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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the creation of a government shutdown housing relief |
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loan program; authorizing fees. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter K, Chapter 2306, Government Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 2306.2591 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 2306.2591. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN HOUSING RELIEF LOAN |
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PROGRAM. (a) The department shall establish and administer a |
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program to provide loans to federal employees who are: |
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(1) considered nonessential or otherwise furloughed |
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during a federal government shutdown; or |
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(2) working without pay during a federal government |
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shutdown as a result of being considered essential or otherwise |
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excepted from a furlough. |
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(b) A loan made under this section: |
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(1) may be made only for rent, mortgage, or utility |
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payments; |
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(2) must be repaid not later than the 60th day after |
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the date the federal government processes back pay for the loan |
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recipient following the end of a federal government shutdown; and |
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(3) may not bear interest. |
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(c) The department shall adopt rules necessary to |
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administer the program. Rules adopted under this section: |
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(1) must include requirements for documentation |
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necessary for a loan applicant to establish eligibility for |
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participation in the program, including proof of employment and |
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covered expenses; and |
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(2) may impose fees for the failure to repay a loan |
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within the period required by Subsection (b)(2). |
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(d) The department may use any available revenue, including |
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any available money from the housing trust fund, to provide loans |
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under this section. The department shall solicit and accept gifts |
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and grants for the purposes of this section. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019. |