(a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any public housing authority created pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 34200) of Division 24 which is providing, or proposes to provide, housing for persons requiring supportive services may apply to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development for federal housing subsidies therefor.

(b)  (1)  On or after July 1, 1994, the department, with the approval of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, shall transfer, in accordance with subdivision (c), all contracts entered into under this section to public housing authorities created by Part 2 (commencing with Section 34200) of Division 24. Prior to the transfer of vouchers and certificates that are specifically designated for the use of persons with disabilities, the public housing authority shall deliver to the department a letter attesting to its intent to maintain the vouchers and certificates for the use of persons with disabilities, including the maintenance of a separate list of eligible voucher and certificate applicants to the extent allowed by federal law. The list shall be specially coded and identified as a local preference for Aftercare eligible certificate and voucher holders. The department shall make copies of the letters of intent available to any person who requests that information.

(2)  Each housing authority shall be required to annually report on its Aftercare activities in its annual Section 8 Certificate and Voucher Program report submitted to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and the department and to any representative of the disabled community that requests that information. All information in the annual Aftercare report shall be subject to public comment and review at a properly noticed Housing Authority Commission meeting.

(c)  The transfers authorized pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) shall not occur unless and until the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, prior to March 1, 1994, has notified the department, in writing, that the transfer can be structured so that the Aftercare vouchers and certificates will continue to serve the program’s existing and future clients.

(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 198, Sec. 2. Effective July 18, 1994.)