Texas Senate Bill SB2287

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the small municipality and rural area housing development fund.

Impact

If passed, SB2287 would amend existing government code provisions to include specific sections that outline the fund’s structure, operational guidelines, and funding allocation. The bill mandates that the funds be appropriated solely for housing initiatives, ensuring that the money is directed toward improving living conditions in designated areas. Additionally, it explicitly prohibits the use of these funds for infrastructure improvements related to water supply and sewer services, thereby focusing solely on housing.

Summary

SB2287 proposes the establishment of a small municipality and rural area housing development fund to address housing needs in economically distressed areas, particularly those characterized as colonias. The bill aims to create a dedicated funding source, which could allocate up to $7.5 million annually for housing initiatives in eligible counties and municipalities. It specifically targets areas with a high population of low-income families and aims to improve housing conditions within these communities.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB2287 highlight potential concerns about the adequacy of funding and its implications for local governance. While supporters advocate for the vital need to support housing in rural and underserved regions, critics may argue that the bill does not address broader systemic issues such as poverty or inadequate public services in these areas. The effectiveness of the fund in genuinely transforming housing conditions in colonias remains a point of contention, especially regarding whether the allocated funds will suffice to meet the needs of the communities they are intended to serve.