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13 Document(s) [ Subject: Substandard housing ]

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: Senate International Relations and Trade
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Border economy | Border security | Colonias | Drug trafficking | Extraterritorial jurisdiction | Health care providers | Human trafficking | Rural economic development | Substandard housing | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 In9
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [127 pages  File size: 4,048 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review state and local policies relating to development and growth in rural and unincorporated regions of the state. Work with housing advocates, county organizations and appropriate officials to assess the proliferation of substandard housing in rural and unincorporated areas.
2. Determine the appropriateness of and make recommendations on the existing extraterritorial jurisdiction authority currently granted under colonia prevention measures along the border region.
3. Develop recommendations to better provide Border and rural communities access to state and federal resources. Review the programs established by different states and recommend initiatives that Texas can enact to increase the competitiveness of these communities, engender critical development, provide affordable housing, identify community assets, retain/create wealth and create regional jobs. Study and make recommendations to expand business opportunities in international markets for businesses located in economically distressed areas, including rural and Border areas.
4. Study the state's current and long-range need for physicians, dentists, nurses, and other allied health and long-term care professionals. Make recommendations to recruit high-need professions, especially for primary care providers and long-term care professionals in the Border region of Texas. (Joint charge with the Senate Health and Human Services Committee)
5. Study and make recommendations to stem the tide of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, and to reduce the criminal activities within the Border region. (Joint charge with Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security)
6. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the International Relations and Trade Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
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: House County Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on County Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2004 : a report to the House of Representatives, 79th Texas Legislature
Subjects: County government | Courts | Fees | Fines | State mandates | Substandard housing | Tax revenue | Texas Fair Defense Act |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 C832
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [63 pages  File size: 2,583 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study ways to increase efficiency and provide for greater local control through restructuring county government.
2. Consider the increased costs associated with Court Administration and Security as it relates to the implementation of the Fair Defense Act and heightened security requirements.
3. Review the proliferation of sub-standard housing in counties not covered by Local Government Code, Chapter 232, Subchapters B and C and ways to bring these areas up to minimum standards.
4. Determine whether county fees/fines are at appropriate levels and have maintained their proper function and application.
5. Study the concept of ways to limit unfunded state mandates by reviewing what other jurisdictions have done.
6. Review the amount of taxes collected and services delivered in incorporated areas versus unincorporated areas of counties.
7. 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: 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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