Lopez Task Force Bill Writes Named Private Groups Into Appointments

The text as introduced · 510 words

89R4134 JG-D

By: Lopez of Bexar
H.B. No. 634

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the creation of a task force to evaluate the housing

needs of senior citizens who are lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender, queer, or questioning.

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

SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "task force" means the task

force established under this section.

(b) The task force is established to evaluate the housing

needs of senior citizens who are lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender, queer, or questioning and to develop potential housing

solutions to address those needs and provide to those senior

citizens safe, affordable housing options. In conducting the

evaluation, the task force shall assess the evolving housing needs

of senior citizens who may need to transition into a long-term care

facility, including an assisted living facility or a nursing

facility.

(c) The task force is composed of the following 10 members:

(1) the chair of the LGBTQ caucus of the house of

representatives, to serve as presiding officer of the task force;

(2) three members appointed by the governor;

(3) three members appointed by the lieutenant

governor; and

(4) three members appointed by the speaker of the

house of representatives.

(d) In making the appointments under Subsection (c) of this

section, the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of

the house of representatives shall each:

(1) seek input from appropriately qualified

organizations and stakeholders, including the Coalition for Aging

LGBT and Equality Texas; and

(2) appoint:

(A) an appropriately qualified individual who is

a representative of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,

or questioning community;

(B) an individual with appropriate expertise on

issues faced by the aging population who may be a representative of

the Coalition for Aging LGBT, assisted living facilities, or

nursing facilities; and

(C) an individual with appropriate expertise in

the area of public safety and housing who may be a representative of

the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

(e) The governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker

of the house of representatives shall each make the appointments

required by Subsection (c) of this section not later than November

1, 2025.

(f) The task force shall meet at the call of the presiding

officer. The task force may meet in person or by electronic means.

(g) A task force member is not entitled to compensation for

service on the task force but may be reimbursed for actual and

necessary expenses incurred in performing task force duties. The

task force may accept gifts, grants, and donations to pay for those

expenses.

(h) Not later than September 1, 2026, the task force shall

prepare and submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the

legislature, and the Texas Department of Housing and Community

Affairs a written report summarizing the results of the evaluation

conducted under Subsection (b) of this section and proposing

potential housing solutions, including any legislative

recommendations.

(i) The task force is abolished and this Act expires

December 1, 2026.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.