Cole Bill Ties Shelter Funding To “Equitable Operations Policies”

The text as introduced · 519 words

89R9952 JG-F

By: Cole
H.B. No. 2724

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to equitable operations policies for certain emergency

homeless shelters.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 2306, Government Code, is

amended by adding Section 2306.0945 to read as follows:

Sec. 2306.0945. EMERGENCY HOMELESS SHELTER EQUITABLE

OPERATIONS POLICIES. (a) This section applies only to an emergency

homeless shelter that receives financial assistance administered

by the department, including federal funds described by Section

2306.094.

(b) The department by rule shall require each emergency

homeless shelter to adopt and implement equitable operations

policies designed to ensure that individuals experiencing

homelessness in this state have equal access to shelter and support

services regardless of the individuals' race, ethnicity, national

origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion,

disability, or other protected status.

(c) The equitable operations policies must require an

emergency homeless shelter to:

(1) eliminate discriminatory practices in the

admission of individuals to and the discharge of individuals from

the shelter and in the provision of services;

(2) offer culturally and linguistically appropriate

services and accommodations;

(3) ensure that each individual receiving services

from the shelter has access to the same level of basic amenities,

such as clean and safe sleeping accommodations, showers, restrooms,

and laundry facilities;

(4) provide individuals receiving services from the

shelter with access to supportive services, such as case

management, employment assistance, health care, and mental health

and substance use treatment;

(5) prioritize the needs of individuals who are most

vulnerable, including families with children, pregnant

individuals, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of

domestic violence;

(6) adopt trauma-informed care practices to ensure

that each individual receiving services from the shelter is treated

with dignity and respect;

(7) provide staff training and professional

development on issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion;

(8) establish and implement other holistic operations

policies determined by the department to maximize the opportunity

for stabilization of the community the shelter serves during and

after a public emergency; and

(9) collect and report data to the department in

accordance with department rule on the demographic characteristics

of shelter residents and outcomes achieved.

(d) The department shall develop and distribute to each

emergency shelter guidelines and best practices for the adoption

and implementation of the equitable operations policies.

(e) The department shall monitor emergency homeless

shelters to ensure compliance with this section.

(f) The department may not provide financial assistance to

an emergency shelter that fails to adopt and implement the

equitable operations policies required by this section.

(g) The department may collaborate with local emergency

homeless shelter regulatory authorities in carrying out this

section.

(h) The senate finance committee and the house

appropriations committee shall use the equitable operations

policies required by this section as a guide in determining the

costs and funding sources of those policies.

SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date

of this Act, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

shall adopt the rules required by Section 2306.0945, Government

Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.