A bill to improve the point-in-time count conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
- Committees
- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 24, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to significantly enhance the accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of homelessness data collection nationwide by standardizing and expanding the HUD Point-in-Time count process.
What it actually does
This bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to mandate an annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count of homeless individuals by Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recipients, requiring the use of standardized Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) and year-round data maintenance. It also requires HUD to provide technical assistance to rural and resource-limited Continuums of Care (CoCs) and to submit annual reports to Congress on compliance and data quality. Additionally, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study and recommend improvements for the PIT count methodology.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the current Point-in-Time count provides an insufficient snapshot of homelessness, and that more frequent, standardized, and comprehensive data is crucial for understanding trends, allocating resources effectively, and developing targeted interventions. They emphasize that improved data quality will lead to better-informed policies and more efficient use of federal funds to address homelessness, while also providing necessary support for smaller communities to comply.
Opponents contend
Opponents or those with concerns might argue that the new requirements, particularly for year-round HMIS updates and midpoint data collection, impose a significant unfunded administrative and technical burden on local Continuums of Care, potentially diverting resources from direct services to data collection. They may also raise concerns about data privacy with increased HMIS usage and the capacity of smaller, rural CoCs to meet these new, more stringent standards without substantial new federal funding.
The bill is short and focused, making it accessible for an informed reader to evaluate its provisions within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 1(a), amending 42 U.S.C. 11386a(b)(3)(B)(ii)(I)
Mandated Annual Point-in-Time Count
This provision requires all recipients of HUD homelessness assistance to conduct an annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count of homeless individuals during the last 10 days of April each year. This makes the annual count a mandatory requirement for all Continuums of Care (CoCs) receiving federal funds.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that mandating a consistent annual count ensures a baseline level of data collection across all communities, which is essential for understanding the scope of homelessness and tracking progress over time.
Critics contend
Some CoCs may express concern that a rigid annual timeframe might not always align with local conditions or optimal counting strategies, potentially affecting accuracy in specific contexts.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for national data consistency with potential local flexibility in timing or methodology.
Section 1(a), amending 42 U.S.C. 11386a(b)(3)(B)(ii)(II)
Authorization for Supplemental Counts
This provision explicitly states that HUD authorization is not required for recipients to conduct supplemental Point-in-Time counts at times other than the mandated annual count. This grants local Continuums of Care greater flexibility to conduct additional counts as needed.
Section 1(a), amending 42 U.S.C. 11386a(b)(3)(B)(iii) and (v)
Standardized HMIS Use and Reporting
The bill requires recipients to use a community-wide Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for client-level data collection during the annual PIT count. It also mandates that HUD establish standardized HMIS reporting requirements for CoCs, covering geographic scope and spatial analysis of both unsheltered and sheltered populations.
Section 1(a), amending 42 U.S.C. 11386a(b)(3)(B)(iv) and (vii)
Technical Assistance for Rural and Resource-Limited CoCs
This section mandates that HUD provide specific training in HMIS integration to rural or resource-limited recipients. Furthermore, HUD must issue guidance to these CoCs on standardized data collection, HMIS tool implementation for mapping populations, midpoint HMIS data collection, and best practices for staffing, training, and technology to ensure compliance.
Section 1(a), amending 42 U.S.C. 11386a(b)(3)(B)(v)(II)
Annual HUD Report to Congress
HUD is required to submit an annual report to Congress detailing recipient compliance with data collection and HMIS reporting requirements, the technical assistance provided to recipients, and the improvements in data consistency, accuracy, and quality achieved through the annual Point-in-Time count.
Section 1(a), amending 42 U.S.C. 11386a(b)(3)(B)(vi)
Continuous HMIS Data Updates and Midpoint Data Collection
This provision requires recipients to maintain up-to-date HMIS data year-round, tracking entries into and exits from various homelessness assistance projects. It also mandates the collection and maintenance of 'midpoint HMIS data' on unsheltered and sheltered homeless populations at the halfway point between annual PIT counts, specifically to track seasonal or emerging trends, inform program planning, and supplement the annual count.
Section 1(b)
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Study on PIT Count Modernization
Within one year of enactment, the Comptroller General of the United States is directed to conduct a study of HUD's annual Point-in-Time count methodology. The GAO must then submit a report to Congress with the study results and recommendations on how to modernize the count for greater accuracy, including standardizing collection methodology across CoCs and increasing consistency, modernization, and efficiency of data collection and reporting processes.