Relating to the evaluation of applications for certain financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Impact
The implications of HB 211 are significant, as it modifies the way applications for low-income housing tax credits are assessed. By mandating a point system and specifying criteria such as financial feasibility and community participation, the bill aims to streamline the process and potentially increase the quality of housing projects funded by the state. This change also addresses concerns over tenant welfare by ensuring that developments meet certain standards of livability, thus enhancing the overall housing landscape in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 211 aims to amend the evaluation process for applications related to financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, particularly in the area of private activity bonds. The bill introduces a point-based scoring system that emphasizes various criteria, including income levels of tenants, affordability, community support, and specific conditions such as the requirement for units to be equipped with air conditioning. This scoring mechanism seeks to ensure that funding prioritizes developments that best serve low-income tenants and have the backing of the community.
Contention
While the bill is generally viewed as a step towards improving affordable housing, there are possible points of contention. Some stakeholders may be concerned about the rigidity of the scoring system and whether it could inadvertently disadvantage certain applicants who might not meet all criteria yet still serve vital community needs. Furthermore, the requirement for air conditioning could raise questions about costs and feasibility for developers, particularly in economically challenged areas. Balancing the need for quality housing with practical realities is a potential debate surrounding HB 211.
Requirement
Moreover, the bill outlines that this legislative change is applicable only to applications submitted under the 2026 qualified allocation plan or later, thus ensuring that the transition to the new evaluation framework can be managed effectively over time. This staggered implementation might alleviate immediate pressures on developers while providing a clearer future path for building affordable housing projects.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 2306. Texas Department Of Housing And Community Affairs
Identical
Relating to the evaluation of applications for certain financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Relating to a right of first refusal applicable to the sale of housing developments that have received certain financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Relating to the establishment of a program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and certain county housing authorities to incentivize landlords to accept tenants participating in the housing choice voucher program.
Relating to the collection and publication of affordable housing information by certain municipalities and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Relating to a study on mold contamination in housing developments supported by financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Relating to prohibiting the consideration of certain criminal history information of a prospective tenant of a housing development operated by a public housing authority or operated by a recipient of financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.