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H. R. 9021

Stay Cool Act

Shown here: Introduced in House (2026-05-22)

To improve response to, and preparation for, heat waves and extreme heat, and for other purposes.

1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the “Stay Cool Act”.

2. Table of contents

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.

Sec. 2. Table of contents.

Title I—Heat Emergency

Sec. 101. National Integrated Heat Health Information System.

Sec. 102. National ranking system.

Sec. 103. Study on naming heat waves.

Sec. 104. Grants for checking on seniors during extreme heat events.

Sec. 105. Study for improved tracking of data on deaths related to heat or other environmental factors.

Title II—Community Resilience and Cooling Centers

Sec. 201. Grants for community resilience centers.

Sec. 202. Grants for community resilience and cooling centers to purchase or repair HVAC systems and passive cooling systems.

Sec. 203. Grants for outreach and publicity regarding community resilience and cooling centers.

Sec. 204. Payroll credit for cooling centers.

Title III—Housing

Sec. 301. Grants for providing cooling systems in public housing units.

Sec. 302. Guidance on air conditioning costs and utility allowances.

Sec. 303. Report to Congress on need for safe residential temperatures; regulations.

Sec. 304. Grants for providing safe residential temperatures in all federally assisted dwellings.

Sec. 305. Cooling device expenses.

Sec. 306. Report on revising State allotment payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act.

Title IV—Urban Development

Sec. 401. Grants for construction of usable public water features.

Sec. 402. Grant program to develop and improve high-quality urban green spaces.

Sec. 403. Tree planting grant program.

Title V—Definitions

Sec. 501. Definitions.

I Heat Emergency

101. National Integrated Heat Health Information System

(a) Interagency committee

The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall maintain an interagency committee to be known as the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (in this section referred to as “NIHHIS”).

(b) Membership

The membership of NIHHIS shall include the following:

(1) The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or a representative thereof).

(2) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or a representative thereof).

(3) The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or a representative thereof).

(4) The Director of the National Weather Service (or a representative thereof).

(5) Such other Federal officials as the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration determines appropriate.

102. National ranking system

(a) In general

The Director of the National Weather Service shall establish a national ranking system pilot program to evaluate and communicate to the public the severity and risk of extreme heat based on human health outcomes (mortality and morbidity).

(b) Report

Not later than 1 year after the establishment of such program, the Director of the National Weather Service shall submit to Congress a report providing recommendations and evaluating the impact of the national ranking system for extreme heat on public preparedness and response.

103. Study on naming heat waves

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Weather Service shall—

(1) complete a study on the impact that naming heat waves has on public preparedness and response; and

(2) submit to the Congress a report containing the results of such study.

104. Grants for checking on seniors during extreme heat events

(a) In general

The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with area agencies on aging, may award grants to eligible entities to develop and implement a program under which each grant recipient—

(1) operates a registry of seniors who are in the target population of, or who reside in the jurisdiction of, the grant recipient;

(2) includes seniors in such registry only if they opt into being included; and

(3) during periods of extreme heat, provides for checks on the health and well-being of seniors in the registry—

(A) by telephone; or

(B) by other means approved by the senior involved.

(b) Priority

In awarding grants under the program under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that describe how they will identify and reach seniors who are vulnerable to extreme heat events due to factors such as low income, limited English proficiency, or identity as a racial minority or member of a State-recognized Indian Tribe.

(c) Definitions

In this section:

(1) The term area agency on aging has the meaning given to that term by section 102(6) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002(6)).

(2) The term eligible entity means—

(A) a State, Territory, or Tribal agency;

(B) a local governmental entity;

(C) an Indian Tribe; or

(D) a nonprofit organization, community group, clinic, or other entity engaged in providing outreach and services to seniors.

(3) The term local governmental entity means any municipal government or county government with jurisdiction over local land use decisions.

(4) The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(5) The term senior has the meaning given to that term by the Secretary for purposes of this section.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

105. Study for improved tracking of data on deaths related to heat or other environmental factors

The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, acting through the National Vital Statistics System of the National Center for Health Statistics, in consultation with the National Integrated Heat Health Information System, shall—

(1) conduct a study on the impact of extreme heat exposure on all-cause mortality;

(2) as part of such study, develop recommendations for revising the United States standard certificate of death to collect information on deaths that are related to heat or other environmental factors; and

(3) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, complete such study and submit a report on the results of such study to the Congress.

