Texas House Bill HB59

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the system by which an application for a low income housing tax credit is scored.

Impact

The adjustments outlined in HB 59 could significantly impact state housing laws and the administration of low income housing tax credits. By establishing a point system that prioritizes community input and financial viability, the bill seeks to enhance the transparency and accountability of the housing application process. Moreover, it introduces penalties for applicants who request extension of deadlines and encourages the provision of community services such as notary public services to tenants. Assured application scoring based on these factors is expected to lead to more sustainable and community-oriented housing projects.

Summary

House Bill 59 aims to revise the scoring system used by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for applications seeking low income housing tax credits. The proposed changes emphasize the financial feasibility of developments and require quantifiable community participation as crucial factors in scoring applications. This shift is intended to align housing development projects more closely with community needs and financial realities, fostering better outcomes for low-income housing efforts across Texas.

Contention

As with any legislative change, there are points of contention surrounding the implementation of HB 59. Supporters argue that prioritizing community engagement and financial scrutiny will lead to improved housing outcomes and better utilization of taxcredits. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the extent to which these criteria could potentially disqualify deserving projects that are essential for low-income residents, particularly in underserved areas. Additionally, there may be apprehension regarding how community participation is evaluated and weighted in the application scoring process, as this could influence which projects are approved and funded, thus affecting housing availability in various regions.