Texas Senate Bill SB973

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in certain rural areas.

Impact

The implications of SB 973 are significant, as it alters state regulations around housing financial assistance. By allowing areas that meet specific criteria to be designated as rural, the bill opens the door for these communities to potentially benefit from housing programs and funding that were previously limited to designated rural areas. This could lead to improved housing availability and conditions in underserved regions, contributing to the overall development of rural communities within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 973 pertains to financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, specifically targeting rural areas. The bill broadens the definition of what constitutes a 'rural area' to include certain regions within metropolitan statistical areas that have a population of 25,000 or less and do not share boundaries with urban areas. This amendment aims to ensure that smaller communities within metropolitan regions receive more attention and support in terms of financial resources and housing assistance.

Contention

While the bill does have the potential for positive impacts, there may be points of contention regarding the designation of areas as rural and the subsequent allocations of financial assistance. Critics of the bill may raise concerns about the criteria used for designations and whether they adequately reflect the needs of communities that are truly rural versus those that are simply on the periphery of metropolitan areas. Furthermore, some may argue that this could divert resources from already established programs aimed at urban areas where needs are still pressing.