By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1117
(Naishtat)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to housing services provided through the transitional
living services program to certain children in the conservatorship
of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 264.121, Family Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (i) to read as follows:
(i) The department shall ensure that the transition plan for
each youth 16 years of age or older includes provisions to assist
the youth in managing the youth's housing needs after the youth
leaves foster care, including provisions that:
(1) identify the cost of housing in relation to the
youth's sources of income, including any benefits or rental
assistance available to the youth;
(2) if the youth's housing goals include residing with
family or friends, state that the department has addressed the
following with the youth:
(A) the length of time the youth expects to stay
in the housing arrangement;
(B) expectations for the youth regarding paying
rent and meeting other household obligations;
(C) the youth's psychological and emotional
needs, as applicable; and
(D) any potential conflicts with other household
members, or any difficulties connected to the type of housing the
youth is seeking, that may arise based on the youth's psychological
and emotional needs;
(3) inform the youth about emergency shelters and
housing resources, including supervised independent living and
housing at colleges and universities, such as dormitories;
(4) require the department to review a common rental
application with the youth and ensure that the youth possesses all
of the documentation required to obtain rental housing; and
(5) identify any individuals who are able to serve as
cosigners or references on the youth's applications for housing.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.