BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                             H.B. 129

                                                                                                                                        By: Madden

                                                                                                                                          Corrections

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Created by H.B. 1247 during the 78th Session, the Fire Fighter Police Officer Home Loan Program is administered by The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC). Nicknamed the "Homes For Heroes" program, TSAHC provides low rate 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans and 5% down payment assistance for first time homebuyers who are employed as police officers or firefighters in this state.  
          
Upon passage, H.B. 1247 narrowly extended "Homes for Heroes" to police officers as defined by Section 143.003(5) of the Local Government code. H.B. 1007, passed during the 79th Session, amended the code and authorized TSAHC to administer the program to a broad range of peace officers and fire fighters as well as corrections officers, county jailers, and public security officers. H.B. 129 amends Section 2306.5621(a)(6) of the Government Code to add juvenile correctional officers employed by the Texas Youth Commission to the definition of "Corrections officer", thereby allowing these officers to also participate in the "Homes for Heroes" program.

 

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

Amends Section 2306.5621(a)(6), Government Code, to add "a juvenile correctional officer employed by the Texas Youth Commission" to the definition of "Corrections officer". 

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session or 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.