II Community Resilience and Cooling Centers

201. Grants for community resilience centers

(a) Authority

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) shall carry out a program under this section to make grants to eligible entities for establishing and assisting community resilience centers.

(b) Eligible entities

Grants under the program under this section may be made only to a State, an Indian Tribe, a unit of general local government, or a nonprofit organization.

(c) Eligible activities

Amounts from a grant under the program under this section may be used only to establish new, or assist existing, community resilience centers, including for—

(1) acquisition or improvement of facilities to serve as community resilience centers;

(2) acquisition or repair of cooling equipment, heating equipment, and generators for a community resilience center;

(3) obtaining supplies of food, water, medical supplies, and emergency supplies for users of a community resilience center;

(4) operating costs associated with a community resilience center, including hiring staff for a center;

(5) obtaining educational material on climate change resilience and other related educational material; and

(6) such other costs and activities relating to community resilience centers as the Secretary may provide.

(d) Application

The Secretary shall provide for eligible entities to apply for grants under the program under this section and shall require applications to include an outreach plan to inform the community of the center.

(e) Selection

(1) In general

The Secretary shall select eligible entities to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish.

(2) Preference

The criteria under paragraph (1) shall provide preference for selection of eligible entities proposing to upgrade or improve existing spaces that are easily accessible to the community for use as community resilience centers.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

202. Grants for community resilience and cooling centers to purchase or repair HVAC systems and passive cooling systems

(a) Authority

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall carry out a program under this section to make grants to eligible entities for the costs of acquiring, for a community resilience center or a cooling center—

(1) new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including backup power, generators, and microgrids; and

(2) passive cooling solutions.

(b) Application

The Secretary shall provide for eligible entities to apply for grants under the program under this section and shall require applications to include a statement identifying the number of people to be served through the grant.

(c) Selection

(1) In general

The Secretary shall select eligible entities to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish.

(2) Preference

The criteria under paragraph (1) shall provide preference for selection of eligible entities proposing to use the grant for costs described in subsection (a) for a community resilience center or cooling center.

(d) Definitions

In this section:

(1) The term eligible entity means a State, an Indian Tribe, a unit of general local government, or a nonprofit organization.

(2) The term passive cooling solutions includes—

(A) cool or green roofs;

(B) cool walls;

(C) tree planting and maintenance; and

(D) cool pavements.

(3) The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

203. Grants for outreach and publicity regarding community resilience and cooling centers

(a) Authority

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) shall carry out a program under this section to make grants to States, units of general local government, and Indian Tribes for use to carry out outreach, publicity, and education activities to inform the public regarding the location, function, and availability of community resilience centers and cooling centers, including for—

(1) collection of data regarding the locations of community resilience centers and cooling centers; and

(2) development of platforms, websites, applications, and other tools and methods of communication to assist the public in locating such centers.

(b) Selection

The Secretary shall select eligible entities to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

204. Payroll credit for cooling centers

(a) In general

Section 3111 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(g) Credit for cooling centers
(1) In general
In the case of an eligible employer, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by subsection (a) for each calendar quarter an amount equal to the sum of the amounts determined under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2).
(2) Amount of credit
(A) Extended hours
The amount determined under this subparagraph is—
(i) the hourly cost of labor of the taxpayer, multiplied by
(ii) the number of hours such taxpayer remained open to the public outside of normal operating hours during a heat emergency during the calendar quarter.
(B) Free admission days
The amount determined under this subparagraph is—
(i) the average daily admission revenue of the taxpayer, multiplied by
(ii) the number of days during the calendar quarter that such taxpayer waived admission fees during a heat emergency.
(C) Heat emergency
For the purposes of this subsection, the term heat emergency means an extreme heat warning, extreme heat watch, or heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service.
(3) Limitation
The credit allowed by paragraph (1) shall not exceed the tax imposed by subsection (a) for any calendar quarter on the wages paid with respect to the employment of all individuals in the employ of the employer.
(4) Carryover of unused credit
If the amount of the credit allowed under paragraph (1) exceeds the limitation of paragraph (3) for any calendar quarter, such excess shall be carried to the succeeding calendar quarter and allowed as a credit under paragraph (1) for such quarter.
(5) Eligible employer
For the purposes of this section, the term eligible employer means a community center, library, or museum that is described in section 501(c)(3) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a).
(6) Aggregation rule
All persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52, or subsection (m) or (o) of section 414, shall be treated as one employer for purposes of this section.
(7) Election not to have section apply
This section shall not apply with respect to any employer for any calendar quarter if such employer elects (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe) not to have this section apply.
(8) Regulations
The Secretary shall issue such regulations or other guidance as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section.

