HB158 - Relating to a study on the use of surplus government property to provide housing to veterans.

      By: Raymond, Garcia of Bexar H.B. No. 158       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a study on the use of surplus government property to   provide housing to veterans.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS. In this Act:                (1)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Housing   and Community Affairs.                (2)  "Surplus government property" means unused or   underused federal, state, or local property, including real   property, historic buildings, residential buildings, and   commercial buildings.          SECTION 2.  STUDY. (a) The department shall conduct a study   on the feasibility of using surplus government property to provide   housing to veterans.          (b)  In conducting the study under this section, the   department:                (1)  shall:                      (A)  evaluate the availability of surplus   government property in this state and the feasibility of developing   housing units on that property to provide housing to veterans; and                      (B)  identify potential funding sources to   develop housing units on surplus government property, including:                            (i)  federal historic tax credits;                            (ii)  federal housing tax credits;                            (iii)  corporate and private donations;                            (iv)  other existing state and federal   funding sources; and                            (v)  proposed tenant rent payments; and                (2)  may consult with:                      (A)  local housing authorities;                      (B)  affordable housing developers; and                      (C)  organizations and persons with appropriate   and relevant expertise on the housing needs of veterans.          SECTION 3.  REPORT. Not later than November 1, 2026, the   department shall prepare and submit to the legislature a written   report summarizing the results of the study conducted under this   Act.          SECTION 4.  EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September   1, 2025.