50408.2.
(a) The department shall do both of the following:(1) Create an online database of affordable housing listings, information, and applications, in coordination with state and local partners, including, but not limited to, the other departments and state entities within the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency, as well as councils of governments and metropolitan planning organizations. The database shall serve the purpose of improving access to affordable housing by making it easier for low-income households to find and apply for affordable housing across the state, and facilitate alignment in tenant preferences used in various jurisdictions to the extent possible. The database shall include, but not be limited to, all of the
following:
(A) Data necessary for prospective tenants to do all of the following:
(i) Submit electronic applications online.
(ii) Access instructional information in multiple languages, including Spanish and Vietnamese.
(iii) Store information online for reuse in applying for multiple apartment listings.
(iv) Request automatic notification by email of new affordable housing vacancy listings.
(v) Receive notification and a confirmation number for their application.
(vi) Obtain an updated status of their place on eligibility lists.
(B) Data necessary for managers of affordable housing developments to do all of the following:
(i) Access the database through a user account.
(ii) Create and update affordable housing vacancy lists.
(iii) View and respond to individual applications submitted by a prospective tenant.
(iv) Facilitate the application process based on preferences established by each jurisdiction.
(2) Cooperate and collaborate with the other state entities and departments within Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency, as well as councils of governments and metropolitan planning organizations, as necessary, to draft and carry out a
strategy to integrate information.
(b) This section shall become operative only upon appropriation by the Legislature of sufficient funds, including funds from private donations if available, to the department for the purposes of this section.