| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Neutral | Neutral | Negative | Negative | Neutral |
Relating to the establishment by the Texas Department of Housing
and Community Affairs of a pilot program to solicit donations made
by text message for the benefit of local programs that provide
services to homeless individuals and families in certain
municipalities.
Estimated Twoyear Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1226, As Introduced : a
negative impact of ($282,724) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to
implement the provisions of the bill.
HB 1226 would create a "text-to-give" program that would allow individuals to text to donate to a government collection intended to combat homelessness. The bill also says the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs may assign personnel to coordinate the administration and implementation of the program.
Texas Action is opposed to HB 1226 on the principles of limited government and personal responsibility. Not only can individuals already easily donate to several private or non-profit organizations to combat homelessness, but they can do so without creating additional government jobs which are only loosely accountable to the public for the success of their efforts.