusive definition of ``family'' essential. Commenters stated that 
the final rule should be updated to make the definition of ``family'' 
in HUD's Native American and Native Hawaiian programs consistent with 
the definition of family currently provided in Sec.  5.403, including 
clarifying that the definition applies ``regardless of actual or 
perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.''
    HUD Response: Certain regulations governing the Native American and 
Native Hawaiian housing programs covered by this rule already include a 
definition of the term ``family.'' The regulatory definitions are 
derived directly from corresponding statutory definitions of the term 
``family.'' For instance, section 4(6) of the Native American Housing 
Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) (25 U.S.C. 4101 et 
seq.) provides a definition of family. The definition in the 
implementing program regulation at Sec.  1000.10 mirrors that statutory 
definition. Although the Native American and Native Hawaiian housing 
programs' statutory and regulatory definitions of family vary from the 
definition of family in Sec.  5.403, the substantive rights and 
protections in Sec.  5.105(a)(2) apply without regard to actual or 
perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. 
Therefore, HUD does not believe it is necessary to amend the definition 
of family in the regulations governing these programs in order to 
provide these substantive rights and protections.
    Comment: This rule encroaches upon sovereignty and self-
determination of Indian tribes. A commenter stated that the final rule 
encroaches upon the sovereignty and self-determination of Indian 
tribes, which the Federal Government has committed to uphold, which is 
in violation of Executive Order 13175. The commenter stated that the 
final rule is adverse to Indian tribes' ability to self-govern their 
own internal affairs, including the governance of domestic relations. 
The same commenter also stated that some tribes require cohabiting 
couples to be married, other tribes consider it a criminal offense for 
cohabiting couples not to be married, other tribes do not have a 
preference, and that due to differing beliefs tribes should have the 
right to govern domestic relations and not be forced to adopt the Equal 
Access in Native American and Native Hawaiian final rule.
    HUD Response: HUD's rule does not violate of Executive Order 13175 
entitled ``Consultation with Indian Tribal Governments.'' HUD's rule 
only pertains to the administration of HUD's housing programs and does 
not regulate domestic relations and the recognition of marriage. The 
rule simply establishes program requirements that ensure that Native 
American and Native Hawaiian families receiving assistance under these 
programs are afforded the same protections as all other families 
receiving assistance under HUD's other programs. A tribe that 
participates in HUD's programs, and a lender that chooses to become an 
approved lender under HUD's loan guarantee programs, must comply with 
all program requirements established by HUD. HUD reaffirms its 
commitment to ensure the furtherance of tribal sovereignty and self-
determination, and HUD emphasizes that this rule ensures that Native 
American families are afforded equal access to its Native American 
housing programs.
    Comment: HUD must follow Executive Order 13175. Some commenters 
stated that HUD did not follow the requirements of Executive Order 
13175, which requires that agencies consult and coordinate with Indian 
tribes in the development of policies that impact Indian communities, 
when implementing this proposed rule. Commenters stated that HUD's 
attempt to engage tribes regarding the proposed rule via comments, in 
response to Federal Register notices, and letters does not translate to 
a collaborative effort between HUD and tribal communities, nor do HUD's 
actions exemplify a good faith effort to consult with tribes. One 
commenter stated HUD should have engaged in more meaningful government-
to-government consultations with tribal entities that commented on 
HUD's January 2015 letter about their concerns. The same commenter 
wrote that HUD does not know how to engage in meaningful consultation 
within Native communities, citing that HUD's January 2015 letter was 
addressed to tribal leaders, while HUD's May 2016 letter was addressed 
to Native American & Native Hawaiian Leaders. In contrast, other 
commenters stated that HUD's consultation was fully adequate and 
reached the necessary standard level of

[[Page 80992]]

