HB634 - 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.

  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.