84R14778 MK-D
 
  By: Naishtat H.B. No. 843
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 843:
 
  By:  Raymond C.S.H.B. No. 843
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to housing services provided through the transitional
  living services program to certain children in the conservatorship
  of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 264.121, Family Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (i) to read as follows:
         (i)  The department shall ensure that the transition plan for
  each youth 16 years of age or older includes provisions to assist
  the youth in managing the youth's housing needs after the youth
  leaves foster care, including provisions that:
               (1)  identify the cost of housing in relation to the
  youth's sources of income, including any benefits or rental
  assistance available to the youth;
               (2)  if the youth's housing goals include residing with
  family or friends, state that the department has addressed the
  following with the youth:
                     (A)  the length of time the youth expects to stay
  in the housing arrangement;
                     (B)  expectations for the youth regarding paying
  rent and meeting other household obligations;
                     (C)  the youth's psychological and emotional
  needs, as applicable; and
                     (D)  any potential conflicts with other household
  members, or any difficulties connected to the type of housing the
  youth is seeking, that may arise based on the youth's psychological
  and emotional needs;
               (3)  inform the youth about emergency shelters and
  housing resources, including supervised independent living and
  housing at colleges and universities, such as dormitories;
               (4)  require the department to review a common rental
  application with the youth and ensure that the youth possesses all
  of the documentation required to obtain rental housing; and
               (5)  identify any individuals who are able to serve as
  cosigners or references on the youth's applications for housing. 
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.