``consultation'' under Executive Order 13175.
    HUD Response: HUD's tribal consultation policy (81 FR 40893) is to 
consult with Indian tribes early in the rulemaking process on matters 
that have tribal implications. HUD uses a wide variety of methods to 
conduct tribal consultation with Indian tribes, including sending 
letters to tribal leaders requesting feedback on proposed policies. 
Accordingly, on January 28, 2015, HUD sent letters to tribal leaders 
informing them that HUD was considering whether to revise the 
regulations governing HUD's Native American housing programs to provide 
Native American families participating in these programs with the same 
equal access protections as families receiving assistance under HUD's 
other programs. HUD requested the opinions of tribal leaders in order 
to inform its decision to proceed with the rulemaking. HUD received two 
comments and considered these comments before proceeding with this 
rulemaking. The same day that HUD published the proposed rule in the 
Federal Register, May 9, 2016, HUD sent a second letter to inform 
tribal leaders of the rule's publication and strongly encouraged tribal 
leaders to provide feedback through the public comment period. HUD 
believes that the process it has undertaken meets the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175.
    Comment: HUD must use negotiated rulemaking to make regulatory 
changes. A commenter stated that HUD is incorrect in asserting that the 
agency is not required to undergo negotiated rulemaking under section 
106(b)(2)(A) of NAHASDA (25 U.S.C. 4166(b)(2)(A)) to implement this 
final rule. Specifically, the commenter stated that HUD's regulations 
at Sec.  1000.12 provide that other nondiscrimination requirements do 
not apply to actions under NAHASDA by federally recognized tribes and 
their tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) and that HUD should 
follow the same course that it pursued in the past, when dealing with 
issues of nondiscrimination, by initiating negotiated rulemaking to 
consider whether Sec.  5.105(a)(2)(i) should be applicable to federally 
recognized tribes and their TDHEs. The commenter also wrote that this 
provision will impact how other NAHASDA statutory requirements are 
impacted and how the rights of participants are protected.
    HUD Response: As HUD stated in the proposed rule, the requirement 
to undertake negotiated rulemaking pertains to regulations that are 
required to implement NAHASDA statutory requirements. See 25 U.S.C. 
4116(b)(2)(A). This rule pertains to HUD's general cross-cutting 
nondiscrimination requirements that apply across HUD and does not 
pertain to regulations that are required to implement NAHASDA statutory 
requirements. Therefore, HUD asserts that such requirements are not 
subject to negotiated rulemaking under NAHASDA. The commenter cited 
Sec.  1000.12 as supporting the reason why nondiscrimination 
requirements should be implemented through negotiated rulemaking. 
However, the requirements at Sec.  1000.12 either mirror the 
nondiscrimination requirements in section 201 of NAHASDA, or restate 
the applicability of Federal nondiscrimination statutes that apply on 
their face to programs authorized under NAHASDA. HUD finds the 
reference to the manner in which Sec.  1000.12 was issued to be 
unpersuasive here.

IV. Findings and Certifications

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
generally requires an agency to conduct a regulatory flexibility 
analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking 
requirements, unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
This final rule does not impose any new costs, or modify existing 
costs, applicable to HUD grantees. Rather, the purpose of this final 
rule is to ensure equal access to HUD's Native American and Native 
Hawaiian programs, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. 
Accordingly, the undersigned certifies that this rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Environmental Impact

    This final rule sets forth nondiscrimination standards. 
Accordingly, under 24 CFR 50.19(c)(3), this rule is categorically 
excluded from environmental review under the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321).

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    Executive Order 13132 (entitled ``Federalism'') prohibits an agency 
from publishing any rule that has federalism implications if the rule 
either: (i) Imposes substantial direct compliance costs on State and 
local governments and is not required by statute or (ii) preempts State 
law, unless the agency meets the consultation and funding requirements 
of section 6 of the Executive order. This final rule would not have 
federalism implications and would not impose substantial direct 
compliance costs on State and local governments or preempt State law 
within the meaning of the Executive order.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 
1531-1538) (UMRA) establishes requirements for Federal agencies to 
assess the effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and 
tribal governments and on the private sector. This final rule would not 
impose any Federal mandates on any State, local, or tribal governments 
or on the private sector within the meaning of the UMRA.

