Source: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/July132018/Proposed%20Rules/10.COMMUNITY%20DEVELOPMENT.html
Timestamp: 2018-09-21 04:21:49
Document Index: 371266195

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Proposed Rules Title 10
10 TAC §1.7
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes the repeal of 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.7, Staff Appeals Process. The purpose of the proposed repeal is to eliminate an outdated rule while adopting a new updated rule under separate action.
FISCAL NOTE. Timothy K. Irvine, Executive Director, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the repealed section is in effect, enforcing or administering the repealed section does not have any foreseeable implications related to costs or revenues of the state or local governments.
PUBLIC BENEFIT/COST NOTE. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the repealed section will be an updated and more clear regulation. There will not be any economic cost to any individuals required to comply with the repealed section because additional requirements are not added through this repeal.
ADVERSE IMPACT ON SMALL OR MICRO-BUSINESSES OR RURAL COMMUNITIES. The Department has determined that there will be no economic effect on small or micro-businesses or rural communities.
GOVERNMENT GROWTH IMPACT STATEMENT. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for the first five years the repeal would be in effect:
1. The proposed repeal will not create or eliminate a government program;
2. The proposed repeal will not require a change in the number of employees of the Department;
3. The proposed repeal will not require additional future legislative appropriations;
4. The proposed repeal will result in neither an increase nor a decrease in fees paid to the Department;
5. The proposed repeal will not create a new regulation;
6. The proposed action will repeal an existing regulation; however, that regulation is being simultaneously recommended for a new rule;
7. The proposed repeal will not increase nor decrease the number of individuals subject to the rule's applicability; and
8. The proposed repeal will neither positively nor negatively affect this state's economy.
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. The public comment period will be held July 16, 2018, to August 16, 2018, to receive input on the repealed section. Written comments may be submitted to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Attn: Brooke Boston, Rule Comments, P.O. Box 13941, Austin, Texas 78711-3941, by fax to (512) 475-0220, or email brooke.boston@tdhca.state.tx.us. ALL COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 p.m., Austin local time, AUGUST 16, 2018.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The proposed repeal is made pursuant to Tex. Government Code, §2306.053, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules. Except as described herein the proposed repealed sections affect no other code, article, or statute.
§1.7.Staff Appeals Process.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 2, 2018.
TRD-201802925
Earliest possible date of adoption: August 12, 2018
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes new 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.7, Appeals Process. The purpose of the proposed new section is to provide compliance with Tex. Gov't Code, §2161.003, add the purpose and statutory authority for the rule, clarify the exclusion of multifamily programs from the rule, make changes within the definitions section, improve the definition for an Affiliated Party, add a section for Persons Eligible to Appeal which statute requires be in the rule and had not been previously, revise the Grounds for Appeal section to provide for a broader set of grounds for appeal, improve the clarity and wording in the two Process sections, provide clear language on what the Board's decision option may be, clarify the language regarding the handling of a granted appeal that had been related to awards, and specify that appeals may still have an opportunity to be re-heard by the Board in certain circumstances.
FISCAL NOTE. Timothy K. Irvine, Executive Director, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, enforcing or administering the new section does not have any foreseeable implications related to costs or revenues of the state or local governments.
GOVERNMENT GROWTH IMPACT STATEMENT. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for the first five years a rule would be in effect:
1. The proposed rule does not create or eliminate a government program;
2. The proposed rule will not require a change in the number of employees of the Department;
3. The proposed rule will not require additional future legislative appropriations;
4. The proposed rule will result in neither an increase nor a decrease in fees paid to the Department;
5. The proposed rule will not create a new regulation, except that it is replacing a rule being repealed simultaneously to provide for the updating and improved clarity of that rule;
6. The proposed rule will not expand an existing regulation;
7. The proposed rule will not increase the number of individuals subject to the rule's applicability; and
8. The proposed rule will neither positively nor negatively affect this state's economy.
PUBLIC BENEFIT/COST NOTE. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the new section will be ensuring a rule that is consistent with program administration at the Department and improved clarity of the rules. There will not be any economic cost to any individuals required to comply with the new section, because the processes described by the rule have been in place through the rule found at this section being repeal.
