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.