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43 Document(s) [ Subject: Affordable housing ]

Committee: Senate Local Government
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Adverse possession | Affordable housing | American Rescue Plan Act | Economic security | Extraterritorial jurisdiction | Federal funds | Harris County | Municipal management districts | Property insurance | Property taxes | Tax increment reinvestment zones | Tax relief | Trespassing |
Library Call Number: L1836.88 L811
Session: 88th R.S. (2023)
Online version: View report [114 pages  File size: 4,924 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Additional Property Tax Relief and Reform: Report on the effects of prior property tax relief and reform, including the $18 billion tax cut with the $100,000 homestead exemption authorized by the 88th Legislature. Focus particularly on the interaction between SB 2, 88th 2nd C.S., and SB 2, 86th R.S. Make recommendations for further property tax relief and reform, including methods to improve voter control over tax rate setting and debt authorization, and mechanisms to dissolve taxing entities such as municipal management districts (MMDs) and tax increment reinvestment zones (TIRZs) when they have outlived their purpose.
2. Extra-Territorial Jurisdictions: Study issues related to the implementation of SB 2038, 88th R.S. and HB 3053, 88th R.S., and make recommendations to secure and enhance the protection of landowners' property rights.
3. Local Government Spending of Directly Distributed Federal Funds: Examine how local governments spend funds directly distributed to them by the federal government, such as Harris County's use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to set up a guaranteed-income pilot program. Make recommendations to ensure that the spending of such funds is transparent, accountable, and within the legitimate purposes for local governments under Texas law.
4. Housing Affordability: Study issues related to housing, including housing supply, homelessness, and methods of providing and financing affordable housing. Make recommendations to reduce regulatory barriers, strengthen property rights, and improve transparency and accountability in public programs for housing.
5. Secure Texas Against "Squatters": Review current laws relating to "squatters" or those claiming adverse possession of property. Make recommendations to streamline the process for the immediate removal of "squatters" and to strengthen the rights of property owners'.
Committee: Senate Veteran Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | Mental health services | Rural health care | Veterans | Veterans health care |
Library Call Number: L1836.88 V641
Session: 88th R.S. (2023)
Online version: View report [16 pages  File size: 7 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Veteran Mental Health: Review current programs that provide direct and indirect mental health services to veterans in Texas. Identify barriers to accessing mental health resources for rural veterans. Make recommendations to improve access to mental health support for all veterans.
2. Support Service Database for Texas Veterans: Review and report on the progress toward the creation of a single database to facilitate the seamless provision of veteran benefits by state agencies. Make recommendations to improve coordination among state, federal, and local agencies and others that provide benefits to veterans.
3. Strengthen Support for Veteran Housing: Study the accessibility and affordability of veteran housing. Identify factors that contribute to veteran homelessness. Determine whether the Veterans Land Board has the tools necessary to maximize their assistance to eligible borrowers in home lending. Make recommendations to update state standards related to veteran home loans and housing.
Committee: Senate Local Government
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | Appraisal review boards | Audits | Ballots | Bond elections | Election dates | Extraterritorial jurisdiction | Lobbyists | Low Income Housing Tax Credit program | Municipal annexation | Property taxes | Special taxing districts | Tax appraisals | Tax rollback elections | Texas constitutional amendments | Voter turnout |
Library Call Number: L1836.87 L811
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [96 pages  File size: 7,781 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Property Tax Reform: Review the effect of SB 2, 86th R.S., the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019, and related legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Make recommendations for further property tax reform and relief.
2. Appraisal Reform: Review the implementation of SB 63, 87th R.S., HB 988, 87th R.S., and other related legislation passed by 87th Legislature. Make recommendations to ensure appraisal guidelines are effective and taxpayers have enforcement mechanisms.
3. Special Purpose Districts: Perform a comprehensive study on the powers and purposes of various special purpose districts and their associated legislative templates. Make recommendations to improve public transparency in operations of special purpose districts and associated legislative templates.
4. Affordable Housing: Study issues related to affordable housing, homelessness, and methods of providing and financing affordable housing. Make recommendations to improve transparency and accountability, as well as to better utilize existing federal, state, and local programs.
5. Bond Elections: Review and report on voter participation and bond election result differences between November and May elections. Make recommendations for improved voter turnout, increased election efficiencies, and better accountability of local debt.
6. Taxpayer Funded Lobbying: Study how governmental entities use public funds for political lobbying purposes. Examine what types of governmental entities use public funds for lobbying purposes and what level of transparency is available to the public. Make recommendations to protect taxpayers from paying for lobbyists who may not represent the taxpayers' interests.
7. Efficiency Audits: Study the concept of efficiency audits for cities, counties and special purpose districts and under what circumstances they should be performed. Evaluate whether efficiency audits provide Texans tools to combat wasteful government spending and report whether they are needed before local government tax ratification elections.
8. Extraterritorial Jurisdictions: Study issues related to municipal extraterritorial jurisdictions and annexation powers, including examining possible disannexation authority. Determine whether extraterritorial jurisdictions continue to provide value to their residents and make recommendations on equitable methods for disannexation.
9. Ballot Language: Study the development of the language used for constitutional amendment and local ballot propositions. Recommend changes to make ballot propositions more easily understood by voters.
Committee: House Urban Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Fees | Municipal government | Municipal management districts | Wastewater management | Water and sewer utilities | Water supplies |
Library Call Number: L1836.87 Ur1
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [44 pages  File size: 2,302 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation.
2. Evaluate the availability of workforce housing to support the dynamic economic growth of the state. Study the use of public-private partnerships and other tools to incentivize the development of housing that meets Texas’ expanding workforce demands. Develop and include measures to ensure accountability and transparency associated with these tools.
3. Review the Municipal Management District Legislative Template with respect to representation and accountability. Make recommendations for improving the template.
4. Study the effects of local governance, planning, and administration on the current state of municipal water and wastewater infrastructure. Examine the measures municipally owned utilities have taken and the costs required to maintain and improve that infrastructure. Make recommendations for cost-effective solutions to ensure reliable infrastructure and uninterrupted municipal utility services, especially during a severe weather event.
5. Study municipal fees with respect to the function of the fee and the relationship of the fee to the cost of providing an associated municipal service. Make recommendations to address municipal fees that are disproportionate or unrelated to the cost of providing the associated service.
Committee: Senate Veteran Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | General Land Office, Texas | Homelessness | Law enforcement | Mental health services | Mentally ill persons | Post-traumatic stress disorder | Privatization | Veterans | Veterans cemeteries | Veterans health care | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.87 V641
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [26 pages  File size: 523 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. State Veteran Cemeteries: Evaluate the current oversight of the Texas State Veteran Cemeteries to ensure that these sacred and essential grounds are being maintained, repaired, and treated with respect. Ensure that the needs of our veterans are being met by reviewing the number, location, and funding of the cemeteries. Examine and make recommendations for the financing mechanism for the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries to ensure sustainability.
