Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'housing assistance'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a housing desert.
  • I'm an affordable housing developer, a real affordable housing developer.
  • affordable housing.
  • assistance.
  • Thank you, House.
Summary: The meeting highlighted significant issues regarding housing funding mechanisms, particularly surrounding the complexities of Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs). Members voiced their concerns about the financial impacts these HFCs have on local government revenues, given that many property tax exemptions are given while maintaining market-rate rents. This discussion was sparked by alarming statistics indicating a rapid increase in tax dollars removed from local jurisdictions due to HFC activities, stressing the need for regulatory reforms to preserve affordable housing without financially jeopardizing municipalities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 18th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Good morning, this is the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

  • The chair lays out House Bill 636 by Wally.

  • So, House Bill, uh, thank you.

  • House Bill 636 directs the Texas Department of Housing and
  • , and health systems, which can benefit patients' and clients' housing and health outcomes.
Summary: The meeting centered around House Bill 636, presented by Representative Wally, which aims to address the growing issue of homelessness in Texas. It was highlighted that approximately 62,000 Texans are expected to experience homelessness in 2024, with significant numbers being veterans and victims of domestic violence. The bill proposes that the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs collaborate with the Texas Homeless Network to create a unified data sharing system. This collaborative effort is intended to enhance communication between various agencies and service providers to improve service delivery for those experiencing homelessness.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and homelessness in Texas by creating a pilot program to provide tenant readiness and housing assistance
  • ...23% of households that qualify for housing assistance
  • To alleviate this issue, HB 714 will allow Texas to create its own housing assistance program to help
  • finding housing.
  • Housing assistance to find and secure a home.
Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee featured significant discussions surrounding three key bills: HB158, HB1630, and HB3509. Representative Raymond presented HB158, a proposal to reutilize surplus government properties for veteran and low-income family housing, emphasizing the need for permanent housing solutions in Texas. The discussion also touched on the fiscal implications of the bill and potential housing resources. In another session, HB1630 was put forward to make social workers eligible for the Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program, addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis faced by many Americans, particularly younger generations. This bill garnered bipartisan support, showcasing the committee's collective awareness of the housing challenges impacting essential workers in the community. Lastly, Representative Enchia introduced HB3509, focused on Tourism Public Improvement Districts (TPIDs), which help collect revenue through hotel self-assessments to promote local tourism. This bill aims to enhance competitiveness for conventions in Texas and made clarifications for ease of creating and managing these districts. The committee received various public testimonies expressing support and concerns about the proposed bills. The meeting highlighted the committee's dedication to addressing housing and economic development challenges within Texas, closing with an invitation for further committee discussions and public input.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ultimately, that'll reduce both the cost to the new housing, giving us more affordable housing, and will
  • It's the cost associated with the houses and the developments, ultimately affecting affordable housing
  • I represent myself, and I am in favor of this bill, House Bill 1198.
  • I'm in favor of House Bill 1198.
  • House Bill 3977 establishes a permissive process for meet and confer.
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed multiple bills focusing primarily on local government regulations concerning environmental policy and spending practices. Notably, HB4313 and HB4314 were discussed, with advocates expressing concerns about the overreach of local governments in implementing stringent environmental regulations that might impact efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Testimony included perspectives from organizations like the Texas Public Policy Foundation, emphasizing that local governments should focus on practical criteria rather than subjective social governance measures, particularly in contracting processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Veteran Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas does lead the nation in providing housing assistance for our veterans through home loans to those
  • After the Vietnam War, many veterans came home to stigma and were denied jobs and housing.
  • It applies to housing, employment, and access to utilities.
  • I've experienced that as well, getting individuals assistance when they have a service history.
  • They were at the White House, invited, and they were there.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs focused on multiple bills aimed at improving services and protections for veterans in Texas. Discussion centered on Senate Bill 2926, which transfers the administration of veterans' mental health initiatives to the Texas Veterans Commission to enhance efficiency and service delivery. Public testimony was heard both for and against the bill, but ultimately it will be left pending. Other notable discussions included Senate Bill 2938, addressing the mental health challenges faced by justice-impacted veterans, aiming to better connect them with necessary resources. Additionally, Senate Bill 2543 and Senate Bill 2545 aimed to expand veteran cemetery locations and housing assistance for veterans, respectively, highlighting the increasing demand for support services in these areas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 7th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So at the end of the day, if you want housing, raise that percentage.
  • Felicity Maxwell, Texans for Housing, speaking in support of SB 844.
  • Texans for Housing is a statewide housing...
  • It addresses Texas's housing needs.
  • As we all know, Texas is currently facing a housing shortage.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government convened to discuss significant bills, primarily focusing on SB844, which seeks to reform zoning petition processes to enhance property rights and facilitate housing development. Senator Hughes, the bill's author, advocated that current laws overly empower a minority of landowners to block necessary housing advancements, asserting that such regulations hurt overall housing affordability. Concerns were raised about balancing individual property rights against community needs, with testimonies from builders and housing advocates supporting the bill's aims to streamline zoning decisions and reduce impediments to development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Apr 7th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and managing a HUD housing voucher program.
  • Section 8 housing.
  • The Housing Credit Improvement Act had 300 House sponsors last session.
  • through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
  • property low-income housing.
Summary: The meeting covered several significant bills, primarily focusing on enhancing transparency and accountability within local government and homeowners' associations. Notably, Senator Hinojosa introduced SB1935, aimed to reform the operations of Property Owners Association Boards, addressing concerns over insufficient representation and transparency for homeowners. The bill drew a mix of support and opposition, with testimonies highlighting the need for greater homeowner engagement in decisions affecting their communities. Additionally, SB2046 was discussed, which would enhance penalties for public officials engaging in bid rigging, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of competitive bidding processes to curb misconduct within government contracts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , which we have seen can drive up housing prices.
  • House Bill 4601 would create a special...
  • So is there anyone wishing to testify for or against House...
  • The chair lays out House Bill 4486.
  • At this time, House Bill 4486 will be left pending. The chair lays out House Bill 4488.
Summary: During this meeting, the committee engaged in detailed discussions surrounding various legislative proposals, notably focusing on HB2054 and HB4601. HB2054 was discussed in the context of addressing financial support for victims' families during declared emergencies, removing existing procedural barriers. Representative Manuel presented HB4601, which aims to assist Texas veterans in purchasing affordable housing by creating a down payment assistance program financed through a dedicated tax fund. This program is essential to simplify homeownership for veterans facing financial challenges in the current housing market.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will not be hearing House Bill 3792 or House Bill 5683 today
  • Housing costs are often the largest.
  • The Chair lays out House Bill 5677. The Chair offers the committee substitute for House Bill 5677.
  • The Chair lays out House Bill 5685 by Kitzman.
  • House Bill 769 serves as a proactive step.
Summary: The meeting focused on the presentation and discussions around several House Bills, notably HB769, which aims to enhance pedestrian safety by providing funding for the construction of sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure in disadvantaged areas. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented the bill passionately, highlighting the necessity of sidewalks as basic infrastructure that supports community health and mobility. Testimony from various stakeholders, including local officials and community advocates, supported the bill, emphasizing the urgent need for improved pedestrian pathways due to rising pedestrian fatalities in Texas. Several bills were left pending as discussions were extensive, indicating ongoing negotiations and considerations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Apr 24th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government was marked by discussions focusing primarily on addressing the housing crisis in Texas. Key bills, including SB208 and SB2778, were thoroughly examined. SB208 aims to create the Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund to provide non-profit builders with zero-interest loans, facilitating the construction of affordable homes for low to moderate-income families. Meanwhile, SB2778 seeks to raise the board approval threshold for emergency service districts from $2,000 to $50,000 to enhance operational efficiency and expedite procurement processes for necessary resources. Various testimonies were heard from stakeholders, including housing authorities and fire chiefs, emphasizing the importance of these bills in improving housing availability and emergency response capabilities in Texas. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending for further review and discussion.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government May 5th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rule 4, Section 13, House committees are subject to the same rules of decorum that govern House proceedings
  • The chair lays out House Bill 3648.
  • House Bill 3205.
  • Our housing retention rate is about 90%; they stay in housing as long as we track them.
  • We need more rapid rehousing, which is temporary housing assistance for those who are looking for work
Summary: The committee meeting convened to address a series of bills aimed at enhancing public safety, addressing homelessness, and improving governance associated with county purchasing agents. Key discussions revolved around HB3205, which seeks to implement a County Housing First Initiative to combat homelessness by allowing counties to create a dedicated funding source for such initiatives. Representative Campos presented compelling evidence supporting the efficacy of Housing First programs, citing substantial improvements in housing stability and quality of life for participants. The bill received favorable testimonies from various stakeholders, emphasizing its crucial role in tackling homelessness in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 24th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, the committee substitute changes provisions clarifying that tax exemptions granted to housing
  • We're a Houston-based developer, contractor, and operator of affordable rental housing, but I am here
  • today as the board president of the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers.
  • Pew has studied permitting reform as a mechanism to boost housing production and improve affordability
  • They ensure the house isn't going to fall down, but they check the stamp on the structural plans.
Summary: The meeting of the local government committee covered several important bills, notably Senate Bill 1454, Senate Bill 1237, and Senate Bill 2520. Senator Betancourt presided over the proceedings, guiding the discussion on the multiple committee substitutes proposed for each of these bills. SB1454 focused on tax exemptions for housing authorities, with amendments that included stricter compliance measures for municipalities. The committee unanimously recommended that the bill proceed to the full Senate without objection.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our services include housing counseling and assistance

  • Households that qualify for housing assistance are headed
  • Housing is a foundation.
  • House Bill 1226 is...
  • This time, House Bill 166.
Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee was focused on various housing-related bills, including HB411, which seeks to prevent discrimination against tenants based on their source of income, particularly targeting landlords who refuse Section 8 or other housing vouchers. Representative Rosenthal presented compelling arguments advocating for the bill, highlighting the discriminatory practices that disproportionately affect low-income families, including veterans. The discussion included public testimonies that underscored the vital need for housing reforms to provide a fair chance at stable housing for those relying on assistance programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs will come to
  • , the Governor's office—all have recognized that housing affordability and the production of more housing
  • This time, the chair lays out House Bill 627.
  • As we all know, Texas is currently experiencing an affordable housing shortage.
  • and supports the construction of much-needed safe, quality, and affordable housing.
Summary: The meeting centered around discussions on affordable housing legislation, particularly focusing on HB627 and HB1865. The chair laid out HB627, which aims to address issues related to the resolution of no objection (RONO) requirement for affordable housing projects. This bill is designed to improve the process for developers by mandating timely responses from local jurisdictions, which would facilitate an increase in affordable housing units in Texas. Numerous witnesses, including representatives from housing associations, testified in favor of the bill, highlighting the need for greater efficiency in housing development. Concerns were raised regarding the removal of public hearing requirements for smaller jurisdictions, with some members expressing the need for community input on housing developments.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 1st, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • affordable housing in Texas.
  • , but I need a house today.
  • I want this house."
  • Obviously, we are lacking housing inventory, particularly affordable housing.
  • House Bill 303 lays out.
Summary: HB2464, presented by Representative Heffner, seeks to reduce unnecessary local regulations on home-based businesses, supporting Texans' abilities to operate no-impact businesses from their residences. The discussions highlighted the balance between enabling entrepreneurship and ensuring community standards are upheld, along with concerns regarding potential impacts on existing zoning laws. The meeting concluded with a call for more clarification and a focus on ensuring the bill protects local interests while promoting small business growth.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In particular, many cities, housing advocates, and affordable housing developers have noted that the
  • and specifically low-income housing.
  • There's only a limited supply of housing.
  • I think it died in the House, I believe.