(b) Effective date

The amendment made by this section shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(c) Transfers to Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund

There are hereby appropriated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund established under section 201 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401) amounts equal to the reduction in revenues to the Treasury by reason of the enactment of section 3111(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this section (without regard to this subsection). Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence shall be transferred from the general fund at such times and in such manner as to replicate to the extent possible the transfers which would have occurred to such Trust Fund or Account had this section not been enacted.

III Housing

301. Grants for providing cooling systems in public housing units

(a) Authority

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) shall carry out a program under this section to make grants to public housing agencies for the installation of air conditioners or heat pumps for public housing dwelling units.

(b) Eligible activities

Amounts from a grant under the program under this section may be used only for costs of acquiring and installing air conditioners or heat pumps that meet such standards as the Secretary shall establish regarding cooling capacity, safety, reliability, and energy efficiency and that serve public housing dwelling units that were constructed before the date of the enactment of this Act.

(c) Application

The Secretary shall provide for public housing agencies to apply for grants under the program under this section.

(d) Selection

(1) In general

The Secretary shall select public housing agencies to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish.

(2) Preference

The criteria under paragraph (1) shall provide preference for selection of public housing agencies proposing to use the grant to serve communities with limited access to cooling centers.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

302. Guidance on air conditioning costs and utility allowances

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall revise the regulations under subpart E of part 965 of volume 24, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to resident allowances for utilities), to ensure that air conditioning costs are included when calculating utility allowance schedules and utility allowances for residents.

303. Report to Congress on need for safe residential temperatures; regulations

(a) Report

Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”), in consultation with the National Integrated Heat Health Information System, shall submit to the Congress a report—

(1) identifying and compiling data on the availability of air conditioning in covered federally assisted rental dwelling units (as such term is defined in section 304);

(2) identifying and setting forth safe residential temperature standards for such dwelling units;

(3) estimating the cost for bringing all covered federally assisted rental dwelling units into compliance with such safe residential temperature standards; and

(4) setting forth a plan and mechanisms for bringing all covered federally assisted rental dwelling units into compliance with the safe residential temperature standards.

(b) Safe residential temperature standards

Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations establishing safe residential temperature standards for covered federally assisted rental dwelling units based on the safe temperature standards identified in the report under subsection (a).

304. Grants for providing safe residential temperatures in all federally assisted dwellings

(a) Authority

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”), in consultation with the NIHHIS, shall carry out a program under this section to make grants to public housing agencies and owners of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units to enable covered federally assisted rental dwelling units to comply with the safe residential temperature standards established pursuant to section 303(b).

(b) Eligible activities

Amounts from a grant under the program under this section may be used only for costs of acquiring and installing air conditioning or other means or mechanisms that meet such standards as the Secretary shall establish regarding cooling capacity, safety, reliability, and energy efficiency, for covered federally assisted rental dwelling units that were constructed before the date of the enactment of this Act, to enable such dwelling units to comply with the safe residential temperature standards established pursuant to section 303(b) in a manner provided for in the plan set forth in the report under section 303(a).

(c) Applications

The Secretary shall provide for public housing agencies and owners of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units to apply for grants under the program under this section.

(d) Selection

(1) In general

The Secretary shall select applicant public housing agencies and owners of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish.

(2) Preference

The criteria under paragraph (1) shall provide preference for selection of applicants proposing to use the grant for covered federally assisted rental dwelling units located in communities with limited access to cooling centers.

(e) Owner defined

For the purposes of this section the term owner means, with respect to a covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit, any private person or entity, including a cooperative, an agency of the Federal Government, or a public housing agency, having the legal right to lease or sublease dwelling units.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for assistance under this section sufficient for all covered federally assisted rental dwelling units to meet the safe residential temperature standards established pursuant to section 6(b).

305. Cooling device expenses

(a) In general

Section 223(d)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting “, box fans, or portable or window air conditioning units” before “shall be treated as paid for medical care”.

(b) Effective date

The amendment made by this section shall apply to amounts paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

306. Report on revising State allotment payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act

The Secretary of Human and Health Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall submit to Congress a report on how the formula to allot amounts to States under section 2604 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8623) could be revised to account for the energy needs of all low-income households in States, including low-income households that do not use, or under-use, a source of heating or cooling.