2. Veteran Benefits: Explore and report on options to remove barriers for companies offering veteran benefits and consider policies that could leverage additional public-private-partnerships. Identify opportunities to connect veterans to existing business resources and available state services. Recommend ways to increase matching federal funding for veteran benefits. Review current law for consistency in eligibility for state veteran benefits and recommend any necessary changes.
3. Veteran Mental Health: Review the currently accepted forms of treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and consider the creation of a program which would require completion of a multi-modality treatment plan including traditional talk therapy, limbic system therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT).
4. Veteran Mental Health: Identify the training and resources available to urban and rural first responders when assisting veterans experiencing a mental health crisis. Make recommendations for how to best support first responders in these crisis situations.
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | Bond issues | Disaster relief | Emergency management | Extraterritorial jurisdiction | Federal aid | Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. | Housing | Land use regulations | Legislative process | Municipal annexation | Natural disasters | Public improvement districts | Solid waste disposal | Special taxing districts |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 L786
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [126 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine and report on ways to improve the coordination of rebuilding housing and infrastructure following a natural disaster, including evaluating additional cost effective options for FEMA to utilize in providing direct housing assistance immediately following a disaster, creation of comprehensive lists of housing opportunities or web portals to disseminate information to survivors, ways to automatically waive local government regulations to facilitate rebuilding, and additional local resources available for rebuilding efforts.
2. Monitor the distribution of federal disaster relief funds related to housing and infrastructure, including community development block grant (CDBG) funds, to ensure the timely dissemination of monies by state entities to local governments for reconstruction efforts. Develop recommendations for any statutory changes necessary to improve the efficiency of disaster recovery efforts, maximize housing and infrastructure funds, and ensure cooperation between private and government partners.
3. Review and recommend options to expedite debris removal, including cutting unnecessary regulation and streamlining the process.
4. Identify and report on existing disaster training opportunities available for local officials and make recommendations for training programs that equip them to efficiently interact with state and federal agencies during times of disaster.
5. ETJ Limitations and Notice: Review the existing regulatory authority granted to home-rule municipalities within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), including practices used by cities to expand ETJ boundaries, and whether proper notification is provided to property owners added to a city's ETJ following an annexation proceeding. Determine the limitations that need to be placed on a city's authority within the ETJ to better protect the private property rights of individuals and landowners, and ways to notify individuals of the impact of being within a city's ETJ. Develop a statewide rule and minimum requirements for such notifications.
6. Housing Affordability: Examine issues that impact housing affordability, including the effect of local government taxes, fees, and mandates. Evaluate the cost of purchasing a single-family residence in different parts of the state, factoring in the impact of local rules and regulations, to identify matters of policy with the greatest influence, and identify ways to increase transparency and awareness prior to the adoption of costly local ordinances or orders.
7. Special Purpose Districts Bond Reform: Study the state agency review of tax exempt bonds issued by special purpose districts and public improvement districts used to finance water and sewer infrastructure in new residential and commercial developments. Examine the disparities that exist between the feasibility review of water and sewer bonds backed by property­ based assessments and those backed by ad valorem taxes, and make recommendations that ensure the continued stability of the Texas tax­ exempt bond market by requiring all districts to undergo appropriate reviews prior to issuance.
8. Municipal Management District Uniformity: In conjunction with the appropriate legislative departments, determine whether the development of a template or standardized language for the creation of municipal management districts would provide a more effective means for legislators to ensure new special purpose districts conform to accepted standards and contain appropriate taxpayer oversight.
Committee: House Public Health
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | Alzheimer's disease | Child Protective Services | Children's mental health | Dementia | Family preservation | Homelessness | Housing | Maternal mortality | Medicaid | Mental health services | Mentally ill persons | Organ and tissue donations | Rural areas | Rural health care | Substance abuse | Telemedicine | Transitional housing | Women's health |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 H349h
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [125 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review state programs that provide women’s health services and recommend solutions to increase access to effective and timely care. During the review, identify services provided in each program, the number of providers and clients participating in the programs, and the enrollment and transition process between programs. Monitor the work of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force and recommend solutions to reduce maternal deaths and morbidity. In addition, review the correlation between pre-term and low birth weight births and the use of alcohol and tobacco. Consider options to increase treatment options and deter usage of these substances.
2. Study treatment of traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's, and dementia, and recommend opportunities for advancing treatment and cures.
3. Study and make recommendations to improve services available for identifying and treating children with mental illness, including the application of trauma- and grief-informed practices. Identify strategies to assist in understanding the impact and recognizing the signs of trauma in children and providing school-based or community-based mental health services to children who need them. Analyze the role of the Texas Education Agency and of the regional Education Service Centers regarding mental health. In addition, review programs that treat early psychosis among youth and young adults.
4. Study the overlays among housing instability, homelessness, and mental illness. Review the availability of supportive housing opportunities for individuals with mental illness. Consider options to address housing stability and homelessness among people with mental illness. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
5. Review opportunities to improve population health and health care delivery in rural and urban medically underserved areas. Identify potential opportunities to improve access to care, including the role of telemedicine. In the review, identify the challenges facing rural hospitals and the impact of rural hospital closures.
6. Analyze the prevalence of children involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) who have a mental illness and/or a substance use disorder. In addition, analyze the prevalence of children involved with CPS due to their guardian's substance abuse or because of an untreated mental illness. Identify methods to strengthen CPS processes and services, including efforts for family preservation; increasing the number of appropriate placements designed for children with high needs; and ensuring Texas Medicaid is providing access to appropriate and effective behavioral health services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Human Services)
7. Evaluate the process of organ and bone marrow donations. Consider opportunities to improve organ and bone marrow donation awareness in order to increase the number of willing donors.
8. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the Committee will also specifically closely monitor the implementation of H.B. 10 (85R), H.B. 13 (85R), and S.B. 292 (85R).
9. Consider testimony provided at the May 17 House Public Health Committee hearing regarding improving mental health services for children. Identify specific strategies that would enhance overall school safety. Study ways to help parents, youth and primary care providers support school personnel in their efforts to identify and intervene early when mental health problems arise. In addition to school-based trauma-informed programs and those that treat early psychosis, consider the benefits of universal screening tools and expanding the Child Psychiatry Access Program (CPAP). Make recommendations to enhance collaboration among the Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Education Agency, local mental health authorities, and education service centers.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Public Health
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, September 12, 2018 (Housing instability, homelessness and mental illness).
Library Call Number:
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View document [46 pages  File size: 1,036 kb]
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | Ballots | Bond elections | Emergency management | Extraterritorial jurisdiction | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of | Initiative and referendum | Local government debt | Municipal annexation | Municipal government | Municipalities | Public improvement districts | Public notices | Racial discrimination | Supreme Court arguments and decisions, U.S. |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 L786
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [31 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Annexation: Identify areas of concern in regards to statutory extraterritorial jurisdiction expansion and the processes used by municipalities for annexation, specifically reviewing whether existing statute strikes the appropriate balance between safeguarding private property rights and encouraging orderly growth and economic development. Make recommendations for legislative action, if necessary.
