SRC-ARR H.B. 649 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 649
76R2553 DRH-DBy: Flores (Truan)
Intergovernmental Relations
4/20/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, cities that administer Community Development Block Grant and
Home Funds are required to record liens and deed restrictions on property
that has been purchased or improved with federal funds. County clerks
charge fees for the recording of these documents. H.B. 649 authorizes the
commissioners court to direct the county clerk to waive fees for filing
real property records for persons buying or improving a home with
assistance from a federal or state assistance program that benefits low and
moderate income families.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 649 authorizes filing fees to be waived for persons of
low or moderate income who are buying or improving a home. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 118B, Local Government Code, by adding Section
118.0135, as follows: 

Sec. 118.0135. WAIVER OF REAL PROPERTY FILING FEES. Authorizes the
commissioners court to direct the county clerk to waive fees for the filing
of real property records under this subchapter for a person who is buying
or improving the person's home with assistance from a federal or state
grant or aid program that promotes home ownership or home improvement for
persons of low or moderate income. Authorizes the commissioners court to
specify the types of grant or aid programs that qualify a person for a fee
waiver under this section and may limit the waiver to only certain
programs.  

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
                      Effective date: upon passage.