Texas House Bill HB3536

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to determine certain demographic information regarding the occupancy of multiunit residential properties; requiring applicants for certain tax credits to provide certain demographic information.

Impact

If enacted, HB3536 would amend various sections of the Government Code to include a new obligation for property owners and the TDHCA. Property owners will be required to submit occupancy information to the department, which will then forward this data to the United States Census Bureau. By implementing this measure, state authorities anticipate better foresight in housing trends, population density, and more informed decision-making regarding housing policies and community development. It allows for the monitoring of housing conditions, which could inform future housing policies and support programs aimed at underrepresented communities.

Summary

House Bill 3536 aims to enhance the demographic understanding of occupancy within multiunit residential properties in Texas. The bill requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to collect and report specific demographic data regarding the occupancy of these properties. By determining the number of units and occupants in each multiunit residential property, the legislation seeks to provide valuable information that can assist in federal census activities, ensuring the Texas population is accurately represented in demographic records. This is essential for effective planning and resource allocation across the state.

Contention

While generally supportive of the intent to gather more accurate demographic data, some legislators may raise concerns about the potential burden on property owners and the TDHCA in terms of the logistics and costs associated with collecting and reporting this data. Additionally, there may be discussions around privacy concerns related to the demographic information being gathered and how it would be used once reported to the Census Bureau. Stakeholders from various sectors, including housing advocates and real estate owners, may express varying viewpoints regarding the implications of increased regulation in this area.