BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 716

By: Gervin-Hawkins

Urban Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding mold contamination in housing developments that are wholly or partly supported by financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). Research has found sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people. Additionally, studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development. H.B. 716 seeks to address these concerns by providing for a study and report regarding mold contamination in housing developments that are wholly or partly supported by financial assistance administered by the TDHCA. 

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

In provisions set to expire on September 1, 2023, H.B. 716 requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), using existing resources, to conduct a study on the number of incidents and causes of mold contamination in housing developments that are wholly or partly supported by financial assistance administered by the TDHCA. The bill requires the TDHCA, not later than September 1, 2022, to prepare and submit to the legislature a written report that does the following:

· summarizes the results of the study; and

· recommends a course of action for preventing and remediating incidents and causes of mold contamination in housing developments that are wholly or partly supported by such financial assistance.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.