SRC-DPW S.B. 1259 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1259
76R1864 KEL-DBy: Moncrief
Human Services
4/26/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, close to 4 million Texans live with a disability.  It is
reported that in order for people with disabilities to live independently,
certain programs within the Texas Department of Housing and Community
Affairs' Housing Trust Fund must be given priority.  This bill would
require at least 15 percent of the funds available through the housing
trust fund to be set aside and made available exclusively to assist
individuals with disabilities, in each biennium. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1259 sets forth procedures for the use of the housing
trust fund to benefit certain individuals. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the governing board of the Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs in SECTION 2 (Section
2306.203(a), Government Code) of this bill.  

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 2306.202(a), Government Code, to require at least
15 percent of the funds available through the housing trust fund to be set
aside and made available exclusively to assist individuals with special
needs, in each biennium. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 2306.203, Government Code, to require the
governing board of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
(board) to adopt rules giving priority to programs that assist individuals
and families of very low income and provide for the administration of funds
set aside under Section 2306.202(a) to assist individuals with special
needs.  Requires rules adopted by the board to include rules regarding the
use of set-aside funds. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.