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. The public comment period will be held July 16, 2018, to August 16, 2018, to receive input on the new section. Written comments may be submitted to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Attn: Brooke Boston, Rule Comments, P.O. Box 13941, Austin, Texas 8711-3941, by fax to (512) 475-0220, or email brooke.boston@tdhca.state.tx.us. ALL COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 p.m., Austin local time, AUGUST 16, 2018.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The new sections are proposed pursuant to Texas Government Code, §2306.053, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules. Except as described herein the proposed new sections affect no other code, article, or statute.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to provide the procedural steps by which an appeal can be filed relating to Department decisions as authorized by Tex. Gov't Code §2306.0321 and §2306.0504 which together require an appeals process be adopted by rule for the handling of appeals relating to Department decisions and debarment. Appeals relating to low income housing tax credits, multifamily mortgage revenue bonds, multifamily loans, and their associated underwriting are governed by a separate appeals process provided at §10.902 of this Title (relating to Appeals Process (§2306.0321; §2306.6715)).
(b) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If not defined below, Capitalized terms used in this section have the meaning in the rules that govern the applicable program under which the appeal is being filed.
(1) Affiliated Party--An individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, estate, association, cooperative or other organization or entity of any nature whatsoever that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, has Control of, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with any other Person. All entities that share a Principal are Affiliates.
(2) Appeal--An Appealing Party's notice to challenge a decision or decisions made by staff and/or the Executive Director regarding an Application, Commitment, Contract, Loan Agreement, Debarment, or LURA as governed by this section.
(3) Appeal file--The written record of an Appeal that contains the applicant's Appeal; the correspondence, if any, between Department staff or the executive director and the Appealing Party; and the final Appeal decision response provided to the Appealing Party.
(4) Appealing Party--The Administrator, Affiliated Party, Applicant, Person, or Responsible Party Subchapter D, §2.401 of this Title (relating to Debarment from Programs Administered by the Department) who files, intends to file, or has filed on their behalf, an Appeal before the Department.
(c) Persons Eligible to Appeal. An Appeal may be filed by any Administrator, Applicant, Person, or Responsible Party as provided for in Subchapter D, §2.401 of this Title, or Affiliated Party of the Administrator, Applicant, Person or Responsible Party who has filed an Application for funds or reservation with the Department, or has received funds or a reservation from the Department to administer.
(d) Grounds to Appeal Staff Decision. Appeals may be filed using this process on the following grounds:
(1) Relating to applying for funds or requesting to be approved for reservation authority an Appealing Party may appeal if there is:
(A) disagreement with the determination of staff regarding the sufficiency or appropriateness of documents submitted to satisfy evidence of a given threshold or scoring criteria, including the calculation of any scoring based items;
(B) disagreement with the termination of an application;
(C) disagreement with the denial of an award or reservation request;
(D) disagreement with the amount of the award recommended by the Department, unless that amount is the amount requested by the Applicant;
(E) concern that the documents submitted were not processed by Department staff in accordance with the Application and program rules in effect; and/or
(F) a determination by the Board or the Executive Director that there is good cause for an Appeal because there are implicated interests to be protected by due process.
(2) Relating to issues that arise after the award or reservation determination by the Board, an Appealing Party may appeal if there is:
(A) disagreement with a denial by the Department of a Contract, Commitment, Loan Agreement, or LURA amendment that was requested in writing; or
(B) a determination by the Board or the Executive Director that there is good cause for an Appeal because there are implicated interests to be protected by due process.
(3) Relating to debarment a Responsible Party may appeal a determination of debarment, as further provided for in §2.401(k) of this Title.
