78R315 SGA-D

By:  Burnam                                                       H.B. No. 132



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study regarding the housing needs of persons with 
disabilities.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  STUDY.  (a)  The commissioner of health and 
human services or other appropriate health and human services 
agency designated by the commissioner shall conduct a study and 
prepare a report on the housing arrangements and needs of persons 
with disabilities in this state. In conducting the study, the 
commissioner or designated agency may solicit and consider 
information from sources such as private nonprofit organizations 
and other state agencies, including the Texas Department of Housing 
and Community Affairs.
	(b)  Not later than November 1, 2004, the commissioner shall 
submit the report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker 
of the house of representatives.
	(c)  The report must include:                                                  
		(1)  a summary of where persons with disabilities lived 
during 2003, categorized by:
			(A)  characteristics of the housing, including:                              
				(i)  whether the housing is located in an 
urban or a rural setting;       
				(ii)  the geographic area in which the 
housing is located; and            
				(iii)  the type of housing, such as a 
temporary shelter, a group home, a treatment center, a family home, 
or an individual home;
			(B)  demographics of the persons with 
disabilities, including:             
				(i)  disability type;                                                       
				(ii)  age; and                                                              
				(iii)  income; and                                                          
			(C)  other useful criteria;                                                  
		(2)  descriptions of unmet housing needs of and other 
major housing problems faced by persons with disabilities;
		(3)  recommendations to address the identified needs 
and problems; and      
		(4)  other relevant information.                                              
	(d)  The health and human services agencies shall cooperate 
with the commissioner in conducting the study and preparing the 
report under this section.
	SECTION 2.  EXPIRATION DATE.  This Act expires February 1, 
2005.             
	SECTION 3.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect 
immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members 
elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas 
Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for 
immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003.