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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a study on the housing needs of youth transitioning out |
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of foster care or the juvenile justice system. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "council" means the Texas |
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Interagency Council for the Homeless established under Subchapter |
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KK, Chapter 2306, Government Code. |
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(b) The council shall conduct a study to examine the housing |
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needs of youth transitioning from foster care or the juvenile |
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justice system to independent living. |
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(c) In conducting the study under this section, the council |
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shall: |
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(1) examine the risk of homelessness for youth |
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transitioning out of foster care in this state; |
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(2) examine the risk of homelessness for youth |
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transitioning out of the juvenile justice system in this state; |
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(3) assess the unique housing needs of youth who: |
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(A) have previously been classified as a dual |
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status child, as defined by Section 51.02, Family Code; and |
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(B) are part of a disproportionately represented |
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population in foster care, the juvenile justice system, or both; |
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(4) evaluate relevant programs and practices of state |
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agencies that seek to positively impact the transition of youth out |
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of foster care or the juvenile justice system; and |
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(5) consult with individuals with expertise on issues |
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faced by youth transitioning out of foster care, the juvenile |
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justice system, or both. |
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(d) Not later than November 1, 2024, the council shall |
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prepare and submit to the Texas Department of Housing and Community |
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Affairs and the legislature a written report that: |
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(1) summarizes the results of the study conducted |
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under this section; and |
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(2) includes legislative recommendations based on the |
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results of the study, including recommendations to improve the |
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transition of youth out of foster care and the juvenile justice |
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system. |
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SECTION 2. This Act expires December 31, 2024. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |