Item HA 03 - Update to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan

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Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 Page 16-19 Conducting Informal Hearings Remotely The PHA must ensure that the lack of technology or inability to use technology for remote informal hearings does not pose a disadvantage to families that may not be apparent to the PHA. The PHA should determine through a survey or other means if these barriers exist prior to conducting the remote informal hearing and, if the family does not have the proper technology to fully participate, either postpone the informal hearing or provide an alternative means of access. As with in-person informal hearings, the PHA must provide all materials presented, whether paper or electronic, to the family prior to the remote informal hearing. The family must also be provided with an accessible means by which to transmit their own evidence. The PHA’s essential responsibility is to ensure informal hearings meet the requirements of due process and comply with HUD regulations. Therefore, all PHA policies and processes for remote informal hearings will be conducted in accordance with due process requirements and will be in compliance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 982.555 and the guidance for conducting remote hearings specified in Notice PIH 2020-32. SAHA Policy SAHA will conduct remote informal hearings via a video conferencing platform, when available. If, after attempting to resolve any barriers, participants are unable to adequately access the video conferencing platform at any point, or upon request, the informal hearing will be conducted by telephone conferencing call-in. If the family is unable to adequately access the telephone conferencing call-in at any point, the remote informal hearing will be postponed, and an in-person alternative will be provided promptly within a reasonable time. At least five business days prior to the scheduled remote hearing, SAHA will provide the family with login information and/or conferencing call-in information and an electronic copy of all materials being presented via first class mail and/or email. The notice will advise the family of technological requirements for the hearing and request the family notify SAHA of any known barriers. SAHA will resolve any barriers using the guidance in Section 6 of Notice PIH 2020-32, including offering the family the opportunity to attend an in-person hearing. SAHA will follow up with a phone call and/or email to the family at least one business day prior to the remote informal hearing to ensure that the family received all information and is comfortable accessing the video conferencing or call-in platform. SAHA will ensure that all electronic information stored or transmitted with respect to the informal hearing is secure, including protecting personally identifiable information (PII), and meets the requirements for accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with LEP. EXHIBIT 1