86R8405 JAM-D
By: Neave H.B. No. 1583
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a government shutdown housing relief
loan program; authorizing fees.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter K, Chapter 2306, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 2306.2591 to read as follows:
Sec. 2306.2591. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN HOUSING RELIEF LOAN
PROGRAM. (a) The department shall establish and administer a
program to provide loans to federal employees who are:
(1) considered nonessential or otherwise furloughed
during a federal government shutdown; or
(2) working without pay during a federal government
shutdown as a result of being considered essential or otherwise
excepted from a furlough.
(b) A loan made under this section:
(1) may be made only for rent, mortgage, or utility
payments;
(2) must be repaid not later than the 60th day after
the date the federal government processes back pay for the loan
recipient following the end of a federal government shutdown; and
(3) may not bear interest.
(c) The department shall adopt rules necessary to
administer the program. Rules adopted under this section:
(1) must include requirements for documentation
necessary for a loan applicant to establish eligibility for
participation in the program, including proof of employment and
covered expenses; and
(2) may impose fees for the failure to repay a loan
within the period required by Subsection (b)(2).
(d) The department may use any available revenue, including
any available money from the housing trust fund, to provide loans
under this section. The department shall solicit and accept gifts
and grants for the purposes of this section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.