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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the municipal regulation of housing for homeless |
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individuals provided by a religious organization. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 229, Local Government Code, is amended |
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by adding Subchapter C to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER C. REGULATION OF HOUSING PROVIDED BY RELIGIOUS |
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ORGANIZATIONS |
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Sec. 229.071. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
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(1) "Homeless individual" includes any individual in |
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need of housing assistance. |
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(2) "Religious organization" has the meaning assigned |
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by Section 464.051, Health and Safety Code. |
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Sec. 229.072. CERTAIN ZONING OR LAND USE REGULATIONS |
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PROHIBITED. A municipal zoning or land use ordinance may not |
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prohibit a religious organization from: |
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(1) using the religious organization's facility as |
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housing for homeless individuals; or |
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(2) having housing units on the organization's |
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property for homeless individuals. |
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Sec. 229.073. OTHER REGULATIONS PERMITTED. (a) A |
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municipality may adopt or enforce an ordinance that imposes |
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reasonable health and safety regulations on housing for homeless |
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individuals provided on a religious organization's property. |
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(b) A municipality may require a religious organization |
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that provides housing for homeless individuals on the |
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organization's property to provide: |
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(1) electricity and heat for each housing unit; and |
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(2) at least one kitchen and bathroom on the property |
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that may be used by the individuals. |
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(c) For purposes of this section, "housing" does not include |
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temporary housing provided during a life-threatening emergency or |
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for natural disaster relief. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |