Texas House Bill HB3308

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the formation of special districts for the purpose of storm mitigation and resiliency, energy, water, and indoor air utilizing private funding sources; providing thereto the ability of specific entities to use conduit financing; and establishing specific consumer protection provisions for residential property owners related to the program.

Impact

The bill empowers local governments to create specialized programs that can issue bonds and impose assessments to finance qualified improvements. These improvements include, but are not limited to, energy efficiency installations, flood damage mitigations, and indoor air quality enhancements. The establishment of such programs will grant local authorities additional tools to manage and direct resources toward critical infrastructural upgrades that can protect their communities from natural disasters and improve overall energy consumption. However, it also places certain financial responsibilities on homeowners that partake in these financing programs.

Summary

House Bill 3308 establishes the Storm Mitigation and Resiliency Financing Act, which aims to facilitate the formation of special districts by local governments for the purpose of enhancing storm resiliency and energy efficiency. This legislation enables local governments to implement programs funded through private sources, allowing for improvements related to storm damage mitigation, energy and water efficiency in residential properties. The act focuses on using conduit financing to fund these initiatives, encouraging participation from residential property owners in enhancing their homes and surrounding environments against extreme weather incidents.

Contention

A notable point of contention revolves around the consumer protection provisions outlined in the bill. The act mandates that program administrators disclose vital financial information to property owners, ensuring transparency about any assessed financing and the obligations that arise from it. Additionally, the bill prohibits marketing practices that might mislead homeowners into thinking that they are receiving free financial assistance for their improvements. Critics may argue about the efficacy of these consumer protections and whether they are robust enough to safeguard homeowners from potential predatory practices.

Additional_notes

Overall, HB3308 represents a strategic initiative by the state to bolster resilience within communities while offering local governments flexibility in financing improvements. Its success will hinge on the proper implementation of the established guidelines and the active participation of property owners willing to invest in their homes' safety and efficiency.