88R4418 JG-D
By: Campos H.B. No. 913
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a statewide homelessness data
system.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter KK, Chapter 2306, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 2306.911 to read as follows:
Sec. 2306.911. STATEWIDE HOMELESSNESS DATA SYSTEM. (a)
The council shall collaborate with a state agency designated by the
council to establish a statewide homelessness data system through
which:
(1) state agencies and local governmental entities,
including law enforcement agencies, court systems, school
districts, and emergency service providers, are able to share
information related to individuals experiencing homelessness; and
(2) the entities described by Subdivision (1) are able
to access information related to individuals experiencing
homelessness in order to connect or refer those individuals to
services, including affordable housing opportunities.
(b) In developing the data system, the council and the state
agency designated by the council shall:
(1) consult with representatives of the entities
described by Subsection (a) to determine the challenges faced by
those entities in addressing homelessness and how best to improve
the responses to those challenges;
(2) enter into data sharing agreements as necessary
for the exchange of information relating to individuals
experiencing homelessness through the data system; and
(3) ensure that information stored in the data system
that is confidential under state or federal law is not disclosed.
(c) The data system established under this section must:
(1) to the extent permitted by a data sharing
agreement, collect data from other homelessness data systems
maintained or operated by a state agency, local law enforcement
agency, or other entity of this state; and
(2) collect, aggregate, analyze, and share
homelessness information submitted to the data system with entities
that have access to the system.
SECTION 2. Not later than September 1, 2025, the Texas
Interagency Council for the Homeless described by Subchapter KK,
Chapter 2306, Government Code, or an entity designated by the
council shall prepare and submit to the legislature and the Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs a written report that
evaluates the effectiveness of the statewide homelessness data
system established under Section 2306.911, Government Code, as
added by this Act, in addressing homelessness in this state.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.