2. Local Ordinance Integrity: Examine the processes used by home rule municipalities to adopt ordinances, rules, and regulations, including those initiated by petition and voter referendum. Determine if additional statutory safeguards are necessary to ensure that ballot language accurately describes proposed initiatives. Identify ways to improve transparency and make recommendations, if needed, to ensure that local propositions and the means by which they are put forth to voters, conform with existing state law.
3. Disaster Preparedness Planning and Coordination: Review natural disaster preparedness planning and coordination in the wake of a growing range of threats. Evaluate whether existing processes maximize regional cooperation to rebuild housing and infrastructure, and allow for the timely dissemination of funds to units of local governments for reconstruction following a federal declaration. Develop recommendations, if necessary, to improve the efficiency of disaster recovery efforts, incorporating best practices identified from other states, as well as lessons-learned from past reconstruction efforts in Texas.
4. Municipal Management Districts: Study the means by which the Texas Legislature reviews the creation of municipal management districts (MMDs) by special law to determine if different processes should be used to evaluate new MMDs created within populated or developed areas from those created over undeveloped areas. Identify ways to better assess how the services and improvements of a proposed Page 5 of 5 MMD within populated or developed areas will supplement and enhance those provided by other local governments, as well as if the territory of the proposed MMD encompasses or overlaps area that is already within other assessment or taxing entities. Make recommendations, if necessary, to improve the notice provided to individuals and businesses within populated or developed areas proposed for inclusion in an MMD.
5. Supreme Court ICP Ruling: Review existing statute and rules that govern the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in light of the recent Supreme Court decision in Inclusive Communities Project, Inc. vs. TDHCA, et al. and recommend if any modifications are necessary to conform to the decision.
6. Debt Transparency in the Voting Booth: Examine ways to improve government accountability in elections regarding the issuance of public debt. Include a review of the information that is currently provided to individuals in the voting booth and provide statutory recommendations, if necessary, to improve transparency.
Committee: House Urban Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | Electronic security | Emergency management | Fair housing | Housing | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of | Low Income Housing Tax Credit program | Municipalities | Municipally-owned utilities | Natural disasters | Personal care homes |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 UR1
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [121 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the effectiveness and efficiency of current programs in Texas as well as best practices to determine how to decrease the risk and mitigate the impact of wildfires, floods, and other natural hazards in the wildland-urban interface. Examine the duties, performance, and jurisdictions of water districts, municipalities, Emergency Services Districts, other similar districts, and state offices like the Fire Marshal and Extension Services. Evaluate current regulations and identify best practices. Recommend approaches for hazard mitigation and response to natural disasters. (Joint charge with the House Committee on County Affairs)
2. Identify and address potential gaps in cities’ cybersecurity policy and ensure that personal information held by cities and other municipal entities is secure.
3. Examine whether changes are needed to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs’s (TDHCA) low-income tax credit program to ensure compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs et al. v. Inclusive Communities Project, Inc., et al. on fair housing in Texas.
4. Review existing housing programs and policies in Texas to determine how to best comply with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's new Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rules.
5. Monitor and evaluate the availability of low-income housing in the State of Texas. Identify best practices to ensure that the agencies and local providers receiving state or federal funds for low-income housing are maximizing the number of units of housing available to Texans who need this program.
6. Investigate the operation and regulation, including a review of standards, monitoring, and enforcement, of boarding homes in municipalities and unincorporated areas of counties. Identify communities that have adopted local standards, and review procedures for investigating and closing unlicensed facilities that are providing services which require state licensure. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Human Services)
7. Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies, including the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementing of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Committee: Senate Finance
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim charge recommendations to the 82nd Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of | Border security | Business taxes | Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas | Disaster relief | Economic stabilization | Federal aid | Highway finance | Hospitals | Mineral rights | Nursing education | Prepaid tuition plans | Property tax exemptions | Property taxes | Rural health care | State budgets | Tax and expenditure limits | Tax appraisals | Tax incentives | Tax revenue | Tobacco taxes | Traffic | Transportation, Texas Department of | Tropical storms | University finance | University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston |
Library Call Number: L1836.81 F49
Session: 81st R.S. (2009)
Online version: View report [158 pages  File size: 7,366 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review and make recommendations regarding existing and future public debt at all levels of government in Texas, including independent school districts, cities, other local governments and the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan.
2. Study the impact of recent hurricanes for which a federal disaster declaration was issued on local economies. Examine the basis for the distribution of federal dollars for hurricane cleanup across the state. Review past methods of distribution, including those involving the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the Office of Rural Community Affairs. Develop policy and statutory recommendations to ensure that the system of distribution is effective to address needs of the various regions of the state in the event of future disasters. Provide effective budget oversight of state agencies that received appropriations as a result of hurricane damage. Examine the rebuilding of University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and the collection and proper deposit of federal reimbursements.
3. Review the effect that Texas Business Tax credits, such as a research and development credit, have on economic development in Texas. Determine whether the costs of various tax credits would be adequately offset by the net increase in state sales tax and other revenues and jobs produced by each credit. Focus on businesses relocating to or from the State of Texas, the impact on the tax base, employment, and the overall economic condition of the state.
4. Identify and evaluate potential improvements to the property tax system. Consider and make recommendations relating to the following:
  • Methods to increase public participation in the tax rate-setting process and ensure fairness in appraisal protests and appeals;
  • Requirement that property appraisal values may not increase by more than inflation and/or population growth, or another amount to be determined by local taxing authorities, with a maximum cap of 10 percent;
  • Exemptions provided to community housing development organizations to determine if changes are needed to ensure that the public benefits outweigh the revenue loss;
  • Methods and procedures for determining a real property interest in oil or gas in place, as contained in Texas Tax Code Sec. 23.175, including how market-based data and market-based methodology could possibly be used to ensure fair, reliable, and equitable price forecasts of oil and gas interests. Analyze the need for the creation of an Oil and Gas Valuation Advisory Committee to assist in forecasting current calendar year statewide average prices for oil and gas; and
  • the constitutional constraints and fiscal implications of exempting real property, leased to a school, as defined by Section 11.21 of the Tax Code, from ad valorem taxation.
5. Examine the Texas Tomorrow Fund and its impact on institutions of higher education. Assess current and future costs, the ability of institutions to absorb the costs, and make recommendations for ensuring a sound fiscal approach to managing the fund for the future.
6. Study the impact of changing the constitutional and statutory spending limit based on the sum of the rate of population growth and the rate of inflation. Examine what past biennial spending limits would have been, and what the next biennium's limit might be, under a new definition. Consider the impact of exempting growth from federally mandated programs.