IV Urban Development

401. Grants for construction of usable public water features

(a) Authority

(b) Eligible entities

Grants under the program under this section may be made only to a State, an Indian Tribe, a unit of general local government, or a nonprofit organization.

(c) Eligible water features

Amounts from a grant under the program under this section may be used only for costs of constructing water features that—

(1) provide recreation or cooling for users, such as splash parks, wading pools, swimming pools, misting systems, and fountains;

(2) can be used to provide relief to users from extreme heat conditions; and

(3) are available for use by anyone without charge.

(d) Applications

The Secretary shall provide for eligible entities to apply for grants under the program under this section and shall require eligible entities to include in an application for a grant under this section a public participation plan to ensure that residents of the area in which a project is to be implemented are involved in the project, which plan—

(1) shall provide opportunities for employment for minorities and low- and moderate-income residents in the neighborhood of the project; and

(2) may—

(A) provide opportunities for local nonprofit organizations to be involved in the project;

(B) provide opportunities for public input regarding the project; and

(C) include demonstrated support from the community.

(e) Selection

(1) In general

The Secretary shall select applicant eligible entities to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish.

(2) Preference

The criteria under paragraph (1) shall provide preference for selection of eligible entities proposing to construct eligible water features in areas without access, or with limited access, to cooling centers.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

402. Grant program to develop and improve high-quality urban green spaces

(a) Establishment

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”), in coordination with the Director of the National Park Service, shall establish a grant program under which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities under subsection (c) to improve or develop high-quality urban green spaces to lower surface temperatures through increased urban vegetation.

(b) Use of amounts

An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall use amounts provided to cover costs associated with—

(1) projects and activities that provide environmental and cooling benefits, including—

(A) planting vegetation, including maintaining and monitoring planted vegetation for a period of up to 5 years to ensure successful establishment;

(B) improving stormwater management;

(C) increasing green infrastructure;

(D) employing water conservation measures; and

(E) rebuilding, remodeling, expanding, integrating, developing existing, or building new green spaces, including improvements in park landscapes, infrastructure, buildings, and support facilities;

(2) preparing the project site and conducting construction, including the costs of labor and costs associated with use of machinery;

(3) training activities associated with the construction; and

(4) other relevant costs, as determined by the Secretary.

(c) Eligible entities

A grant under this section may only be made to—

(1) a State;

(2) an Indian Tribe;

(3) a unit of general local government; and

(4) a nonprofit organization.

(d) Applications

(1) In general

An eligible entity that seeks to receive a grant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(2) Contents

An application submitted under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) describe how the projects and activities to be funded with grant amounts will comply with the requirement under subsection (b); and

(B) include a 5-year timeline and budget for the development and improvement of urban green space.

(3) Community involvement

The Secretary shall require eligible entities to include in an application for a grant under this section a public participation plan to ensure that residents of the area in which a project is to be implemented are involved in the project, which plan—

(A) shall provide opportunities for employment for minorities and low- and moderate-income residents in the neighborhood of the project; and

(B) may—

(i) provide opportunities for local nonprofit organizations to be involved in the project;

(ii) provide opportunities for public input regarding the project; and

(iii) include demonstrated support from the community.

(e) Priority

In awarding grants under the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority in selection to eligible entities based on—

(1) the extent to which the eligible entity will contribute matching funds for activities conducted with amounts from a grant under this section; and

(2) based on the extent to which the project funded with grant amounts would—

(A) address demonstrated deficiencies in the condition of, and access to, projects and activities described in subsection (b) in the project neighborhood;

(B) build green spaces located within half of a mile of public housing, or covered federally assisted rental dwelling units, that are not within half of a mile of any green space;

(C) use environmentally beneficial components, such as sustainable landscape features, upcycled and recycled materials, and materials with a low-carbon footprint; and

(D) where applicable, contain safe trails or routes, such as bikeways, and sidewalks, that connect to neighborhoods and enhance access to green spaces.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

403. Tree planting grant program

(a) Establishment

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall establish a grant program under which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to plant qualifying trees for the purpose of mitigating and reducing high-surface temperatures and cooling the surrounding area.

(b) Applications

(1) In general

(2) Contents

An application submitted under paragraph (1) shall include a 5-year timeline and budget for the planting and maintenance associated with qualifying trees.

(3) Community involvement

(A) opportunities for local nonprofit organizations to be involved;

(B) opportunities for public input; and

(C) demonstrated support from the community.