(4) Affiliated Party Appeals. An Affiliated Party has the ability to appeal only those decisions that directly impact the Affiliated Party, not the underlying agreements. An Affiliated Party may appeal a finding of failure to adequately perform under an Administrator's Contract, resulting in a "Debarment" or a similar action.
(e) Process for Filing an Appeal of Staff Decision to the Executive Director.
(1) An Appealing Party must file a written Appeal of a staff decision with the Executive Director not later than the seventh calendar day after notice has been provided to the Appealing Party. For purposes of this section, posting of materials or logs on the Department's website is considered "notice" when identified as such in the application process as a public notification mechanism.
(2) The written appeal must include specific information relating to the disposition of the Application or written request for change to the Contract, Commitment, Loan Agreement, and/or LURA. The Appealing Party must specifically identify the grounds for the Appeal based on the disposition of underlying documents.
(3) Upon receipt of an Appeal, Department staff shall prepare an Appeal file for the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall respond in writing to the Appealing Party not later than the fourteenth day after the date of receipt of the Appeal. The Executive Director may take one of the following actions.
(A) Concur with the Appeal and make the appropriate adjustments to the staff's decision; or
(B) Disagree with the Appeal, in concurrence with staff's original determination, and provide the basis for rejecting the Appeal to the Appealing Party.
(f) Process for Filing an Appeal of the Executive Director's Decision to the Board.
(1) If the Appealing Party is not satisfied with the Executive Director's response to the Appeal provided in subsection (e)(3) of this section, they may appeal in writing directly to the Board within seven days after the date of the Executive Director's response.
(2) In order to be placed on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of the Department's Board, the Appeal must be received by the Department at least fourteen days prior to the next scheduled Board meeting. Appeals requested under this section received after the fourteenth calendar day prior to the Board meeting will generally be scheduled at the next subsequent Board meeting. However, the Department reserves the right to place the Appeal on a Board meeting agenda if an Appeal that is timely filed under paragraph (1) of this subsection is received fewer than fourteen calendar days prior to the next scheduled Board meeting. The Executive Director shall prepare Appeal materials for the Board's review based on the information provided.
(3) If the Appealing Party receives additional information after the Executive Director has denied the Appeal, but prior to the posting of the Appeal for Board consideration, the new information must be provided to the Executive Director for further consideration or the Board will not consider any information submitted by the Applicant after the written Appeal. New information will cause the deadlines in this subsection to begin again. The Board will review the Appeal de novo and may consider any information properly considered by the Department in making its prior decision(s).
(4) Public Comment on an Appeal Presented to the Board. The Board will hear public comment on the Appeal under its Public Comment Procedures in §1.10 of this Subchapter (relating to Public Comment Procedures). While public comment will be heard, persons making public comment are not parties to the Appeal and no rights accrue to them under this section or any other Appeal process. Nothing in this section provides a right to Appeal any decision made on an Application, Commitment, Contract, Loan Commitment, or LURA if the Appealing Party does not have grounds to appeal as described in subsection (d) of this section.
(5) In the case of possible actions by the Board regarding Appeals, the Board may:
(A) Concur with the Appealing Party and grant the Appeal; or
(B) Disagree with the Appealing Party, in concurrence with the Executive Director's original determination, and provide the basis for rejecting the Appeal.
(C) In instances in which the Appeal, if granted by the Board would have resulted in an award to the Applicant, the Application shall be evaluated for an award as it relates to the availability of funds and staff will recommend an action to the Board in the meeting at which the Appeal is heard, or a subsequent meeting. If no funds are available in the current year's funding cycle, then the Appealing Party may be awarded funds from a pool of deobligated funds or other source, if available.
(D) In the case of actions regarding all other Appeals, the Board shall direct staff on what specific remedy is to be provided, allowable under current laws and rules.
