85R12765 JG-F By: Lucio S.B. No. 1672 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the purposes of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 2306.001, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 2306.001. PURPOSES. The purposes of the department are to: (1) assist local governments in: (A) providing essential public services for their residents; and (B) overcoming financial, social, and environmental problems; (2) provide for the housing needs of individuals and families of low, very low, and extremely low income and families of moderate income; (3) contribute to the preservation, development, and redevelopment of neighborhoods and communities, including cooperation in the preservation of government-assisted housing occupied by individuals and families of very low and extremely low income; (4) assist the governor and the legislature in coordinating federal and state programs affecting local government; (5) inform state officials and the public of the needs of local government; (6) serve as the lead agency for: (A) addressing at the state level the problem of homelessness in this state; (B) coordinating interagency efforts to address homelessness; and (C) addressing at the state level and coordinating interagency efforts to address any problem associated with homelessness, including hunger; [and] (7) serve as a source of information to the public regarding all affordable housing resources and community support services in the state; and (8) affirmatively further state and federal fair housing laws by promoting fair housing opportunities. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.