BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                       H.B. 280

80R1538 EJI-D                                                                                    By: Madden et al. (Gallegos)

Intergovernmental Relations

5/5/2007

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Firefighter Police Officer Home Loan Program is administered by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (corporation) and nicknamed the "Homes for Heroes" program (program).  The corporation provides low-rate and 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans and provides  five percent down payment assistance for first time homebuyers employed as police officers and firefighters in Texas.  Revisions of the enacting legislation in previous legislative sessions extended the program to police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, county jailers, and public security officers.

H.B. 280 adds juvenile correctional officers employed by the Texas Youth Commission to the definition of "corrections officer," providing for their participation in the program.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 2306.5621(a)(6), Government Code, to redefine  "corrections officer."

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.