By: Springer S.B. No. 1803

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the effectiveness of state-funded homelessness programs at helping beneficiaries advance toward self-sufficiency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 2306, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 2306.084 to read as follows:

Sec. 2306.084. STATEWIDE HOMELESSNESS SERVICES AUDIT. (a) In 2024 and every second year after that year, the state auditor shall conduct and effectiveness and efficiency audit of all services for the homeless provided by agencies of this state.

(b) The cost of the audit shall be paid for using existing resources allocated for the purpose of auditing the agencies identified in subsection (g).

(c) Not later than March 1 of the year in which an audit is required under this section, the state auditor shall engage an external auditor to conduct the audit.

(d) The state auditor shall oversee the external auditor and ensure that the audit is conducted in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(e) The external auditor shall be independent and not subject to direction from any state agency subject to evaluation by the auditor for purposes of this section.

(f) The audit shall:

(1) examine all state resources, including but not limited to financial resources, manpower, and infrastructure used in providing services to the homeless;

(2) assess the effectiveness of state agencies, programs, and community service providers receiving state funds at helping the homeless achieve self-sufficiency, including the following outcomes:

(A) the percentage of beneficiaries who secure and maintain housing for which they are the primary payer;

(B) the percentage of beneficiaries whose children regularly attend school or other educational programs;

(C) the percentage of beneficiaries who participate in at least 20 hours per week of paid public or private sector work, including paid apprenticeships;

(D) the percentage of beneficiaries engaged in occupational or vocational training programs;

(E) the percentage of beneficiaries who move from subsidized income to earned income as a primary source of earnings;

(F) the percentage of beneficiaries who have regular visits with a primary care physician;

(G) the percentage of beneficiaries with mental health needs who engage in regular mental health care services;

(H) the percentage of beneficiaries with addiction or substance use disorder who engage in regular treatment services; and

(I) the percentage of beneficiaries without involvement with the criminal justice system.

(3) rate each agency, program, and community service provider reviewed as "unsatisfactory," "satisfactory," or "exemplary" based on their effectiveness at achieving the outcomes under subsection (f)(2);

(4) make recommendations for:

(A) eliminating poorly performing programs;

(B) ending contractual or funding relationships with poorly performing community service providers;

(C) consolidating duplicative or overlapping services and functions; and

(D) reallocating state resources to ensure that the outcomes under subsection (f)(2) are achieved in the most effective and economical manner.

(g) The following agencies must be included in the audit:

(1) Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs;

(2) Texas Health and Human Services Commission;

(3) Texas Department of Family and Protective Services;

(4) Texas Education Agency;

(5) Texas Workforce Commission;

(6) Texas Veterans Commission; and

(7) Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

(h) The state auditor may select other agencies or programs in addition to those listed in subsection (g) for inclusion in the audit.

(i) The external auditor must complete the audit not later than the 90th day after the date the auditor is engaged and present its results and recommendations to the state auditor and the heads of the agencies subject to the audit.

(j) Not later than November 1 of the calendar year in which an audit is completed, the state auditor shall prepare and submit a report of the audit and recommendations for improvement to the governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Legislative Budget Board.

(k) The full audit and state auditor's report must be published to the state auditor's Internet website.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.