(g) Board Decision. Appeals not submitted in accordance with this section will not be considered, unless the Executive Director or Board, in the exercise of its discretion, determines there is good cause to consider the appeal. The decision of the Board is final unless the Board determines within 45 days of a Board decision that it has erred in fact or law in its determination, in which case an Appeal may be reconsidered by the Board on a motion by a party to the Appeal or the Department.
(h) Limited Scope. The appeals process provided in this rule is of general application. Any statutory or specific rule with a different appeal process will be governed by the more specific statute or rule. Except as provided for in §2.401 of this Title, this section does not apply to matters involving a Contested Case Proceeding under §1.13 of this subchapter (relating to Contested Case Hearing Procedures).
TRD-201802918
10 TAC §1.8
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes the repeal of 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.8, Board Appeals Process. The purpose of the proposed repeal is to eliminate an outdated rule while adopting a new updated rule under separate action.
6. The proposed action will repeal an existing regulation that is no longer necessary;
§1.8.Board Appeals Process.
TRD-201802926
Earliest possible date of adoption: August 12, 1018
10 TAC §1.10
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes the repeal of 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.10, Public Comment Procedures. The purpose of the proposed repeal is to eliminate an outdated rule while adopting a new updated rule under separate action.
§1.10.Public Comment Procedures.
TRD-201802927
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes new 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.10, Public Comment Procedures. The purposes of the proposed new section are to provide compliance with Tex. Gov't Code §2161.003, clarify the use of handouts and large-size displays at Board meetings during public comment, provide for the Board to have the ability to place reasonable limitations on comment, provide for the requirement that the speaker must sign in, and make other revisions to readability and clarity.
PUBLIC BENEFIT/COST NOTE. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the new section will be ensuring a rule that provides for clear guidelines for public dialogue with the Department's Board and improves the clarity of the rules. There will not be any economic cost to any individuals required to comply with the new section, because the processes described by the rule have been in place through the rule found at this section being repealed.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The new section is proposed pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code §2306.053, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules. Except as described herein the proposed new section affects no other code, article, or statute.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish procedures for hearing public comments at Governing Board meetings open to the public held by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in accordance with §2306.032(f) and §2306.066(d) of the Tex. Gov't Code.
(b) Procedures for taking public comment.
(1) At each meeting open to the public the Governing Board ("Board") shall provide opportunity for members of the public to make:
(A) general public comment after the Board has taken action on all posted agenda items on which it intends to take action, general public comment on matters of relevance to the Department's business or requests that the Board place specific items on future agendas for consideration. It is the prerogative of the Board Chair to place reasonable limits on public comment. Handouts of printed materials are permitted only as provided for in paragraph (6) of this section; and
(B) specific public comment on each posted agenda item after the presentation made by Department staff and motions made by the Board. For purposes of this rule, the Board may consider the staff's presentation to be staff's written presentation in the Board's meeting book and posted on the Department's website. It is the prerogative of the Board Chair to place reasonable limits on such comment. Handouts of printed materials are permitted only as provided for in paragraph (6) of this section.
(2) The opportunity for general public comment under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection may not be used to advocate for or against any specific action relating to any posted item or for or against any pending application. The opportunity for any such testimony is to be limited to the appointed time when action on such matter is requested to be formally considered as a posted agenda item.
(3) At the time general or specific public comment is taken, speakers should be prepared to come promptly to the podium or other place designated for speakers. They may, if they wish, agree among themselves on an order in which they will speak. If a large number of speakers wish to testify, the chair may, in his or her reasonable discretion, establish appropriate limits on the total amount of time to be devoted to testimony on any given item or items. As each individual speaker begins his or her testimony, they must state on the record their name and on whose behalf they are speaking, and sign in on a sheet provided by staff to indicate the correct spelling of their name and on whose behalf they are speaking.
(4) Individuals not speaking who wish to register positions for or against a posted agenda item may register their positions, for or against, with the secretary of the meeting, or another person designated by the chair, on a form, which the person wishing to register must sign, stating their name, whom they represent, the action item to which their comment relates, and their position. At the end of the public comment on the item the chair will have registered positions for and against read into the record.
