| |
| |
|
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
|
relating to the municipal regulation of housing for homeless |
|
|
individuals provided by a religious organization. |
|
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
|
SECTION 1. Chapter 229, Local Government Code, is amended |
|
|
by adding Subchapter C to read as follows: |
|
|
SUBCHAPTER C. REGULATION OF HOUSING PROVIDED BY RELIGIOUS |
|
|
ORGANIZATIONS |
|
|
Sec. 229.071. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
|
|
(1) "Homeless individual" includes any individual in |
|
|
need of housing assistance. |
|
|
(2) "Religious organization" has the meaning assigned |
|
|
by Section 464.051, Health and Safety Code. |
|
|
Sec. 229.072. CERTAIN ZONING OR LAND USE REGULATIONS |
|
|
PROHIBITED. A municipal zoning or land use ordinance may not |
|
|
prohibit a religious organization from: |
|
|
(1) using the religious organization's facility as |
|
|
housing for homeless individuals; or |
|
|
(2) having housing units on the organization's |
|
|
property for homeless individuals. |
|
|
Sec. 229.073. OTHER REGULATIONS PERMITTED. (a) A |
|
|
municipality may adopt or enforce an ordinance that imposes |
|
|
reasonable health and safety regulations on housing for homeless |
|
|
individuals provided on a religious organization's property. |
|
|
(b) A municipality shall require a religious organization |
|
|
that provides housing for homeless individuals on the |
|
|
organization's property to provide: |
|
|
(1) electricity and heat for each housing unit; and |
|
|
(2) at least one kitchen and bathroom on the property |
|
|
that may be used by the individuals. |
|
|
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019. |