7. Study and make recommendations regarding formula funding and its impact on the cost of attendance and methods of financing higher education institutions, including funding differences for pharmacy and nursing programs; research funding; performance funding; and funding for institutions that face capacity student enrollment. Specifically address the following:
  • Methods of financing capital projects at higher education institutions, including the levels of deferred maintenance, the impact of deferred maintenance on the ability to offer basic instructional services, and the methods used to finance deferred maintenance projects. Recommend alternatives for providing a structured and recurring funding mechanism more suited to the state's fiscal capacity and institutional needs
  • Supplemental funding for structured programs that are essential for student success and for meeting the goals of Closing the Gaps, including those that provide concentrated student academic and personal support services for universities that enroll a high proportion of non-traditional or at-risk students. Study and make recommendations regarding the quality and effectiveness of academic advising, focusing on resources, staff development, and impact on time­ to-degree.
8. Review the capacity of rural hospitals, rural hospital infrastructure, and the statewide impact of services provided by rural hospitals. Make recommendations for funding options to help communities that do not have adequate resources to replace aging infrastructure and consider the creation ofa rural hospital infrastructure support program similar to the courthouse preservations fund.
9. Examine transportation funding concepts contained in legislation considered during the 81 st Legislature, Regular and Special Sessions. Analyze options and make recommendations relating to historical funding strategies, including prioritization of existing revenues, as well as alternative state and local transportation funding concepts. (Joint charge with Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee)
  • Ensure that the pass-through program reimbursements to contractors and local public entities are based on actual project costs and not cost estimates.
  • Prioritize necessary road construction projects and target financing to those segments that affect the largest number of Texans through congestion mitigation.
  • Ensure that Texas receives the best value for its investment. (Subcharges added pursuant to Dewhurst letter dated 4/8/2010.)
10. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Finance, 81 st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:
  • The Legislative Budget Board effectiveness and efficiency review of Chapter 313, Tax Code. Consider whether tax provisions provide a net benefit to the state.
  • Monitor ongoing faculty recruitment and retention for Texas nursing schools, and assess the impact ofincreased state funds to nursing schools to increase faculty salaries and add new teaching schools.
  • Monitor the use of Byrne Grant Border security funds, including whether additional funds need to be spent on communications interoperability.
  • Monitor the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) implementation of SB 643, emergency legislation relating to Texas' state supported living centers (SSLCs), implementation of Special Provisions relating to All Health and Human Services Agencies, Section 48, Contingency Appropriation for the Reshaping of the System for Providing Services to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and implementation of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement terms.
  • Provide effective budget oversight of Texas Department of Transportation's implementation of Riders 55 and 56, appropriations from State Highway Fund No. 006 and Proposition 12 General Obligation Bonds for reducing congested road segments.
  • Monitor the revenue receipts associated with the weight-based tobacco tax.
  • Monitor the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas grant making process to ensure that funds are spent efficiently and effectively.
  • Monitor the expenditure of federal American Resource and Recovery Act funds. Review the extent to which federal stimulus funds affected each agency's ability to meet or surpass its Performance Measure Targets. Consider the effect that delays in federal approvals have had on funding for public education and weatherization programs.
Committee: Senate International Relations and Trade
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 82nd Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Bootstrap Self-Help Housing Program | Border crossings | Border economy | Colonias | Contracts for deed | Economic development | International trade | Job training programs | Land use regulations | North American Free Trade Agreement | Sewer service | Subprime lending | Substandard housing | Tourism |
Library Call Number: L1836.81 IN9
Session: 81st R.S. (2009)
Online version: View report [85 pages  File size: 6,581 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the effectiveness of the Coordination of Colonia Initiatives and related measures addressed by the Committee and develop recommendations to better address substandard communities across the state where no potable water or sewage services are provided. Review state and local laws and policies relating to development and growth in unincorporated regions of the state and develop recommendations aimed at providing local units of government the necessary local control tools to curtail the spread of colonia-like developments in their jurisdictions.
2. Examine effectiveness of state homeownership programs serving colonia residents. Study the need for contract for deed conversions in the colonias within 150 miles of the Texas/Mexico border. Examine existing statute regarding statewide distribution of the Texas Bootstrap Loan Program and recommend changes to increase the state's ability to expedite allocation of funds. Develop recommendations to address abusive lending practices in distressed areas and fair housing violations in the colonias.
3. Study and make recommendations for state actions to increase efficiencies and reduce wait times in crossing the Texas-Mexico border, while ensuring proper security. Review initiatives to maximize bridge-crossing revenue.
4. Assess Texas' trade-related programs and work with the appropriate state and federal agencies to develop initiatives that will increase NAFTA-related commerce in Texas. Make recommendations to encourage communities currently unable to participate in international trade, due to their lack of resources and capacity, to engage in such trade.
5. Review the state's efforts aimed at helping distressed areas, coastal regions and rural communities to compete in the international marketplace. Work with the appropriate state and federal agencies to develop recommendations to create initiatives that will build regional development and capacity with the goal of better facilitating trade and commerce, as well as tourism, in these communities.
6. Review the state's efforts and policies aimed at addressing the workforce training needs of trade-displaced citizens. Report on the effectiveness of these programs and develop recommendations to better assist hard to reach populations in distressed areas, including Spanish-predominant speaking displaced citizens along the Texas-Mexico border region.
7. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
  • Review the housing initiatives addressed by the Committee and work with the appropriate housing officials to develop recommendations to better address the housing needs of smaller and distressed communities in Texas. Develop recommendations for the cost-effective use of existing housing monies, leveraging of funds and initiatives for new funding sources.
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 81st Texas Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Bootstrap Self-Help Housing Program | Contracts for deed | Emergency services districts | Homeownership | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Municipal utility districts | Special taxing districts | State government debt | Substandard housing | Suburban areas | Title insurance | University of Texas System | Urban areas | Urban sprawl |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 L786
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [394 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations on Texas’ housing programs, with particular focus upon:
    Increasing the effectiveness of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' (TDHCA) Housing Tax Credit (HTC) Program. Examine potential rule changes to the HTC Program's Qualified Allocation Plan to give owners of mixed-income projects seeking low-income housing credits the same opportunity to receive credits that low-income projects have, thus helping cities address the problem of a lack of adequate quality affordable housing while enhancing central city revitalization;
  • Significantly improving homeownership rates by evaluating Texas’ efforts to address the growing housing need. Efforts should include assessment of the range of tools which may be used to help low-income Texans develop equity through homeownership. Tools should be evaluated in terms of their economic development impact, leverage of federal and private funds, and how they are utilized in other states;
  • Evaluating the progress of affordable housing programs within the state and developing recommendations to boost the capacity of non-profits to build increased affordable housing developments;
  • Monitor the expansion of the Housing Trust Fund by the 80th Legislature; review the funds of other states to develop recommendations for a permanent funding source for the Texas Housing Trust Fund;
  • Promote home-ownership through self-help initiatives such as the Texas Bootstrap Loan Program;
  • Assessing the existing use of state and federal housing funds in relation to statutory and budgetary mandates; and
  • Examining the incidence of health and safety violations and concerns for general habitability among multi-family and single-family rental properties across the state, including properties financed or supported by the state. Consider the adequacy of the existing authority conferred by the state upon local governments to address violations of habitability standards. Make recommendations for extension of local capacity for redress.
