The House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

89th Legislature

June 24, 2026

9:00 a.m.

E2.026

 

Pursuant to a notice posted on June 18, 2026, the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Bell, Cecil, at 9:07 a.m.

 

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Bell, Cecil; Cole; Garcia Hernandez, Cassandra; Leo Wilson; Luther; Rosenthal; and Spiller.

 

A quorum was present.

 

 

The Chair made opening remarks.

 

Mental Health Impacts, Homelessness, and System Recidivism

 

The Committee took invited testimony on the following charge: Study and evaluate the relationship between mental health conditions, homelessness, and the criminal justice system. Examine the availability of specialized high-acuity beds for the homeless, specifically for those with severe mental illness, addiction, and complex medical conditions. Make recommendations regarding pre-arrest diversion, alternatives to inpatient hospitalization, and best practices for sharing data to reduce recidivism.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Zwiener now present.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Tepper now present.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Cortez now present.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Spiller in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Bell, Cecil in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Zwiener in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Bell, Cecil in chair.)

 

Preventing Homelessness of Foster Youth

 

The Committee took invited testimony on the following charge: Study the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Foster Youth to Independence Initiative, which aims to prevent homelessness among young adults aging out of the foster care system. Examine program models from other states and determine best practices for potential applicability in Texas.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

Agency Oversight

 

The Committee took invited testimony on the following charge: Pursuant to the broad oversight responsibilities granted to the Committee under Section 301.014, Government Code, and the House Rules of Procedure, monitor the agencies under the Committee’s jurisdiction, including for fraud, waste, and abuse, where applicable. The jurisdiction of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee includes the following agencies:

• The Office of State-Federal Relations;

• The Commission on Jail Standards;

• The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs; and

• The Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

At 4:30 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

 

 

________________________________________________

Rep. Bell, Cecil, Chair

 

 

________________________________________________

Eric Parikakis, Clerk