Texas House Bill HB1273

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the Texas Certified Retirement Community Program.

Impact

If implemented, HB 1273 will impact local economies and state policies relating to retirement and tourism. Certified communities will receive state assistance to market themselves effectively, which could boost tourism and related businesses. This legislation suggests an intentional effort by the state to promote its regions as ideal for retirees, incorporating considerations for medical services and quality of life enhancements as integral to community attractiveness. This could potentially lead to increased state revenues through enhanced local economies driven by retirement-related tourism.

Summary

House Bill 1273 aims to establish the Texas Certified Retirement Community Program, designed to enhance the attractiveness of communities across Texas as retirement destinations. The bill outlines criteria for communities to achieve certification, including completing a retiree desirability assessment that evaluates factors such as crime statistics, tax information, recreational opportunities, and housing availability. This certification process not only positions communities favorably for attracting retirees but also fosters a collaborative environment among local organizations to improve overall appeal.

Contention

Critics of the bill may raise concerns regarding the feasibility of the proposed assessments and requirements for certification, as smaller or less-resourced communities may struggle to meet these standards. Additionally, lawmakers may debate the allocation of state funds for this program versus other pressing community needs. The bill's approach to marketing and promoting certain communities could also evoke discussions around fairness and equal opportunities for all communities, irrespective of their inherent advantages in attracting retirees. Thus, the balance between state support and local autonomy is likely to be a focal point in discussions surrounding this bill.