BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2240

By: Turner, Sylvester

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Homeless youth are vulnerable to human trafficking and other negative outcomes associated with not having a safe and stable environment in which to live.  Because not all homeless youth can be found in shelters, where they are more easily detected by organizations collecting data relating to the population, there is a scarcity of reliable data on how many youth face these challenges.  Although anecdotal evidence suggests the number of homeless youth is much higher than officially reported, interested parties contend that determining the scope of the problem would lead to a more accurate picture of the situation and possibly more viable solutions for this vulnerable population. H.B. 2240 seeks to better understand the extent of the problem and the available solutions by providing for a study on homeless youth in Texas. 

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

H.B. 2240 amends the Government Code to add a temporary provision, set to expire September 1, 2015, to require the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), in conjunction with the Department of Family and Protective Services, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Homeless Education Office, to conduct a study on homeless youth. The bill requires the TDHCA, in conducting the study, to collect data on the number of homeless youth in Texas, to examine the needs of homeless youth and the degree to which current programs are meeting those needs, and to identify any sources of funding that might be available to provide services to homeless youth. The bill requires the TDHCA, not later than December 1, 2014, to submit a report on the study to the legislature that includes a summary of the information resulting from the study and recommendations for changes in law necessary to provide services to or otherwise assist homeless youth.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.