2. Review title insurance requirements relating to the purchase of a home under an installment contract or contract for a deed. Study title insurance requirements and costs in Texas as compared to other states.
3. Study the provision of fire and emergency medical services through Emergency Service Districts (ESDs) and make recommendations concerning the provision of those services, and for reconciling potential conflicts due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions in the areas of the state served by ESDs.
4. Review the process for the creation of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and other special districts, and investigate whether the creation of a standard municipal utility district statute is feasible, and whether it would enable the legislature to more efficiently evaluate proposed districts during the legislative session.
5. Study the shifting geographic nature of low-income neighborhoods in urban and suburban areas, focusing on factors that contribute to economic displacement of low income homeowners and factors that contribute to beneficial redevelopment of distressed neighborhoods.
6. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, report on changes made by SB 968, 80th R.S., relating to financing tools for certain obligations for public improvements and for certain obligations of The University of Texas System and evaluate the need for further changes to Chapter 1371 Texas Government Code.
Committee: House Local Government Ways and Means
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Local Government Ways & Means, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2008 : a report to the House of Representatives, 81st Texas Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Appraisal districts | Public notices | Sales taxes | Tax administration | Tax appraisals | Tax increases |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 L786w
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [46 pages  File size: 4,721 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study whether Texas law should be amended on the methods used to determine the "place of business" of retail operations under Chapter 321, Tax Code, governing municipal sales taxes, and whether better-defined procedures and limitations should be enacted to assist the comptroller in determining reallocation of sales tax revenues from one municipality to another.
2. Review provisions for local government notices on potential tax rate increases and clarify potentially conflicting statutes. Look at requiring two (rather than one) public hearing on tax rate increases.
3. Examine the addition of members to the board of directors of appraisal districts who are not appointed by the taxing jurisdictions of the district. Determine methods for appointing these additional directors.
4. Examine the system for appraising property for tax purposes:
  • Study the implementation and effects of HB 1010, 80th R.S..
  • Consider whether the statutory system for choosing the Central Appraisal District Board of Directors and governing the board's operation adequately protects the public interest.
  • Evaluate whether the authority of the chief appraiser should be limited.
  • Consider alternative methods and procedures for conducting the Comptroller's School Value Study to ensure both the equitable distribution of state school aid and a more stringent review of local appraisal practices.
  • Examine constitutional and statutory constraints on the enforcement of uniform appraisal standards across the state and the ability of the state to provide oversight of appraisal districts.
  • Consider ways to improve appraisal district efficiency, transparency and services, including, but not limited to, the reconfiguration of appraisal districts.
  • Evaluate changes in the property valuation appeal system that could expedite and reduce the cost of dispute resolution.
5. Research the policies and procedures by which local tax appraisers value rent-restricted affordable housing properties and authorized legislatively established tax exemptions. Evaluate application and interpretation of existing statutes by local appraisal districts to affordable housing properties throughout the life cycle of developments. Make recommendations for statutory changes. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Urban Affairs.)
6. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: House Urban Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | Crime laboratories | Deed restrictions | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Houston Municipal Employees Pension System | Houston Police Department | Houston, Texas | Property tax exemptions | Public retirement systems | Senior citizens | Tax appraisals |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 UR1
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [37 pages  File size: 3,305 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Asses the current senior housing market and available options for affordable senior housing.
2. Research and update legislation that permits residential neighborhoods whose deed restrictions have lapsed to reinstate those deed restrictions or create needed deed restrictions through a petition committee by expanding them to more areas.
3. Study and evaluate the levels, methods and alternatives by which the state funds all affordable housing programs, focusing on administrative cost-effectiveness to determine greater returns on investment, savings and efficiency. Examine the current procedures and applications of the annual, integrated Low Income Housing Plan prepared by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and prepare recommendations for the development of a comprehensive, long-range, statewide plan or model to address growing need throughout the state.
4. Monitor current methodology involving departmental rules, procedures and policies governing state and federal compliance in the evaluation and ranking of all multifamily affordable housing applications for the allocation of funds during the annual awards cycle.
5. Examine the development and implementation of a physical standards (asset oversight) rating system for multifamily residential rental facilities, to be used by all local and state issuers of tax-exempt bonds and tax credits, to determine eligibility for future financing and for compliance enforcement purposes.
6. Examine the policies and procedures by which local tax appraisers value rent-restricted affordable housing properties, and authorize legislatively established tax exemptions. Evaluate application and interpretation of existing statutes by local appraisal districts to affordable housing properties throughout the life cycle of developments. Make recommendations for statutory changes. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Local Government Ways and Means.)
7. Examine the operation of the Houston Municipal Employees Pension System, its Board of Trustees and staff. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Pensions and Investments.)
8. Monitor the report issued by the Independent Investigator for the Houston Police Department Crime Laboratory and Property Room, the independent panel review of certain criminal convictions prompted by the conclusions of this report, and the implementation by the City of Houston of any reforms recommended in this report. Also monitor other urban crime laboratories and their compliance with state laws regulating their functions. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Law Enforcement.)
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 80th Texas Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Colonias | Counties | Flood plains | Grants | Homeowners' associations | Homeownership | Land use regulations | Municipal utility districts | Red light running | Special taxing districts | Special utility districts | Traffic cameras | Wine and wine industry |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 L786
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [257 pages  File size: 23,433 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations regarding the regulatory authority of counties in relation to development in unincorporated areas, including public safety and public health regulations, and the authority of counties to prevent new colonias development without sufficient water, wastewater, and other infrastructure.
2. Study and make recommendations relating to the use of funds collected from red light camera citations.
3. Study and make recommendations regarding the relationship between cities and special utility districts, including the formation of special utility districts in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of cities, and the ability of those districts to meet the future service needs of residents; the number of special utility districts currently existing and their effect on the overall property tax burden; as well as the significant growth/creation of special utility districts and their effect on the provision of services to residents.
4. Study and make recommendations relating to counties' ability to apply for and receive state and federal grants. Focus on assessing the impact and use of grant funds, on streamlining the process, and upon the impact and options available for counties without incorporated cities and towns.
5. Examine and make recommendations relating to the appropriateness and advisability of adopting the "Texas Uniform Planned Community Act," as published by the State Bar of Texas Subcommittee on Property Owners Associations, as the enabling statute to establish a comprehensive and uniform framework for the creation and operation of residential planned communities
6. Study the implementation and impact of legislation passed by the 79th Legislature to increase the economic impact of the Texas Wine Industry on the state's economy and make recommendations, as appropriate.
