Bill advances to create new rental assistance program in Arizona

A plan to create a statewide rental assistance program for families facing eviction is one step closer to reality.

Democratic Rep. Alma Hernandez’s House Bill 2682 would set aside $5 million for the Arizona Department of Economic Security to create the new rental assistance program. Qualifying renters would be able to apply for up to $5,000 to cover up to two months of rent. And landlords would be prohibited from evicting a tenant during the months covered.

The bill has bipartisan co-sponsors and passed through the House Commerce Committee on Tuesday with a 7-4 vote.

Hernandez said many Arizonans are struggling to keep up with rising housing costs.

“We have families who are truly suffering in our communities, we have individuals who are workers and are working really hard and unfortunately just can’t make it,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said $5 million would not solve the problem, but said it would be a good start toward preventing families facing short-term hardships from becoming homeless.

During the Tuesday Commerce Committee hearing, some Republican committee members argued that the bill would grow the government and create a wasteful entitlement program.

But other Republicans countered that the cost of keeping people housed is far less than the cost of homeless services.

“It reflects conservative principles of prevention, accountability and fiscal responsibility,” Republican Rep. Tony Rivero, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said during a Tuesday press conference. "This approach respects personal responsibility while recognizing that rising costs have made it harder for working families to stay ahead."

The bill will need support from the full House and Senate to advance.