BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 217

By: Márquez

Urban Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties indicate that the growth of Texas' colonias presents a challenge to colonia residents, as well as county governments and the state and federal governments, in determining ways to improve substandard housing, public health, and the quality of life in these areas as public funds are limited at the local level to provide adequate services to the growing colonia population. In an effort to improve living conditions in colonias, H.B. 217 seeks to provide greater assistance to colonia residents with regard to employment, business, and personal finances.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 217 amends the Government Code to include help in securing employment, establishing or expanding small businesses, or managing personal finances among the services a colonia self-help center may provide if the center, with the approval of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, determines that the services are necessary to assist colonia residents in improving their living conditions.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.