Bill > HB1063

This bill establishes a framework for local governments in Texas to create tenant legal services offices to provide legal assistance to low-income and disabled residential tenants in eviction cases and disability discrimination matters. The bill defines key terms such as "indigent" (earnings up to 200% of federal poverty guidelines), "low-income" (earnings up to 400% of federal poverty guidelines), and outlines the scope of legal services these offices can provide, including full legal representation for indigent tenants in eviction cases and tenants with disabilities in discrimination cases, as well as brief legal assistance for low-income tenants. Local governments can establish these offices directly or contract with nonprofit organizations, with specific requirements for proposal submissions, including detailed plans covering budgets, personnel, caseloads, and conflict of interest policies. The offices must be led by an experienced attorney with at least three years of practice in landlord-tenant law, and are required to hold annual public hearings and submit biennial reports detailing their services, client demographics, case outcomes, and expenditures. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing legal support to vulnerable tenants while establishing clear guidelines for the operation of these legal services offices.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1063