Texas House Bill HB2494

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to provisions applicable to affordable housing located in a reinvestment zone in certain areas of the state; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The bill specifies that at least 20% of the revenue generated from the tax increment fund of a designated reinvestment zone must be allocated for the development and preservation of affordable housing. Of this amount, 75% must be specifically directed to assist families earning at or below 60% of the area median income. By requiring municipalities to set aside a significant portion of these revenues for affordable housing, HB2494 aims to address the critical shortage of affordable housing options in areas with high poverty rates and low median incomes.

Summary

House Bill 2494 seeks to enhance provisions related to affordable housing by establishing new requirements for municipalities that designate reinvestment zones. This bill mandates that before a municipality adopts such an ordinance, it must prepare an affordable housing impact statement. This statement is designed to assess the impact on the availability of affordable housing within the proposed zone for a 30-year period, ensuring greater transparency and public awareness of potential consequences arising from these designations.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill has prompted discussions around its practical implications, particularly regarding the potential burden it may place on municipal budgets and its efficacy in genuinely increasing the availability of affordable housing. Concerns have been raised regarding how municipalities will adjust their financial planning and whether the designated percentages will sufficiently meet the housing needs of low-income residents. Additionally, the provision for municipalities to develop plans for tenant relocation in the case of displacement due to compliance with habitability standards adds another layer of complexity to the implementation of this legislation.