88R11655 JG-D By: Raymond H.B. No. 5072 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a study on the use of surplus government property to provide housing to veterans and low-income families. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) "Department" means the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. (2) "Surplus government property" means unused or underused federal, state, or local property, including real property, historic buildings, residential buildings, and commercial buildings. SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) The department shall conduct a study on the feasibility of using surplus government property to provide housing to veterans and low-income families. (b) In conducting the study under this section, the department: (1) shall: (A) evaluate the availability of surplus government property in this state and the feasibility of developing housing units on that property to provide housing to veterans and low-income families; and (B) identify potential funding sources to develop housing units on surplus government property, including: (i) federal historic tax credits; (ii) federal housing tax credits; (iii) corporate and private donations; (iv) other existing state and federal funding sources; and (v) proposed tenant rent payments; and (2) may consult with: (A) local housing authorities; (B) affordable housing developers; and (C) organizations and persons with appropriate and relevant expertise on the housing needs of veterans or low-income families. SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than November 1, 2024, the department shall prepare and submit to the legislature a written report summarizing the results of the study conducted under this Act. SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2025. SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.