AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
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 suggest 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. 679 seeks to better understand the extent of the problem and the available solutions by providing for a study on homeless youth in Texas.
H.B. 679 amends current law relating to a study on homeless youth.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 2306, Government Code, by adding Subchapter OO, as follows:
SUBCHAPTER OO. HOMELESS YOUTH
Sec. 2306.1101. DEFINITION. Defines “homeless youth.”
Sec. 2306.1102. STUDY ON HOMELESS YOUTH. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), in conjunction with other members of the Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless established under Subchapter KK (Interagency Council for the Homeless), to conduct a study on homeless youth.
(b) Requires TDHCA, in conducting the study, to:
(1) collect data on the number of homeless youth in this state;
(2) examine the needs of homeless youth and the degree to which current programs are meeting those needs;
(3) identify any sources of funding that might be available to provide services to homeless youth; and
(4) develop a strategic plan establishing steps to be taken and timelines for reducing youth homelessness in this state.
(c) Requires TDHCA to submit a report on the study to the legislature not later than December 1, 2016. Requires that the report include 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.
(d) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2017.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.