7. Study the status of floodplain mapping in Texas communities and the scope of local governments' floodplain development management authority and make recommendations, as necessary, to enable communities to provide accurate floodplain data and management plans that will facilitate more favorable insurance rates and better protect the lives and property of Texas residents in the event of a natural disaster.
8. Study the home ownership rate for low-income Texans. Make recommendations for increasing home ownership. Analyze options for enhancing Low Income Housing Tax Credits and include costs and benefits to the state.
Committee: Senate International Relations and Trade
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report, 79th legislative interim
Subjects: Affordable housing | Colonias | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Substandard housing |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 In9
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [80 pages  File size: 5,143 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study state and federal programs aimed at assisting cities and businesses to compete in national and international markets. Develop recommendations to increase the competitiveness of Texas communities and entities in trade and commerce.
2. Study and develop recommendations to address the infrastructure and economic development needs of border and coastal communities in rural and non-urban areas of Texas.
3. Study and report on the availability of housing in distressed areas of the state, especially along the Border colonias and rural Texas. Review state, federal and private initiatives aimed at providing housing assistance. Work with private and non-profit entities to address the growing housing needs. Develop recommendations for the cost-effective use of existing housing monies, leveraging of funds and initiatives for new funding sources.
4. Review state and local policies impacting the water/wastewater services, transportation and health infrastructure needs of Texas colonias. Work with the Texas Water Development Board, the Office of the Attorney General and the Colonia Coordinator to develop recommendations aimed at improving and strengthening the available resources and policies affecting economically distressed areas.
Committee: House Urban Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Urban Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2006 : a report to the House of Representatives, 80th Texas Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Food safety | Foreclosures | Homeownership | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Houston, Texas | Low Income Housing Tax Credit program | Mobile food vendors | Mortgages | Private activity bonds | Rural issues | Subprime lending | Substandard housing |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 Ur1
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [70 pages  File size: 12,788 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Evaluate the alternative approaches and implications of short-term restrictions on new construction in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs 4 percent tax credit-private activity bond program as well as its 9 percent tax credit program.
2. Consider the implications of eliminating the lottery system for allocating 4 percent housing tax credit awards through the state's Private Activity Bond Program and replacing it with an alternative allocation system.
3. Examine the home ownership rate for low-income Texans, and recommend suggestions on how home ownership rates can be improved for underserved populations.
4. Compare and contrast Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs administration of the Housing Tax Credit program with best practices around the country.
5. Review the manner and procedures for the determination by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs of the annual Low Income Housing Tax Credits statewide including the 4 percent and 9 percent housing tax credit programs.
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of current underwriting methods of Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for its programs.
7. Examine municipal regulation of mobile food vending vehicles.
8. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report, 79th Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Alcohol laws and regulations | Alcoholic beverage industry | County clerks | Fees | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Rural issues | Substandard housing | Wine and wine industry |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 L786
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [69 pages  File size: 300 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations on the need for statutory language relating to fees charged for copies of documents filed electronically or in paper format with a county clerk. Examine all state and local policies relating to document fees and analyze the impact of any recommended changes on local and state revenues.
2. As required by SB 264, 78th R.S., jointly study with the House Urban Affairs Committee the effect of subdividing uniform state service regions into urban/exurban areas and rural areas and upon the provision of state and federal financial assistance to meet housing needs of rural areas.
3. Study the unique challenges and opportunities in rural areas from an economic development standpoint. Study the future and unmet needs of rural communities, residents and businesses and examine the quality of infrastructure, housing, health care, and community involvement. Make recommendations for promoting investment in growth industries in rural areas.
4. Study and make recommendations relating to development of the Texas wine producing industry. Assess the impact of state and federal laws on the shipment and delivery of wine and make recommendations for increasing the economic impact of the wine producing industry in Texas.
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title: Interim Report - Appendices
Library Catalog Title: Interim report, 79th Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Alcohol laws and regulations | Alcoholic beverage industry | County clerks | Fees | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Rural issues | Substandard housing | Wine and wine industry |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 L786
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [376 pages  File size: 20,945 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations on the need for statutory language relating to fees charged for copies of documents filed electronically or in paper format with a county clerk. Examine all state and local policies relating to document fees and analyze the impact of any recommended changes on local and state revenues.
2. As required by SB 264, 78th R.S., jointly study with the House Urban Affairs Committee the effect of subdividing uniform state service regions into urban/exurban areas and rural areas and upon the provision of state and federal financial assistance to meet housing needs of rural areas.
3. Study the unique challenges and opportunities in rural areas from an economic development standpoint. Study the future and unmet needs of rural communities, residents and businesses and examine the quality of infrastructure, housing, health care, and community involvement. Make recommendations for promoting investment in growth industries in rural areas.
4. Study and make recommendations relating to development of the Texas wine producing industry. Assess the impact of state and federal laws on the shipment and delivery of wine and make recommendations for increasing the economic impact of the wine producing industry in Texas.
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title: Interim Report - Recommendations
Library Catalog Title: Interim report, 79th Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Alcohol laws and regulations | Alcoholic beverage industry | County clerks | Fees | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Rural issues | Substandard housing | Wine and wine industry |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 L786
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [18 pages  File size: 145 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations on the need for statutory language relating to fees charged for copies of documents filed electronically or in paper format with a county clerk. Examine all state and local policies relating to document fees and analyze the impact of any recommended changes on local and state revenues.
2. As required by SB 264, 78th R.S., jointly study with the House Urban Affairs Committee the effect of subdividing uniform state service regions into urban/exurban areas and rural areas and upon the provision of state and federal financial assistance to meet housing needs of rural areas.
3. Study the unique challenges and opportunities in rural areas from an economic development standpoint. Study the future and unmet needs of rural communities, residents and businesses and examine the quality of infrastructure, housing, health care, and community involvement. Make recommendations for promoting investment in growth industries in rural areas.
4. Study and make recommendations relating to development of the Texas wine producing industry. Assess the impact of state and federal laws on the shipment and delivery of wine and make recommendations for increasing the economic impact of the wine producing industry in Texas.
Committee: House Urban Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Urban Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2004 : a report to the House of Representatives, 79th Texas Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Low Income Housing Tax Credit program | Special taxing districts | Tax increment reinvestment zones |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 Ur1
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [63 pages  File size: 1,588 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the roles of special purpose districts; including justification, powers and responsibilities, as well as relationships with local elected governing bodies. Specifically, include an analysis of the use, benefits and drawbacks of tax increment reinvestment zones.
2. Actively monitor the implementation of SB 264, 78th R.S., sunset legislation for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Include and analysis of whether further reforms are needed through a review of best-practices in other states.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of current programs in meeting the state's housing needs and examine new alternatives such as urban land banks, homestead preservation districts and programs to provide gap financing.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of Uniform State Service Regions in allocation of Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds and low-income tax credits to develop housing and examine alternatives to meet the needs of the state's rural areas.
5. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: House Urban Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Urban Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Colonias | Fire Protection, Texas Commission on | Home equity loans | Homeownership | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Mortgages | Municipal employees | Organized labor | Welfare-to-work |
Library Call Number: L1836.77 ur1
Session: 77th R.S. (2001)
Online version: View report [134 pages  File size: 4,431 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the roles of the state and of local public housing authorities in increasing access to housing assistance for the state's poorest families and in supporting families making the transition from welfare to work.
2. Examine the definition and roles of community housing development organizations (CHDOs) and non-profit housing entities. Assess standards they should meet in order to qualify for set-asides, tax exemptions and other forms of special consideration.
3. Study the potential for improving the performance of public institutions by fostering cooperative efforts among employees and employers, including the long-standing controversies related to various forms of bargaining by groups that do not advocate the right to strike.
4. Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's oversight jurisdiction, including implementation of sunset legislation, and specifically including requirements to target single family mortgage loans to underserved geographic and economic populations and new Section 8 home ownership initiatives.
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report, 77th Legislature / Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Building codes | Competitive bidding | Councils of government | County government | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Design/build process | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Municipal annexation | Municipalities | Real estate development | State government contracts | Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation | Transportation, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.76 l786
Session: 76th R.S. (1999)
Online version: View report [262 pages  File size: 7,243 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Evaluate the potential benefits offered through the "design-build" form of bidding, which allows engineers, architects, and builders to form teams and bid on state projects in contrast to the current method which mandates that each entity bid separately. The Committee shall compare the State of Texas practices to other states and to the private sector and evaluate the "design-build" option as it relates to buildings, roads, and other publicly funded projects.
2. Study the funding and expenditures of Councils of Government (COGs) and examine the changing relationship between COGs and the state and federal governments since 1982. The Committee shall monitor the compliance by COGS regarding publication of financial statements, as referenced in the General Appropriations Bill, HB 1, 76th R.S..
3. Review the statutory authority granted to local governments to regulate the development of residential subdivisions. The Committee shall identify conflicting provisions and make recommendations to clarify existing statutes.
4. Monitor the implementation of SB 89, 76th R.S. relating to municipal annexation.
5. Examine the powers, functions and programs administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC). The committee's report will assess the methodology used in allocating the various housing funds and resources, including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and the Housing Trust Fund, and the compliance by the agency with that methodology, and address whether the programs administered by TDHCA and the TSAHC meet the affordable housing demands of targeted population groups throughout the State of Texas.
Committee: House Urban Affairs
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Urban Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2000 : a report to the House of Representatives, 77th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Building codes | Firefighters | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Manufactured housing | Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation | Volunteer workers |
Library Call Number: L1836.76 ur1
Session: 76th R.S. (1999)
Online version: View report [166 pages  File size: 7,699 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the needs of volunteer fire departments, and evaluate their capacity to fulfill their mission of protecting the public.
2. Review the data used by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to make decisions affecting affordable housing. Determine the adequacy of the data as it relates to the scope, timeliness, and accuracy of information.
3. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of manufactured housing as one means to alleviate affordable housing deficits.
4. Conduct active oversight of the agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Housing, Interim
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Senate Interim Committee on Housing report to the 76th Legislature.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation |
Library Call Number: L1836.75 h817
Session: 75th R.S. (1997)
Online version: View report [69 pages  File size: 3,547 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the implementation of the provisions of HB 2577, 75th R.S., passed by the Legislature during the 1997 regular session, regarding affordable housing for Texans, and, if necessary, make recommendations for further legislative or regulatory action.
2. Assess the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation's effectiveness in serving individuals and families of low and very low income and families of moderate income.
3. Study the operation and administration of the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation's mortgage banking activities and lending transactions, and consider whether further legislative action is needed.
4. Monitor the developments in federal legislation to transfer responsibility for federal housing programs to Texas. The Committee should evaluate the devolution of federal dollars to the state and make recommendations, if necessary, for legislative or regulatory action.
Committee: Senate North American Free Trade Agreement, Interim
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: A report to the 76th Legislature.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Border counties | Border economy | Border health | Border issues | Border transit corridors | Border transportation | Colonias | Employment | Environment | Environmental protection | Interstate Highway 35 | Job training programs | Literacy | Local Workforce Development Boards | North American Free Trade Agreement | Railroads | Traffic | Transportation | Transportation infrastructure | Unemployment | Water quality management | Water supplies | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.75 n811
Session: 75th R.S. (1997)
Online version: View report [163 pages  File size: 12,556 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Evaluate the impact of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on the Texas economy and determine how different segments of the economy are affected.
2. Determine how NAFTA has affected employment and identify any employment losses or gains. Assess how the state's workforce programs have responded to any employment changes and make any necessary recommendations to improve that response.
3. Assess the impact NAFTA is having on the state's infrastructure, including but not limited to transportation, education, housing, the environment and health and human services.
4. Develop a statewide strategic response plan to the effects of NAFTA in Texas which identifies available and needed resources at the local, state and federal level and provides for a coordinated response.
Committee: House Urban Affairs
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Urban Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1998 : a report to the House of Representatives, 76th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Colonias | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | Municipalities | Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation | Year 2000 computer problem |
Library Call Number: L1836.75 ur1
Session: 75th R.S. (1997)
Online version: View report [116 pages  File size: 5,220 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Assess the preparedness of city governments, especially small and mid-size cities, to deal with the Year 2000 computer problems.
2. Determine the effects of the 75th Legislature's failure to pass legislation validating the acts of city governments.
3. Continue the Committee's review of housing issues and programs. The review should include (but not limited to): (1) the procedures for awarding low-income housing tax credits, compared and contrasted with the procedures for awarding state bond activity cap for housing (2) the state's efforts to improve housing conditions for colonias residents; (3) tenant services and housing for special populations; (4) methods by which the state can serve individuals and families earning less than 30% of AMFI; and (5) implentation of HB 2577, 75th R.S..
4. Conduct active oversight of agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report pursuant to interim charges.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Bridges | City government | Counties | County government | Municipalities | Sports arenas | Streets | Suburban areas | Urban sprawl |
Library Call Number: L1836.74 l786
Session: 74th R.S. (1995)
Online version: View report [107 pages  File size: 5,284 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations on the possible consolidation of services that are provided by both county and municipal government.
2. Study and make recommendations regarding the problems of urban infrastructure, recognizing the deterioration in such areas and the shift of population and businesses to suburban areas.
Committee: Senate International Relations, Trade and Technology
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Committee interim report : a report to the 75th Legislature.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Attorney General of Texas | Border economy | Border environment | Border health | Border issues | Border transportation | Colonias | Consumer credit and debt | Contracts for deed | Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of | International trade | Mortgages | North American Free Trade Agreement | Private activity bonds | Real estate development | Sewer service | Wastewater management | Water Development Board, Texas | Water supplies |
Library Call Number: L1836.74 in9
Session: 74th R.S. (1995)
Online version: View report [173 pages  File size: 11,680 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the enforcement of HB 1001, 74th R.S., the colonias bill, and identify any provisions that need to be clarified or strengthened.
