AZ SB1661

Establishes the housing assistance program within the Arizona department of housing to reduce homelessness, preserve housing, and increase access to housing and legal resources.

Creates an oversight committee consisting of directors from nine state agencies and departments (economic security, health services, youth/faith/families, corrections, courts, justice of the peace, constable, and housing) to review grant awards and develop homelessness reduction strategies.

Authorizes nonprofit legal services organizations, community action agencies, and HUD-approved housing counseling agencies to apply for up to three fiscal years of funding to hire trained housing navigators who provide education on tenant rights, eviction/foreclosure processes, and housing resources.

Requires the Arizona department of housing to review proposals based on community housing needs, report annually to legislative leaders and the governor on program outcomes, and establish data guidelines for participants.

Appropriates $10,000,000 from the state general fund for fiscal year 2021-2022 to implement the program and contract with nonprofit organizations, with the appropriation exempt from lapsing; program repeals June 30, 2024.