AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Texas ranks amongst the highest population of homeless youth and is the state with the third highest homeless veteran population in the United States. On a given night in 2014, Texas had 190,018 homeless youth and 2,718 homeless veterans. Texas is among the most vibrant economies in the nation. A study to examine homelessness would begin a process for the state to address this problem and allow for all Texans to prosper.

 

Those who are homeless are vulnerable to human trafficking, mental illness, high rates of chronic health problems, and other negative conditions that can be correlated with an unstable and dangerous living environment. The constant barrage of stressful and traumatic experiences also has profound effects on a person’s ability to cope, develop, and learn.

 

S.B. 1580 seeks to determine the scope of the problem for a more accurate depiction of the challenges that homeless people face and possibly more viable solutions for two of Texas' most vulnerable populations, homeless youth and veterans.  (Original Author's / Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

 

The committee substitute:

 

Removes the words "AND YOUTH"  from page 1, line 6, of the original.

 

Retains homeless veterans.  

 

Removes the definition of "homeless youth " from page 2, lines 1-19, of the original.

 

Removes the organizations (Department of Family and Protective Services, Texas Education Agency, Texas Homeless Education Office) listed on page 2, lines 21-24, of the original. The Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless (TICH), which falls under the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), will be the sole organization conducting the study.   TICH is tasked to use all existing data to compile, summarize, and identify the number of homeless veterans and their needs.  Current programs  and funding will also be evaluated for effectiveness. 

 

Adds a requirement that the study "Develop recommendations for reducing veteran homelessness in the state."

 

C.S.S.B. 1580 amends current law relating to a study on homeless veterans.

 

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 Chapter 2306, Government Code, by adding Subchapter OO, as follows:

 

SUBCHAPTER OO.  HOMELESS VETERANS

 

Sec. 2306.1101.  DEFINITIONS.  Defines "homeless veteran." Makes nonsubstantive changes to this section.

 

Sec. 2306.1102.  STUDY ON HOMELESS VETERANS.  (a)  Requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), in conjunction with other members of the Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless (council) established under Subchapter KK (Interagency Council for the Homeless), to conduct a study and prepare a report on homeless veterans. 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 veterans.

 

(b)  Requires TDHCA, in preparing the report required under this section, to:

 

(1)  compile existing data on the number of homeless veterans in this state;

 

(2)  summarize existing studies regarding the needs of homeless veterans and identify the degree to which current programs are meeting those needs;

 

(3)  identify existing sources of funding available to members of the council to provide housing services to homeless veterans; and

 

(4) develop recommendations for reducing veteran homelessness in the state.

 

(c)  Requires TDHCA to submit the report required by this section to the legislature not later than December 1, 2016.

 

(d) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2017.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.