Bill Caption

Relating to county approval of certain proposed purchases or conversions of properties to house homeless individuals.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 646 would prohibit a municipality from purchasing or converting a property to housing for homeless individuals unless the local county commissioners court in which the property is located approves a plan.

The bill would require the plan to include provisions for local healthcare, reasonably affordable public transit, mental health services, local law enforcement, the plan to coordinate with the local mental health authority, and any other reasonable request made by the county commissioners court.

A notice of the proposed plan would have to be posted at the proposed site at least 61 days before the proposed date of purchase or conversion and be posted in the local newsletter for at least 10 consecutive days beginning no later than at least 61 days before the proposed date of purchase or conversion.

The bill would not apply to the purchase or conversion of a property to provide temporary shelter or housing during a natural disaster, declared state of emergency or other life-threatening public emergency. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 646 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.