HB 434 — The creation of a task force to evaluate the housing nee

90R4047 JG-D By: Garcia of Bexar H.B. No. 434 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.

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; (2) three members appointed by the governor; (3) three members appointed by the lieutenant governor; and (4) three members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. (d) In making the appointments under Subsection (c) of this section, the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives shall each: (1) seek input from appropriately qualified organizations and stakeholders, including the Coalition for Aging LGBT and Equality Texas; and (2) appoint: (A) an appropriately qualified individual who is a representative of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning community; (B) an individual with appropriate expertise on issues faced by the aging population who may be a representative of the Coalition for Aging LGBT, assisted living facilities, or nursing facilities; and (C) an individual with appropriate expertise in the area of public safety and housing who may be a representative of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. (e) The governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives shall each make the appointments required by Subsection (c) of this section not later than November 1, 2027. (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, 2028, the task force shall prepare and submit to the governor, the lieutenant 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, 2028.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.