(c) Priority

In awarding grants under the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority to applicants proposing to utilize tree species that are proven to be more resilient to climate change and extreme weather events common in the area in which a project is to be implemented.

(d) Use of amounts

An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall use amounts provided through the grant to cover costs associated with—

(1) implementing the tree planting project, including—

(A) planning and designing the planting activity;

(B) purchasing qualifying trees; and

(C) preparing the site and conducting planting, including the labor and cost associated with the use of machinery;

(2) maintaining and monitoring planted trees for a period of up to 5 years to ensure successful establishment of the qualifying trees;

(3) training activities associated with the project; and

(4) other relevant costs, as determined by the Secretary.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2034.

(f) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means—

(A) a State, Territory, or Tribal agency;

(B) a local governmental entity;

(C) an Indian Tribe; or

(D) a nonprofit organization.

(2) Limited English proficiency household

The term limited English proficiency household means that a household does not have an adult that speaks English “very well” as determined by the United States Census Bureau.

(3) Local governmental entity

The term local governmental entity means any municipal government or county government with jurisdiction over local land use decisions.

(4) Qualifying tree

The term qualifying tree means a tree that—

(A) is a species that is not an invasive species in the eligible area in which such tree is to be planted; and

(B) is not a species that is, in the eligible area at the time of planting, being attacked by an invasive species, unless the eligible entity has a plan to limit the risk of death of the tree to be planted.

(5) Secretary

In this section, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

V Definitions

501. Definitions

In this Act:

(1) Community resilience center

The term community resilience center means a facility that—

(A) is operated by a State, an Indian Tribe, a unit of general local government, or a nonprofit organization;

(B) provides a safe, air-conditioned environment meeting such standards as the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish for residents of the community in which the facility is located to take refuge during extreme heat events;

(C) provides a safe, heated environment meeting such standards as the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish for residents of the community in which the facility is located to take refuge during extreme cold events;

(D) is available for such use by anyone without charge; and

(E) conducts outreach activities to strengthen the relationship with the community in which the facility is located.

(2) Cooling center

The term cooling center shall have such meaning as the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may give to such term for purposes of this Act.

(3) Covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit

The term covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit means a residential dwelling unit that is made available for rental and for which assistance is provided, or that is part of a housing project for which assistance is provided, under—

(A) the public housing program under the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.);

(B) a program for rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f), including—

(i) the program for project-based rental assistance; and

(ii) the program for tenant-based rental assistance;

(C) the AIDS Housing Opportunities program under subtitle D of title VIII of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12901 et seq.);

(D) the program for supportive housing for the elderly under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q);

(E) the program for supportive housing for persons with disabilities under section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013); or

(F) a housing program under section 515, 514, 521, or 542 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.).

(4) Indian Tribe

The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

(5) Nonprofit organization

The term nonprofit organization means an organization that—

(A) is described in section 170(h)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and

(B) operates in accordance with one or more of the purposes described in section 170(h)(4)(A) of that Code.

(6) Public housing agency

The term public housing agency has the meaning given such term in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)).

(7) State

The term State has the meaning given such term in section 102(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a)).

(8) Unit of general local government

The term unit of general local government has the meaning given such term in section 102(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a)).

Workspace/Typeset/Bill

H. R. 9021

Stay Cool Act

Shown here: Introduced in House (2026-05-22)

To improve response to, and preparation for, heat waves and extreme heat, and for other purposes.

1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the “Stay Cool Act”.

2. Table of contents

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.

Sec. 2. Table of contents.

Title I—Heat Emergency

Sec. 101. National Integrated Heat Health Information System.

Sec. 102. National ranking system.

Sec. 103. Study on naming heat waves.

Sec. 104. Grants for checking on seniors during extreme heat events.

Sec. 105. Study for improved tracking of data on deaths related to heat or other environmental factors.

Title II—Community Resilience and Cooling Centers

Sec. 201. Grants for community resilience centers.

Sec. 202. Grants for community resilience and cooling centers to purchase or repair HVAC systems and passive cooling systems.

Sec. 203. Grants for outreach and publicity regarding community resilience and cooling centers.

Sec. 204. Payroll credit for cooling centers.

Title III—Housing

Sec. 301. Grants for providing cooling systems in public housing units.

Sec. 302. Guidance on air conditioning costs and utility allowances.

Sec. 303. Report to Congress on need for safe residential temperatures; regulations.

Sec. 304. Grants for providing safe residential temperatures in all federally assisted dwellings.

