BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 1879

By: Romero, Jr.

Urban Affairs

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Informed observers suggest that, if the number of migrant laborers working in Texas increases, so should available safe and affordable housing options for these workers. C.S.H.B. 1879 seeks to address this issue by requiring the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to assess the quantity, quality, and availability of and the needs associated with migrant labor housing in Texas.

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

C.S.H.B. 1879 requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to conduct a study evaluating the quantity, quality, and availability of and the needs associated with migrant labor housing facilities in Texas. The bill requires the TDHCA, not later than September 1, 2018, to submit a written report to the legislature containing the findings of the study, recommendations for appropriate actions based on the findings of the study, including any necessary legislative changes, and a timeline for implementing the recommendations.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

While C.S.H.B. 1879 may differ from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following comparison is organized and formatted in a manner that indicates the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.

INTRODUCED	HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SECTION 1.  STUDY REGARDING MIGRANT LABOR HOUSING FACILITIES.  (a)  The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs shall conduct a study evaluating the quantity, quality, and availability of, and the needs associated with, migrant labor housing facilities as defined by Section 2306.921, Government Code, in this state. (b)  Not later than September 1, 2018, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs shall report to the legislature the findings of the study conducted under Subsection (a) of this section.	SECTION 1.  STUDY REGARDING MIGRANT LABOR HOUSING FACILITIES.  (a)  The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs shall conduct a study evaluating the quantity, quality, and availability of, and the needs associated with, migrant labor housing facilities as defined by Section 2306.921, Government Code, in this state. (b)  Not later than September 1, 2018, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs shall submit a written report to the legislature containing: (1)  the findings of the study conducted under Subsection (a) of this section; (2)  recommendations for appropriate actions based on the findings of the study, including any necessary legislative changes; and (3)  a timeline for implementing the recommendations made under Subdivision (2) of this subsection.
SECTION 2.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.	SECTION 2. Same as introduced version.