Interim charges with significant influence on the affordable housing industry have been assigned to three Texas Senate Committees.
On April 11, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick issued 57 interim charges for Senate committees to study in preparation for the 89th Legislature. Interim charges are directives to committees to study specific policy issues and make recommendations back to the legislature in advance of the 2025 Legislative Session. These studies often become the basis for future legislation.
After reviewing all interim charges released, TAAHP has identified three interim charges with significant implications for affordable housing. The Local Government Committee has been tasked with delving into housing affordability, with a focus on proposing measures to alleviate regulatory obstacles, strengthen property rights, and improve transparency and accountability in public programs for housing. The rising cost of insurance will be studied by the Business and Commerce Committee, and recommendations will be made to ensure a competitive and affordable insurance market for consumers. Lastly, the Veterans Committee has been charged with studying how to strengthen support for veteran housing. Detailed descriptions of these interim charges can be found at the conclusion of this post.
Before the charges were released, TAAHP was asked to contribute ideas for potential interim charges focused on affordable housing. TAAHP has historically supported the committees studying affordable housing-related interim charges. In 2022, TAAHP members provided testimony at multiple House and Senate interim charge hearings. We hope these committees continue to consider us when discussing interim charges related to affordable housing legislation.
Now that the interim charges have been released, each committee and its chair are tasked with determining the timing and frequency of meetings, the consideration of public input, and the anticipated release date for a final report, potentially by the year’s end or in early 2025. It is anticipated that most committees will convene meetings in the forthcoming months. Already, one of the pivotal committees, Business and Commerce, has announced three hearings.
BUSINESS & COMMERCE COMMITTEE
Addressing the Rising Cost of Insurance: Assess the impact of rising property and casualty insurance costs on Texas property owners, real estate lenders, and commercial and industrial development. Identify ways to increase consumer transparency to better inform coverage decisions and make recommendations to ensure a competitive and affordable insurance market for consumers.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
Housing Affordability: Study issues related to housing, including housing supply, homelessness, and methods of providing and financing affordable housing. Make recommendations to reduce regulatory barriers, strengthen property rights, and improve transparency and accountability in public programs for housing.
VETERAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Strengthen Support for Veteran Housing: Study the accessibility and affordability of veteran housing. Identify factors that contribute to veteran homelessness. Determine whether the Veterans Land Board has the tools necessary to maximize their assistance to eligible borrowers in home lending. Make recommendations to update state standards related to veteran home loans and housing.