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.