87R3549 JG-D
By: Lopez H.B. No. 2045
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a task force to evaluate the housing
needs of senior citizens who are lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer, or questioning.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "task force" means the task
force established under this section.
(b) The task force is established to evaluate the housing
needs of senior citizens who are lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer, or questioning and to develop potential housing
solutions to address those needs and provide to those senior
citizens safe, affordable housing options. In conducting the
evaluation, the task force shall assess the evolving housing needs
of senior citizens who may need to transition into a long-term care
facility, including an assisted living facility or a nursing
facility.
(c) The task force is composed of the following 10 members:
(1) the chair of the LGBTQ caucus of the house of
representatives, to serve as presiding officer of the task force;
and
(2) nine members appointed by the governor as follows:
(A) three appropriately qualified individuals
who are representatives of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
queer, or questioning community;
(B) three individuals with appropriate expertise
on issues faced by the aging population, which may include
representatives of the Coalition for Aging LGBT, assisted living
facilities, or nursing facilities; and
(C) three individuals with appropriate expertise
in the area of public safety and housing, which may include one or
more representatives of the Texas Department of Housing and
Community Affairs.
(d) In making the appointments under Subsection (c) of this
section, the governor shall seek input from appropriately qualified
organizations and stakeholders, including the Coalition for Aging
LGBT and Equality Texas.
(e) The governor shall make the appointments required by
Subsection (c) of this section not later than November 1, 2021.
(f) The task force shall meet at the call of the presiding
officer. The task force may meet in person or by electronic means.
(g) A task force member is not entitled to compensation for
service on the task force but may be reimbursed for actual and
necessary expenses incurred in performing task force duties. The
task force may accept gifts, grants, and donations to pay for those
expenses.
(h) Not later than September 1, 2022, the task force shall
prepare and submit to the governor, the legislature, and the Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs a written report
summarizing the results of the evaluation conducted under
Subsection (b) of this section and proposing potential housing
solutions, including any legislative recommendations.
(i) The task force is abolished and this Act expires
December 1, 2022.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.