BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2822

By: Garcia

Urban Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

According to HUD, approximately a quarter of foster care youth experience homelessness within four years of aging out of the system. Advocates and stakeholders have noted that youth in the foster care system are significantly more likely than those in the general population to be involved in the juvenile justice system while in state care, which may add additional barriers to a successful transition to independent living. The legislature, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services would benefit from additional information on the unique housing needs of these youth. H.B. 2822 seeks to address this issue by requiring the Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless to conduct a study on the unique housing needs of youth who are aging out of the foster care system, the juvenile justice system, and who have been impacted by both systems and to make recommendations for improvements to programs which prepare these youth for successful transitions to independent living.

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. 2822 requires the Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless to conduct a study to examine the housing needs of youth transitioning from foster care or the juvenile justice system to independent living. The bill requires the council to do the following in conducting the study:

· examine the risk of homelessness for youth transitioning out of foster care and the juvenile justice system in Texas;

· assess the unique housing needs of youth who have previously been classified as a dual status child under the juvenile justice code and who are part of a disproportionately represented population in foster care, the juvenile justice system, or both;

· evaluate relevant programs and practices of state agencies that seek to positively impact the transition of youth out of foster care or the juvenile justice system; and

· consult with individuals with expertise on issues faced by youth transitioning out of foster care, the juvenile justice system, or both.

H.B. 2822 requires the council, not later than November 1, 2024, to prepare and submit to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the legislature a written report that summarizes the results of the study and includes legislative recommendations based on those results, including recommendations to improve the transition of youth out of foster care and the juvenile justice system. The bill's provisions expire December 31, 2024.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.