BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2533
88R10990 JG-D	By: Walle et al. (Zaffirini)
	Local Government
	5/19/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Concerns have been raised regarding the ability of government agencies and non-governmental organizations to track and record data relating to people experiencing homelessness across Texas. A data-sharing network, in which homeless response systems and data warehouse vendors can share and assess real-time data on homelessness throughout the state, would provide a more collaborative process for identifying individuals who are experiencing homelessness and connecting them with resources and services.

H.B. 2533 would address these concerns by creating such a data-sharing network system to improve the interconnectivity of data collected about the homeless population to provide better, targeted services to persons struggling.

H.B. 2533 amends current law relating to the implementation of a statewide homeless data sharing network to share real time data on homelessness.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 2306, Government Code, by adding Subchapter QQ, as follows:

SUBCHAPTER QQ. HOMELESS DATA SHARING

Sec. 2306.1151. HOMELESS DATA SHARING NETWORK. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) in collaboration with the Texas Homeless Network, using available resources, to implement a homeless data sharing network through which homeless response systems and data warehouse vendors are able to share and assess real-time data on homelessness throughout this state.

(b) Requires TDHCA, in implementing the homeless data sharing network, to collaborate with health benefit plan issuers and managed care organizations to:

(1) identify individuals experiencing homelessness; and

(2) connect and refer those individuals to available services and resources, including housing navigation assistance, for the purpose of improving health outcomes.

(c) Requires TDHCA to ensure that information shared through the homeless data sharing network that is confidential under state or federal law is not disclosed.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.