Sec. 305. Cooling device expenses.

Sec. 306. Report on revising State allotment payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act.

Title IV—Urban Development

Sec. 401. Grants for construction of usable public water features.

Sec. 402. Grant program to develop and improve high-quality urban green spaces.

Sec. 403. Tree planting grant program.

Title V—Definitions

Sec. 501. Definitions.

I Heat Emergency

101. National Integrated Heat Health Information System

(a) Interagency committee

(b) Membership

The membership of NIHHIS shall include the following:

(1) The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or a representative thereof).

(2) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or a representative thereof).

(3) The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or a representative thereof).

(4) The Director of the National Weather Service (or a representative thereof).

(5) Such other Federal officials as the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration determines appropriate.

102. National ranking system

(a) In general

(b) Report

103. Study on naming heat waves

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Weather Service shall—

(1) complete a study on the impact that naming heat waves has on public preparedness and response; and

(2) submit to the Congress a report containing the results of such study.

104. Grants for checking on seniors during extreme heat events

(a) In general

The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with area agencies on aging, may award grants to eligible entities to develop and implement a program under which each grant recipient—

(1) operates a registry of seniors who are in the target population of, or who reside in the jurisdiction of, the grant recipient;

(2) includes seniors in such registry only if they opt into being included; and

(3) during periods of extreme heat, provides for checks on the health and well-being of seniors in the registry—

(A) by telephone; or

(B) by other means approved by the senior involved.

(b) Priority

(c) Definitions

In this section:

(1) The term area agency on aging has the meaning given to that term by section 102(6) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002(6)).

(2) The term eligible entity means—

(A) a State, Territory, or Tribal agency;

(B) a local governmental entity;

(C) an Indian Tribe; or

(D) a nonprofit organization, community group, clinic, or other entity engaged in providing outreach and services to seniors.

(3) The term local governmental entity means any municipal government or county government with jurisdiction over local land use decisions.

(4) The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(5) The term senior has the meaning given to that term by the Secretary for purposes of this section.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

105. Study for improved tracking of data on deaths related to heat or other environmental factors

(1) conduct a study on the impact of extreme heat exposure on all-cause mortality;

(3) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, complete such study and submit a report on the results of such study to the Congress.

II Community Resilience and Cooling Centers

201. Grants for community resilience centers

(a) Authority

(b) Eligible entities

Grants under the program under this section may be made only to a State, an Indian Tribe, a unit of general local government, or a nonprofit organization.

(c) Eligible activities

Amounts from a grant under the program under this section may be used only to establish new, or assist existing, community resilience centers, including for—

(1) acquisition or improvement of facilities to serve as community resilience centers;

(2) acquisition or repair of cooling equipment, heating equipment, and generators for a community resilience center;

(3) obtaining supplies of food, water, medical supplies, and emergency supplies for users of a community resilience center;

(4) operating costs associated with a community resilience center, including hiring staff for a center;

(5) obtaining educational material on climate change resilience and other related educational material; and

(6) such other costs and activities relating to community resilience centers as the Secretary may provide.

(d) Application

(e) Selection

(1) In general

The Secretary shall select eligible entities to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish.

(2) Preference

(f) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

202. Grants for community resilience and cooling centers to purchase or repair HVAC systems and passive cooling systems

(a) Authority

(1) new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including backup power, generators, and microgrids; and

(2) passive cooling solutions.

(b) Application

(c) Selection

(1) In general

The Secretary shall select eligible entities to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish.

(2) Preference

(d) Definitions

In this section:

(1) The term eligible entity means a State, an Indian Tribe, a unit of general local government, or a nonprofit organization.

(2) The term passive cooling solutions includes—

(A) cool or green roofs;

(B) cool walls;

(C) tree planting and maintenance; and

(D) cool pavements.

(3) The term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

203. Grants for outreach and publicity regarding community resilience and cooling centers

(a) Authority

(1) collection of data regarding the locations of community resilience centers and cooling centers; and

(2) development of platforms, websites, applications, and other tools and methods of communication to assist the public in locating such centers.

