TITLE: Relating to the administration by the General Land Office of money allocated to this state from the national Housing Trust Fund.

SUMMARY: Relating to the administration by the General Land Office of money allocated to this state from the national Housing Trust Fund.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the administration by the General Land Office of money allocated to this state from the national Housing Trust Fund. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 31, Natural Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 31.069 to read as follows: Sec. 31.069. ADMINISTRATION OF MONEY RECEIVED FROM NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND. (a) In this section: (1) "Individuals and families of extremely low income" and "individuals and families of very low income" have the meanings assigned by Section 2306.004, Government Code. (2) "National Housing Trust Fund" means the national Housing Trust Fund established under Section 1338(c) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. Section 4568(c)). (b) The land office shall: (1) administer a program to distribute money allocated to this state from the national Housing Trust Fund; and (2) adopt rules necessary to fulfill its obligations under this section. (c) Rules adopted under this section must: (1) establish requirements for individuals and families of extremely low income and individuals and families of very low income to establish eligibility for the receipt of money distributed under this section; (2) require the land office to annually adopt an allocation plan establishing how money will be distributed under this section; and (3) ensure that the distribution of money by the land office under this section complies with 24 C.F.R. Part 93. (d) An allocation plan adopted by the land office under this section must: (1) establish a competitive process for the distribution of money under this section; (2) provide for distribution of the money throughout the state in a manner that is consistent with the priority needs established in the consolidated plan submitted annually by the state to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (3) give priority to projects that: (A) will cap the rent and utility payments of a resident to not more than 30 percent of that resident's income; (B) will maintain affordability beyond the minimum period required; and (C) meet other requirements established by the land office. SECTION 2. Not later than February 1, 2016, the General Land Office shall adopt rules as required by Section 31.069, Natural Resources Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.