89R9952 JG-F
By: Cole H.B. No. 2724
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to equitable operations policies for certain emergency
homeless shelters.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 2306, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 2306.0945 to read as follows:
Sec. 2306.0945. EMERGENCY HOMELESS SHELTER EQUITABLE
OPERATIONS POLICIES. (a) This section applies only to an emergency
homeless shelter that receives financial assistance administered
by the department, including federal funds described by Section
2306.094.
(b) The department by rule shall require each emergency
homeless shelter to adopt and implement equitable operations
policies designed to ensure that individuals experiencing
homelessness in this state have equal access to shelter and support
services regardless of the individuals' race, ethnicity, national
origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion,
disability, or other protected status.
(c) The equitable operations policies must require an
emergency homeless shelter to:
(1) eliminate discriminatory practices in the
admission of individuals to and the discharge of individuals from
the shelter and in the provision of services;
(2) offer culturally and linguistically appropriate
services and accommodations;
(3) ensure that each individual receiving services
from the shelter has access to the same level of basic amenities,
such as clean and safe sleeping accommodations, showers, restrooms,
and laundry facilities;
(4) provide individuals receiving services from the
shelter with access to supportive services, such as case
management, employment assistance, health care, and mental health
and substance use treatment;
(5) prioritize the needs of individuals who are most
vulnerable, including families with children, pregnant
individuals, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of
domestic violence;
(6) adopt trauma-informed care practices to ensure
that each individual receiving services from the shelter is treated
with dignity and respect;
(7) provide staff training and professional
development on issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion;
(8) establish and implement other holistic operations
policies determined by the department to maximize the opportunity
for stabilization of the community the shelter serves during and
after a public emergency; and
(9) collect and report data to the department in
accordance with department rule on the demographic characteristics
of shelter residents and outcomes achieved.
(d) The department shall develop and distribute to each
emergency shelter guidelines and best practices for the adoption
and implementation of the equitable operations policies.
(e) The department shall monitor emergency homeless
shelters to ensure compliance with this section.
(f) The department may not provide financial assistance to
an emergency shelter that fails to adopt and implement the
equitable operations policies required by this section.
(g) The department may collaborate with local emergency
homeless shelter regulatory authorities in carrying out this
section.
(h) The senate finance committee and the house
appropriations committee shall use the equitable operations
policies required by this section as a guide in determining the
costs and funding sources of those policies.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
shall adopt the rules required by Section 2306.0945, Government
Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.