BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1908

                                                                                                                                              By: Ellis

Government Organization

4/11/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently in Texas there is no single access point for information regarding housing resources.  The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (department), the Texas Real Estate Commission, and other agencies each maintain some resource information.  For developers, the process for increasing access to affordable housing is complex.  Moreover, for consumers looking to access housing resources, the myriad sources of various pieces of information is even more complex.  Streamlining the information process will help both developers and consumers better access the necessary information regarding housing in Texas.

As proposed, S.B. 1908 directs the department to work with the Department of Information Resources and other state agencies with housing resources to create an Internet portal to serve as a single point of access for state and federal resources regarding housing needs.

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 Subchapter A, Chapter 2306, Government Code, by adding Section 2306.009, as follows:

Sec. 2306.009.  HOUSING RESOURCES INTERNET PORTAL.  (a) Defines "portal."

(b) Requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (department), with assistance from the Department of Information Resources (DIR) and with participation by the Office of Rural Community Affairs, the Texas Real Estate Commission, the Savings and Loan Department, the Texas Water Development Board, and interested persons in the private sector, to establish and maintain a housing resources Internet portal (portal) for use by developers, community leaders and residents, and the general public.

(c) Requires the portal to serve as a single point of access to state and federal resources regarding housing and requires the portal to provide appropriate links to information and experts available through the Internet.

(d) Provides that the department has responsibility for general administration and oversight of the portal and for approving the content of all information made available through the portal.

(e) Requires DIR to perform certain duties related to the portal.

(f) Authorizes DIR to assist the department with technical advice regarding contracting with vendors for any services in connection with the portal.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2007.