2. Assess the progress of the Texas Water Development Board's "economically distressed areas program" with regards to the number of applications received and the number of water and waste water projects actually implemented in the colonias.
3. Assess the effect of NAFTA on Texas' infrastructure including transportation, housing, education and the environment, with special attention to its impact along the Texas/Mexico border.
4. Monitor implementation of, and make recommendations for any needed changes in, legislation passed by the 74th Legislature to address the problems of colonias, specifically SB 336, 74th R.S., SB 1509, 74th R.S., and HB 2726, 74th R.S..
5. Study and make recommendations regarding methods and programs to expand international trade, with particular focus on the use of technology.
Committee: Joint Affordable Housing, Task Force on
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Report to the 71st Legislature / Joint Interim Task Force on Affordable Housing.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Colonias | Fair housing | Homelessness | Poverty |
Library Call Number: L1836.70 h817
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View report [31 pages  File size: 1,286 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study the need for affordable housing in Texas.
Supporting documents
Committee: Joint Affordable Housing, Task Force on
Title: HCR 148, 70th Leg.
Library Call Number: HCR 148
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View document [2 pages  File size: 191 kb]
Committee: Joint Affordable Housing, Task Force on
Title: Committee documentation: daily minutes record
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.70 H817
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View document [1 pages  File size: 19 kb]
Committee: House Retirement and Aging
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report, 70th Legislature / Committee on Retirement and Aging.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Health insurance | Life insurance | Long-term care insurance | Medicaid | Medical reimbursements | Nursing homes | Nursing shortages | Public retirement systems | Senior citizens | Teacher Retirement System of Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.70 r314
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View report [119 pages  File size: 4,409 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. To study the feasibility and cost of expansion of the shared housing program of the Texas Department of Aging.
2. Study the televised advertising of health and life insurance plans aimed at the elderly population.
3. To study the state retirement systems.
4. To study the current and projected financial condition of the private long-term care industry and examine possible funding alternatives, including the feasibility of tax deductible payments for nursing home care.
5. To study the costs and benefits of expanding internal administration of real estate investments in comparison to engaging outside real estate advisors by the Teachers Retirement System.
Committee: House Urban Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Report of the Committee on Urban Affairs, Texas House of Representatives, 69th Legislature : to the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 70th Legislature.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Firefighters | Housing Agency, Texas | Municipal government | Municipalities | Police officers | Statutory revision |
Library Call Number: L1836.69 ur1
Session: 69th R.S. (1985)
Online version: View report [27 pages  File size: 802 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. To study firemen's and policemen's civil service in cities.
2. To review the legislation and mission of the Texas Housing Agency and determine if appropriate housing projects are being approved to meet the needs of low-income Texans.
3. To study methods to encourage greater efficiency in the management of general-law cities.
Committee: House Financial Institutions
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report of the Financial Institutions Committee, Texas House of Representatives, 67th Legislature.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Business taxes | Consumer credit and debt | Debt collection | Franchise taxes | Home equity loans | Housing Agency, Texas | Mortgages | Stock investments |
Library Call Number: L1836.67 f49
Session: 67th R.S. (1981)
Online version: View report [67 pages  File size: 1,761 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine the possibility of allowing home owners to mortgage homesteads.
2. Study the operation of collection agencies in Texas in order to determine the extent of extortionate and abusive collection tactics.
3. Study money market funds and their impact on the financial markets of Texas.
4. Study the Texas Housing Agency's on-going loan program and financial benefits to homeowners to determine if changes need to be made.
5. Study and report on the feasibility of repealing the present bank shares tax in its entirety and imposing a corporate franchise tax or some other equitable tax on banking corporations doing business in Texas.
Committee: House Business and Industry
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report of the Committee on Business and Industry, Texas House of Representatives, 66th Legislature.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Commission on the Arts, Texas | Condominiums | Industrial Commission, Texas | Landlords and tenants | Mexico |
Library Call Number: L1836.66 b964
Session: 66th R.S. (1979)
Online version: View report [155 pages  File size: 4,564 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study existing statutes and regulations pertaining to condominium housing, comparing these provisions with laws in other states, and determining the possible need for statutory revision. In addition, consider the need for building standards for condominium housing and other related matters.
2. Review legislation enacted during the 66th Regular Session of the Legislature regarding landlord/tenant relations to determine its effectiveness and further undertake an in-depth study of laws in this regard.
3. Investigate the structure and operations of state and local housing authorities. Determine the housing authorities effectiveness in meeting housing needs in Texas, currently and in the future.
4. Determine the effectiveness of the Texas Industrial Commission's office in Mexico City to ascertain what structural and funding changes could improve office operations, promote tourism, and enhance international relations with Mexico.
5. Prepare a list of all events in Texas financially supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts to determine the economic benefits to both the local areas and the state resulting from these events.
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee on Housing
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report ot the Senate subcommittee on housing : Senate of the State of Texas, 65th legislature.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Housing Agency, Texas | Senior citizens |
Library Call Number: L1836.65 h816s
Session: 65th R.S. (1977)
Online version: View report [68 pages  File size: 3,132 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study the methods by which local governments can make housing available to the elderly and poor.
Supporting documents
Committee: Senate Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee on Housing
Title: Transcripts
Library Catalog Title: Transcripts.
Library Call Number: L1836.65 h816mt
Session: 65th R.S. (1977)
Committee: Senate Urban Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: An action program for urban Texas; report / of the Senate Interim Committee on Urban Affairs.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Job training programs | Mass transit | Substandard housing | Traffic | Urban areas | Workforce |
Library Call Number: L1836.61 ur1
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View report [71 pages  File size: 3,056 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Make a study of urban problems within the State of Texas to determine the most effective method or methods of controlling and eliminating these urban problems, giving special consideration to the expansion of state services on urban problems to local governmental bodies through an urban affairs agency.
Supporting documents
Committee: Senate Urban Affairs
Title: Minutes, general purpose and plan, schedule of committee hearings, news articles
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 UR1M
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [13 pages  File size: 14,960 kb]
Committee: Senate Urban Affairs
Title: Testimony Presented by Gene Rodriguez, Jr., Director, Concentrated Employment Program, San Antonio, Texas, May 8, 1970
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 UR1TR
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [60 pages  File size: 17,694 kb]
Committee: Senate Slums and Slum Clearance
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: A report to the Senate of the 61st Legislature, state of Texas / by the Senate Interim Committee on Slums and Slum Clearance.
Subjects: Affordable housing | Building codes | Substandard housing |
Library Call Number: L1836.60 sl78
Session: 60th R.S. (1967)
Online version: View report [84 pages  File size: 3,357 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study the problem of slums in Texas, the various plans of effective slum clearance utilized in other metropolitan areas of the United States and the possibility of large slum clearance and renewal projects by insurance companies.

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