Texas House Bill HB3466

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/3/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/24/23
• Voted on by House: 4/28/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/23
• Governor Action: 6/13/23

Caption

Relating to the administration of certain programs regarding Holocaust Remembrance Week and the establishment and expansion of community collaboratives.

Impact

The passage of HB 3466 is expected to have a significant impact on state law by enhancing funding mechanisms for community services. The bill encourages collaboration among various local entities, including non-profits and faith-based organizations, to address pressing social issues. Furthermore, it aims to improve service delivery in rural areas by prioritizing grants for collaboratives that serve multiple counties or regions with significant challenges in addressing homelessness and mental health.

Summary

House Bill 3466 focuses on the administration of grant programs aimed at establishing and expanding community collaboratives that serve individuals experiencing homelessness, substance abuse issues, or mental illness. The bill mandates the establishment of a new special account within the State Treasury to ensure dedicated funding for these initiatives. Additionally, it introduces a biennial reporting requirement to provide greater transparency and accountability regarding the use and effectiveness of grant funds. This reporting is directed towards key legislative figures and committees for improved oversight.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3466 appears generally positive, particularly among stakeholders who advocate for enhanced community support systems. Testimonies during committee discussions highlighted the importance of improving administrative processes to better serve vulnerable populations. However, the bill's integration of Holocaust education components may introduce complexity, necessitating careful consideration when implementing these dual focuses.

Contention

While the overall goal of HB 3466 is to bolster community safety nets, discussions revealed some contention regarding the balance between providing necessary funding and ensuring that these resources are effectively distributed. Concerns were raised about possible bureaucratic hurdles in the reporting process, as well as the challenge of attracting sufficient local contributions to leverage state grants. The juxtaposition of social service needs with educational objectives regarding Holocaust remembrance may also spark debate surrounding resource allocation within the legislation.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 539. Community Collaboratives
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