Texas Lobbyist News: Texas Senate Interim Charges -

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Interim Charges Relating to Intergovernmental Relations
The Lieutenant Governor today released the following interim charges:

Study the impact that regulatory requirements have on the price of residential housing, including costs and benefits during the development, construction, sale, and resale of housing. Consider how regulatory loads affect the ability of the housing market to return to normal economic levels, and focus on the impact on the sale of new and used homes. Include costs and benefits of individual categories or types of regulation to allow a better assessment of ways to improve the affordability of housing.

Review state policies regarding the provision of affordable housing, including ways to better coordinate existing federal, state, county, and city resources to appropriately increase homeownership and make recommendations to address any issues. Identify any impediments that prevent local governments from using existing tools, such as land trusts, land banks, and other available incentives. Study methods to improve the provision of affordable housing to special-needs populations, such as co-location with social services and coordination with mass transit.

Study the impact of recent court rulings regarding the determination of eligibility for property tax exemptions of community housing development organizations (CHDOs) by local appraisal districts. Review how these decisions impact existing programs, and make recommendations for any necessary changes to ensure the provision of affordable housing and reduce any cost to the state.

Study the possible implications for local government corporations to receive a non-profit tax exemption on property owned in the state. Specifically, consider the impact of property located outside of the taxing area of the parent local government.

Study the statutory oversight granted to the Texas Commission on environmental Quality (TCEQ) regarding the financial feasibility of bonds issued by special purpose districts, including determining whether changes in the oversight structure are needed.

Sudy current law regarding the transfer of a tax lien pursuant to Section 32.06, Tax Code, with respect to the impact of tax lien transfers on local governments, political subdivisions, and property owners. Make recommendations for any necessary changes.
Study ways to assist local governments in reducing the costs associated with procurement. Include an assessment of the costs and benefits of electronic notices for bid notices.

Study the most effective ways to identify and report data on homeless and runaway youth, and develop recommendations for prevention and maximizing services for this population.

Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the codification of Senate Bill 1234, relating to municipal management districts and the use of the “standardized language” for municipal management district (MMD) creation.

Examine the current practices Texas uses during evacuations to provide immediate assistance to evacuated residents. Review experiences from other states that experienced heavy flooding during the past year, and make recommendations for best practices from lessons learned in those states.

Study and make recommendations on options available to local governments for additional drainage infrastructure funding. Additionally, study different methods of drainage infrastructure management used on a statewide basis and identify best practices.

Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Subcommittee on Flooding & Evacuation, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.