List of Subjects

24 CFR Part 5

    Administrative practice and procedure, Aged, Claims, Drug abuse, 
Drug traffic control, Grant programs--housing and community 
development, Grant programs--Indians, Individuals with disabilities, 
Loan programs--housing and community development, Low and moderate 
income housing, Mortgage insurance, Pets, Public housing, Rent 
subsidies, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

24 CFR Part 1000

    Aged, Community development block grants, Grant programs--housing 
and community development, Grant programs--Indians, Indians, 
Individuals with disabilities, Public housing, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

24 CFR Part 1003

    Alaska, Community development block grants, Grant programs--housing 
and community development, Grant programs--Indians, Indians, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

24 CFR Part 1005

    Indians, Loan programs--Indians, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

24 CFR Part 1006

    Community development block grants, Grant programs--housing and 
community development, Grant programs--Indians, Hawaiian Natives, Low 
and moderate income housing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

24 CFR Part 1007

    Hawaiian Natives, Loan programs--housing and community development,

[[Page 80993]]

Loan programs--Indians, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Accordingly, for the reasons stated in the preamble, HUD amends 24 
CFR parts 5, 1000, 1003, 1005, 1006, and 1007, as follows:

PART 5--GENERAL HUD PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS; WAIVERS

0
1. The authority citation for part 5 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1437a, 1437c, 1437d, 1437f, 1437n, 3535(d), 
Sec. 327, Pub. L. 109-115, 119 Stat. 2936, and Sec. 607, Pub. L. 
109-162, 119 Stat. 3051.

0
2. In Sec.  5.105, revise paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  5.105   Other Federal requirements.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) Equal access to HUD-assisted or -insured housing. A 
determination of eligibility for housing that is assisted by HUD or 
subject to a mortgage insured by HUD shall be made in accordance with 
the eligibility requirements provided for such program by HUD, and such 
housing shall be made available without regard to actual or perceived 
sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.
* * * * *

PART 1000--NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ACTIVITIES

0
3. The authority citation for part 1000 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

0
4. In Sec.  1000.12, add paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  1000.12  What nondiscrimination requirements are applicable?

* * * * *
    (e) The equal access to HUD-assisted or -insured housing 
requirements in 24 CFR 5.105(a)(2).

PART 1003--COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS FOR INDIAN TRIBES AND 
ALASKA NATIVE VILLAGES

0
5. The authority citation for part 1003 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d) and 5301 et seq.

0
6. In Sec.  1003.601, add paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1003.601  Nondiscrimination.

* * * * *
    (c) A grantee shall comply with the equal access to HUD-assisted or 
-insured housing requirements in 24 CFR 5.105(a)(2).

PART 1005--LOAN GUARANTEES FOR INDIAN HOUSING

0
7. The authority citation for part 1005 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1715z-13a; 15 U.S.C. 1639c; 42 U.S.C. 
3535(d).

0
8. Add Sec.  1005.115 to read as follows:


Sec.  1005.115   Equal Access.

    The equal access to HUD-assisted or -insured housing requirements 
in 24 CFR 5.105(a)(2) apply to this part.

PART 1006--NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

0
9. The authority citation for part 1006 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 25 U.S.C. 4221 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

0
10. In Sec.  1006.355, revise the introductory paragraph and add 
paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  1006.355  Nondiscrimination requirements.

    Program eligibility under the Act and this part may be restricted 
to Native Hawaiians. Subject to the preceding sentence, no person may 
be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, 
religion, sex, familial status, or disability, or excluded from program 
eligibility because of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender 
identity, or marital status. The following nondiscrimination 
requirements are applicable to the use of NHHBG funds:
* * * * *
    (d) The equal access to HUD-assisted or -insured housing 
requirements in 24 CFR 5.105(a)(2).

PART 1007--SECTION 184A LOAN GUARANTEES FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING

0
11. The authority citation for part 1007 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1715z-13b; 15 U.S.C. 1639c; 42 U.S.C. 
3535(d).

0
12. Amend Sec.  1007.45 by revising the section heading, redesignating 
the undesignated paragraph as paragraph (a), and adding paragraph (b) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  1007.45  Nondiscrimination.

* * * * *
    (b) The equal access to HUD-assisted or -insured housing 
requirements in 24 CFR 5.105(a)(2) apply to this part.

    Dated: November 4, 2016.
Lourdes Castro Ramirez,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.
Nani A. Coloretti,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-27196 Filed 11-16-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4210-67-P