(b) Selection

The Secretary shall select eligible entities to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

204. Payroll credit for cooling centers

(a) In general

Section 3111 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(g) Credit for cooling centers
(1) In general
In the case of an eligible employer, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by subsection (a) for each calendar quarter an amount equal to the sum of the amounts determined under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2).
(2) Amount of credit
(A) Extended hours
The amount determined under this subparagraph is—
(i) the hourly cost of labor of the taxpayer, multiplied by
(ii) the number of hours such taxpayer remained open to the public outside of normal operating hours during a heat emergency during the calendar quarter.
(B) Free admission days
The amount determined under this subparagraph is—
(i) the average daily admission revenue of the taxpayer, multiplied by
(ii) the number of days during the calendar quarter that such taxpayer waived admission fees during a heat emergency.
(C) Heat emergency
For the purposes of this subsection, the term heat emergency means an extreme heat warning, extreme heat watch, or heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service.
(3) Limitation
The credit allowed by paragraph (1) shall not exceed the tax imposed by subsection (a) for any calendar quarter on the wages paid with respect to the employment of all individuals in the employ of the employer.
(4) Carryover of unused credit
If the amount of the credit allowed under paragraph (1) exceeds the limitation of paragraph (3) for any calendar quarter, such excess shall be carried to the succeeding calendar quarter and allowed as a credit under paragraph (1) for such quarter.
(5) Eligible employer
For the purposes of this section, the term eligible employer means a community center, library, or museum that is described in section 501(c)(3) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a).
(6) Aggregation rule
All persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52, or subsection (m) or (o) of section 414, shall be treated as one employer for purposes of this section.
(7) Election not to have section apply
This section shall not apply with respect to any employer for any calendar quarter if such employer elects (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe) not to have this section apply.
(8) Regulations
The Secretary shall issue such regulations or other guidance as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section.

(b) Effective date

The amendment made by this section shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(c) Transfers to Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund

III Housing

301. Grants for providing cooling systems in public housing units

(a) Authority

(b) Eligible activities

(c) Application

The Secretary shall provide for public housing agencies to apply for grants under the program under this section.

(d) Selection

(1) In general

The Secretary shall select public housing agencies to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish.

(2) Preference

The criteria under paragraph (1) shall provide preference for selection of public housing agencies proposing to use the grant to serve communities with limited access to cooling centers.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

302. Guidance on air conditioning costs and utility allowances

303. Report to Congress on need for safe residential temperatures; regulations

(a) Report

(1) identifying and compiling data on the availability of air conditioning in covered federally assisted rental dwelling units (as such term is defined in section 304);

(2) identifying and setting forth safe residential temperature standards for such dwelling units;

(3) estimating the cost for bringing all covered federally assisted rental dwelling units into compliance with such safe residential temperature standards; and

(4) setting forth a plan and mechanisms for bringing all covered federally assisted rental dwelling units into compliance with the safe residential temperature standards.

(b) Safe residential temperature standards

304. Grants for providing safe residential temperatures in all federally assisted dwellings

(a) Authority

(b) Eligible activities

(c) Applications

The Secretary shall provide for public housing agencies and owners of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units to apply for grants under the program under this section.

(d) Selection

(1) In general

(2) Preference

(e) Owner defined

(f) Authorization of appropriations

305. Cooling device expenses

(a) In general

(b) Effective date

The amendment made by this section shall apply to amounts paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

306. Report on revising State allotment payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act

IV Urban Development

401. Grants for construction of usable public water features

(a) Authority

(b) Eligible entities

Grants under the program under this section may be made only to a State, an Indian Tribe, a unit of general local government, or a nonprofit organization.

(c) Eligible water features

Amounts from a grant under the program under this section may be used only for costs of constructing water features that—

(1) provide recreation or cooling for users, such as splash parks, wading pools, swimming pools, misting systems, and fountains;

(2) can be used to provide relief to users from extreme heat conditions; and

(3) are available for use by anyone without charge.

(d) Applications

(1) shall provide opportunities for employment for minorities and low- and moderate-income residents in the neighborhood of the project; and

(2) may—

(A) provide opportunities for local nonprofit organizations to be involved in the project;

(B) provide opportunities for public input regarding the project; and

(C) include demonstrated support from the community.

(e) Selection

(1) In general

(2) Preference

(f) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

402. Grant program to develop and improve high-quality urban green spaces

(a) Establishment

(b) Use of amounts

An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall use amounts provided to cover costs associated with—

(1) projects and activities that provide environmental and cooling benefits, including—

(A) planting vegetation, including maintaining and monitoring planted vegetation for a period of up to 5 years to ensure successful establishment;

(B) improving stormwater management;

(C) increasing green infrastructure;

(D) employing water conservation measures; and

(2) preparing the project site and conducting construction, including the costs of labor and costs associated with use of machinery;

(3) training activities associated with the construction; and

(4) other relevant costs, as determined by the Secretary.

(c) Eligible entities

A grant under this section may only be made to—

(1) a State;

(2) an Indian Tribe;

(3) a unit of general local government; and

(4) a nonprofit organization.

(d) Applications

(1) In general

(2) Contents

An application submitted under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) describe how the projects and activities to be funded with grant amounts will comply with the requirement under subsection (b); and

(B) include a 5-year timeline and budget for the development and improvement of urban green space.

(3) Community involvement

(A) shall provide opportunities for employment for minorities and low- and moderate-income residents in the neighborhood of the project; and

(B) may—

(i) provide opportunities for local nonprofit organizations to be involved in the project;

(ii) provide opportunities for public input regarding the project; and

(iii) include demonstrated support from the community.

(e) Priority

In awarding grants under the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority in selection to eligible entities based on—

(1) the extent to which the eligible entity will contribute matching funds for activities conducted with amounts from a grant under this section; and

(2) based on the extent to which the project funded with grant amounts would—

(A) address demonstrated deficiencies in the condition of, and access to, projects and activities described in subsection (b) in the project neighborhood;

(B) build green spaces located within half of a mile of public housing, or covered federally assisted rental dwelling units, that are not within half of a mile of any green space;

(C) use environmentally beneficial components, such as sustainable landscape features, upcycled and recycled materials, and materials with a low-carbon footprint; and

(D) where applicable, contain safe trails or routes, such as bikeways, and sidewalks, that connect to neighborhoods and enhance access to green spaces.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

403. Tree planting grant program

(a) Establishment

(b) Applications

(1) In general

(2) Contents

An application submitted under paragraph (1) shall include a 5-year timeline and budget for the planting and maintenance associated with qualifying trees.

(3) Community involvement

(A) opportunities for local nonprofit organizations to be involved;

(B) opportunities for public input; and

(C) demonstrated support from the community.

(c) Priority

(d) Use of amounts

An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall use amounts provided through the grant to cover costs associated with—

(1) implementing the tree planting project, including—

(A) planning and designing the planting activity;

(B) purchasing qualifying trees; and

(C) preparing the site and conducting planting, including the labor and cost associated with the use of machinery;

(2) maintaining and monitoring planted trees for a period of up to 5 years to ensure successful establishment of the qualifying trees;

(3) training activities associated with the project; and

(4) other relevant costs, as determined by the Secretary.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2034.

(f) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means—

(A) a State, Territory, or Tribal agency;

(B) a local governmental entity;

(C) an Indian Tribe; or

(D) a nonprofit organization.

(2) Limited English proficiency household

The term limited English proficiency household means that a household does not have an adult that speaks English “very well” as determined by the United States Census Bureau.

(3) Local governmental entity

The term local governmental entity means any municipal government or county government with jurisdiction over local land use decisions.

(4) Qualifying tree

The term qualifying tree means a tree that—

(A) is a species that is not an invasive species in the eligible area in which such tree is to be planted; and

(5) Secretary

In this section, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

V Definitions

501. Definitions

In this Act:

(1) Community resilience center

The term community resilience center means a facility that—

(A) is operated by a State, an Indian Tribe, a unit of general local government, or a nonprofit organization;

(D) is available for such use by anyone without charge; and

(E) conducts outreach activities to strengthen the relationship with the community in which the facility is located.

(2) Cooling center

The term cooling center shall have such meaning as the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may give to such term for purposes of this Act.

(3) Covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit

(A) the public housing program under the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.);

(B) a program for rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f), including—

(i) the program for project-based rental assistance; and

(ii) the program for tenant-based rental assistance;

(C) the AIDS Housing Opportunities program under subtitle D of title VIII of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12901 et seq.);

(D) the program for supportive housing for the elderly under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q);

(E) the program for supportive housing for persons with disabilities under section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013); or

(F) a housing program under section 515, 514, 521, or 542 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.).

(4) Indian Tribe

The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

(5) Nonprofit organization

The term nonprofit organization means an organization that—

(A) is described in section 170(h)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and

(B) operates in accordance with one or more of the purposes described in section 170(h)(4)(A) of that Code.

(6) Public housing agency

The term public housing agency has the meaning given such term in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)).

(7) State

The term State has the meaning given such term in section 102(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a)).

(8) Unit of general local government

The term unit of general local government has the meaning given such term in section 102(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a)).