Bill > HB211

This bill modifies the evaluation process for housing assistance applications administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs by adding a new criterion related to air conditioning in existing housing units. Specifically, when scoring and ranking applications for private activity bonds and low income housing tax credits, the department will now consider whether all units owned by the applicant and any units owned or operated by housing authorities or other governmental entities associated with the applicant are equipped with air conditioning. If any of these units lack air conditioning, the application will receive negative points. When an applicant requests a statement of support from their state representative, they must now disclose the percentage of their units equipped with air conditioning. The changes will apply only to applications submitted during the 2026 or subsequent qualified allocation plans, ensuring that housing developers are incentivized to provide air-conditioned units in affordable housing developments. The bill aims to improve living conditions for low-income tenants by making air conditioning a factor in housing assistance evaluations, with the new requirements taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB211