BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2836

By: Thierry

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerned observers note that many Texas veterans are at risk of homelessness due to poverty, substance abuse, or mental health issues. H.B. 2836 seeks to address this housing crisis by providing for a study to evaluate establishing a program that provides certain assistance to property owners who offer housing to veterans at risk of homelessness.

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. 2836 requires the comptroller of public accounts to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility, methods, and costs of establishing and implementing a program that provides financial assistance to property owners who offer housing to veterans at risk of homelessness. The bill requires the comptroller, in conducting the study, to evaluate and identify any sources of funding that might be available to cover the probable cost of the program, evaluate methods that have been implemented by other states to provide a similar program, and identify the state agency or agencies that could most efficiently implement and administer the program. The bill requires the comptroller to submit to the legislature, not later than September 1, 2018, a written report on the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative or other action. The bill expires September 1, 2019.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.