  • We're going to a house bill.
Summary: The meeting of the committee effectively reviewed and voted on multiple bills pertaining to public safety, affordable housing, and local governance. Notably, Senator Cook introduced SB2262, which grants municipalities authority to regulate automated defibrillators, aiming to enhance public health responses in urban areas. Public testimony was heard on several bills, illustrating community support and concerns, particularly around affordable housing issues raised by Senator Menendez's SB2137, which seeks to improve access to low-income housing by altering existing criteria used by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Additionally, the discussions also touched on the impact of various bills on local governance and property rights, highlighting the committee's aim to address essential services within communities effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is a companion to House Bill 1630 by Representative Janie Lopez.
  • This is one way to fund low-income housing, I guess.
  • And this is our first House bill, I think?
  • House Bill 22 will be left pending, subject to the call of the chair.
  • Well, actually, in this case, for once, no, it was House bills that got caught up on the House local
Summary: The committee meeting predominantly focused on various pieces of legislation, notably Senate Bill 2299, which aims to redefine municipal immunity. Deep concerns were raised during discussions, particularly by public witnesses who underscored the bill's potential to undermine citizen accountability and local governance. Representative Monty Bennett argued passionately against the bill, citing its conflict with recent local charter amendments passed by Dallas voters, reflecting a significant public sentiment for local governance autonomy. Multiple attendees voiced strong opposition due to fears of increased litigation against municipalities, which could strain local resources and hinder governance effectiveness. In contrast, proponents of the bill, including city representatives, argued that it is essential for preventing frivolous lawsuits and maintaining fiscal responsibility for city budgets.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 4643.
  • House Bill 4419 be reported favorably to the full House and that it do pass and be printed.
  • So it was House Bill 4127 by Davis.
  • the owner of the other house.
  • house at that time.
Summary: During this meeting of the committee, key discussions were held regarding various bills, particularly those concerning contract requirements related to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Multiple bills, such as HB4129, HB4130, and HB4131, were unanimously reported favorably without any debate, showcasing a clear consensus among members about their importance in regulating contracts with single-source continuum contractors. Notable attention was also directed towards HB3750, which pertains to reimbursement for legal expenses incurred by DFPS employees, demonstrating acknowledgment of the need to protect staff operating in complex legal environments. Public testimony was welcomed, allowing voices from the community to add value to the legislative dialogue. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue examining the implications of these bills as they move forward in the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • On top of that, if you were to look up my house, because you can look up all of our houses...
  • House Bill 3589.
  • Assistance Account Program grant.
  • The chair lays out House Bill.
  • The chair lays out House Bill.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a wide range of legislative proposals, with significant focus on addressing child welfare, language access, and transparency in funding for children's advocacy centers. Representative Richardson presented HB5136, aimed at strengthening governance and accountability in child advocacy centers, reflecting concerns over transparency due to recent scandals. The bill was discussed extensively as members expressed the need for better oversight in organizations receiving public funding. Additionally, HB4838 was championed for enhancing language access in emergency services, with witnesses emphasizing its critical importance for non-English speakers during crises. Overall, strong engagement from both representatives and the public was evident, with passionate testimonies highlighting the necessity of these legislative measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 28th, 2025 at 09:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please ask the staff.
  • Chair lays out House Bill 3015 and recognizes Representative
  • House Bill 3015 fixes that.
  • Is there anyone else who wishes to testify on, for, or against House Bill 3015?
  • House Joint Resolution 182.

Summary: The committee meeting was centered on the discussion of various bills, notably focusing on House Bill 3521, which aims to enhance retention incentives for police officers in Houston. Chairman Harless opened discussions highlighting the urgency of the bill due to staffing challenges within the Houston Police Department. Testimonies were given by several members of the police department and pension fund representatives, stipulating the need for actionable changes to prevent a significant exodus of experienced officers. The bill was met with supportive testimony that underscored the precarious staffing situation and the necessity for improved retention strategies. Following deliberations, the bill remained pending for further review.

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