Texas House Bill HB5169

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/10/23

Caption

Relating to the issuance of private activity bonds for qualified residential rental projects.

Impact

The proposed legislation is anticipated to have a significant impact on the financing of residential rental projects across the state. By clarifying the priorities for bond reservations, HB 5169 encourages investment in low-income housing and is expected to enhance the availability of affordable housing options. The law modifies the existing bond issuance framework, positioning it to better support residents earning less than the area median income, thus addressing some of the housing challenges faced by low-income families in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 5169 aims to amend the Government Code to streamline the issuance of private activity bonds for qualified residential rental projects. The bill outlines the criteria and priorities for granting bond reservations, focusing on projects that maintain compliance with certain federal regulations while emphasizing the importance of affordability in residential rentals. By introducing provisions to certify compliance more effectively, the bill seeks to improve the efficiency of financing low-income housing developments within Texas.

Sentiment

Discussions around HB 5169 have been largely positive among supporters, particularly housing advocates and financial institutions interested in expanding affordable housing. They view the bill as a positive move towards providing necessary resources for low-income housing projects. However, there are concerns regarding the implementation of these changes and whether the targeted projects will adequately meet the urgent housing demands in certain areas.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the challenges related to compliance and regulatory burdens that could affect smaller developers. Critics are apprehensive that while the bill aims to facilitate funding, it may inadvertently disadvantage smaller projects that cannot meet the same compliance standards due to limited resources. Stakeholders have expressed caution about ensuring that the benefits directed by this legislation reach a diverse range of housing needs without overwhelming applicants with bureaucratic procedures.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 1202. Examination And Registration Of Public Securities
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 1372. Private Activity Bonds And Certain Other Bonds
  • Section: 0231
  • Section: 0321
  • Section: 037
  • Section: 042