STOP Health Threats Act

This bill would set up a federal grant program to help local governments train their code and law enforcement officers to spot and respond to health threats caused by building code violations, like unsafe housing conditions. The Health and Human Services Department would run the grants, working with Housing and Urban Development and other relevant agencies. Local governments could use the money to build training programs, partner with nearby communities, and coordinate with public health departments or expert nonprofits. Priority would go to places that can deliver the training well and to areas where health threats have been identified.

“Enforcement officers” here means officials who carry out code enforcement for residential buildings, using widely accepted building standards. Local governments would apply to HHS with the details required by the department.

• Who is affected: Local governments, code and law enforcement officers, and residents in homes with possible safety and health risks.
• What changes: New federal grants to create and coordinate officer training on public health risks tied to building code violations; priority to capable applicants and areas with known threats.
• When: If enacted, timing and application details would follow HHS guidance; the bill sets up the authority for HHS to award grants.