Texas Senate Bill SB1670

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the provision of affordable housing in colonias, rural communities, and small municipalities.

Impact

The main impact of SB1670 would be an enhanced system for tracking state-funded projects aimed at helping colonias. The bill amends existing laws to require the Department of Agriculture to create a classification system for identifying colonias, thereby improving the state's capacity to provide targeted assistance. This new classification system is intended to include detailed reporting on the number of residents served, project spending, and completion timelines, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the utilization of public funds. The implementation of this system would provide a clear channel for legislative and community oversight of projects benefiting these communities.

Summary

SB1670 focuses on the provision of affordable housing specifically targeted towards colonias, rural communities, and small municipalities in Texas. The bill mandates the establishment of an office within the Department of Agriculture to coordinate efforts related to housing and services in these economically distressed areas. By defining what constitutes a colonia, the bill aims to facilitate better resource allocation and assistance for housing projects in these regions, which are often underserved and facing significant infrastructure challenges.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1670 may include concerns about the adequacy of funding necessary for the effective implementation of the classification and reporting systems described in the bill. Critics might argue that without sufficient appropriations, the initiatives could fall short of their intended purpose, leaving colonias and rural areas without necessary support. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the specific metrics and criteria used to classify colonias, as differences in regional priorities might lead to disparities in project funding and assistance.