By: Springer S.B. No. 1803
 
 
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the effectiveness of state-funded homelessness
  programs at helping beneficiaries advance toward self-sufficiency.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 2306, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Section 2306.084 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2306.084.  STATEWIDE HOMELESSNESS SERVICES AUDIT. (a)
  In 2024 and every second year after that year, the state auditor
  shall conduct and effectiveness and efficiency audit of all
  services for the homeless provided by agencies of this state.
         (b)  The cost of the audit shall be paid for using existing
  resources allocated for the purpose of auditing the agencies
  identified in subsection (g).
         (c)  Not later than March 1 of the year in which an audit is
  required under this section, the state auditor shall engage an
  external auditor to conduct the audit. 
         (d)  The state auditor shall oversee the external auditor and
  ensure that the audit is conducted in accordance with the
  requirements of this section.
         (e)  The external auditor shall be independent and not
  subject to direction from any state agency subject to evaluation by
  the auditor for purposes of this section.
         (f)  The audit shall:
               (1)  examine all state resources, including but not
  limited to financial resources, manpower, and infrastructure used
  in providing services to the homeless;
               (2)  assess the effectiveness of state agencies,
  programs, and community service providers receiving state funds at
  helping the homeless achieve self-sufficiency, including the
  following outcomes:
                     (A)  the percentage of beneficiaries who secure
  and maintain housing for which they are the primary payer;
                     (B)  the percentage of beneficiaries whose
  children regularly attend school or other educational programs;
                     (C)  the percentage of beneficiaries who
  participate in at least 20 hours per week of paid public or private
  sector work, including paid apprenticeships;
                     (D)  the percentage of beneficiaries engaged in
  occupational or vocational training programs;
                     (E)  the percentage of beneficiaries who move from
  subsidized income to earned income as a primary source of earnings;
                     (F)  the percentage of beneficiaries who have
  regular visits with a primary care physician;
                     (G)  the percentage of beneficiaries with mental
  health needs who engage in regular mental health care services;
                     (H)  the percentage of beneficiaries with
  addiction or substance use disorder who engage in regular treatment
  services; and
                     (I)  the percentage of beneficiaries without
  involvement with the criminal justice system.
               (3)  rate each agency, program, and community service
  provider reviewed as "unsatisfactory," "satisfactory," or
  "exemplary" based on their effectiveness at achieving the outcomes
  under subsection (f)(2);
               (4)  make recommendations for:
                     (A)  eliminating poorly performing programs;
                     (B)  ending contractual or funding relationships
  with poorly performing community service providers;
                     (C)  consolidating duplicative or overlapping
  services and functions; and
                     (D)  reallocating state resources to ensure that
  the outcomes under subsection (f)(2) are achieved in the most
  effective and economical manner.
         (g)  The following agencies must be included in the audit:
               (1)  Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs;
               (2)  Texas Health and Human Services Commission;
               (3)  Texas Department of Family and Protective
  Services;
               (4)  Texas Education Agency;
               (5)  Texas Workforce Commission;
               (6)  Texas Veterans Commission; and
               (7)  Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
         (h)  The state auditor may select other agencies or programs
  in addition to those listed in subsection (g) for inclusion in the
  audit.
         (i)  The external auditor must complete the audit not later
  than the 90th day after the date the auditor is engaged and present
  its results and recommendations to the state auditor and the heads
  of the agencies subject to the audit.
         (j)  Not later than November 1 of the calendar year in which
  an audit is completed, the state auditor shall prepare and submit a
  report of the audit and recommendations for improvement to the
  governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the
  Lieutenant Governor, and the Legislative Budget Board.
         (k)  The full audit and state auditor's report must be
  published to the state auditor's Internet website.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.