Section 8 Management Assessment Program

(a) Definition In this section, the term Section 8 Management Assessment Program means the program set forth in part 985 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation). (b) Deconcentration of participating dwelling units The Secretary shall explore ways to reform and modernize the Section 8 Management Assessment Program to assess public housing agencies in a manner that promotes— (1) positive interactions with landlords, including timely payment of rent and identification of the dwelling unit for which a subsidy payment is being made; and (2) an increase in the diversity of areas where dwelling units are leased to support voucher holders who want to access to low-poverty, integrated neighborhoods. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in subsection (b) shall be construed to prevent the Secretary from— (1) reforming the Section 8 Management Assessment Program to assess public housing agencies in other areas of performance; or (2) reforming the Section 8 Management Assessment Program in any other manner, at the discretion of the Secretary.