| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to requiring county approval of a proposed purchase or
conversion by a municipality of a property to house homeless
individuals.
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 1803 would prohibit municipalities from purchasing or converting a municipally-owned property to house homeless individuals unless the commissioner's court of the county in which the property is located approves of the plan. The plan would have to include the provision of healthcare and mental healthcare services, affordable transportation, local law enforcement in the area, and what steps the municipality has taken to coordinate with local mental health authorities. The bill would also require that a municipality that intends to purchase or convert a property to house homeless individuals to publish a notice of the proposed purchase or conversion for 10 consecutive days beginning no later than 61 days before the propose date of purchase or conversion.
Texas Action supports HB 1803 because it creates greater transparency in government and ensures that county officials are participants in a significant decision that is likely to affect county residents beyond the boundaries of the municipality seeking to convert a property for the purpose of housing homeless individuals.