(5) Additional limits on public comment.
(A) The Board Chair, in her/his sole discretion, may additionally limit the number and length of presentations of public comment, both general and specific, at any time during a meeting based on a consideration of:
(i) the number of persons wishing to give public comment;
(ii) the number of agenda items to be heard;
(iii) the time available for the meeting; and
(iv) the risk of losing a quorum of Board members.
(B) If the Board Chair limits presentations, she or he will not limit them in a manner that inappropriately favors a particular point of view.
(C) The Board Chair may, in her or his reasonable discretion, grant deference to elected officials and other persons who have traveled great distances.
(6) Presenting printed materials. An individual providing testimony to the Board may provide printed materials only if they are provided as outlined in subparagraphs (A) - (C) of this paragraph:
(A) In order to ensure that members of the Board and the public are given an opportunity to review any such materials, they must be provided to the Department staff not less than five (5) business days prior to the meeting at which they are to be used. This is to enable staff to post them on the Department's website not later than the third day before the date of the meeting, as provided for in Tex. Gov't Code §2306.032(c). They must be made available in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) electronic format;
(B) Department staff will post such materials to the Department's website no later than the third day before the meeting at which they are to be used;
(C) In exceptional circumstances the Board Chair may, in her/his sole discretion, and only after giving Board members an opportunity to object, allow materials to be provided at a meeting in hard copy format provided:
(i) they are delivered to staff prior to the start of the meeting so that staff may log in the materials and the Board Chair may review for acceptance under this subsection. Materials may not be handed directly by the public to a Board member on the dais;
(ii) they are not so voluminous as to cause inordinate delay while members of the Board and public review them;
(iii) they are provided in hard copy format to all members of the public in attendance;
(iv) they are also provided to staff in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format for inclusion in the electronic records of Board materials available to the public via the Department's website; and
(v) if the materials involve large size photos, maps, charts, or other information to be displayed for the Board, an identical copy must be displayed to the public attendees.
(7) Persons seeking allowance of written materials under paragraph (6)(C) of this subsection should be aware that their proffered materials may be disallowed, and they should always be prepared to proceed with a verbal presentation within the time constraints for public speaking at Board meetings.
TRD-201802919
10 TAC §1.12
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes new 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.12, Negotiated Rulemaking. The purposes of the proposed new section are to provide compliance with Tex. Gov't Code §2306.082 and Chapter 2008, to provide greater clarity by considering the issue of Negotiated Rulemaking separately from that of Alternative Dispute Resolution, and to make minor changes for clarity, improved readability and corrected citations.
GOVERNMENT GROWTH IMPACT STATEMENT. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for the first five years the rule would be in effect:
PUBLIC BENEFIT/COST NOTE. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the new section will be ensuring a rule that provides for clear guidelines for the Department's negotiated rulemaking procedures. There will not be any economic cost to any individuals required to comply with the new section, because the processes described by the rule have been in place through the rule found at this section being repealed.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The new section is proposed pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code, §2306.053, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules. Except as described herein the proposed new section affects no other code, article, or statute.
§1.12.Negotiated Rulemaking.
(a) Purpose. In accordance with Tex. Gov't Code §2306.082, the Department encourages the use of negotiated rulemaking procedures for the adoption of Department rules. Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 2008 describes the procedures for negotiated rulemaking including appointment of a convener; publishing notice of proposed negotiated rulemaking and requesting comments on the proposal; appointing a negotiated rulemaking committee; appointing an impartial third party facilitator; and proposing the resulting draft rule for public comment.
(b) Request for Negotiated Rulemaking Process.
(1) Any person or organization that would like for the Department to use negotiated rulemaking for the adoption of a Department rule may submit such a request to the Department's Board Secretary. The proposal must identify: the rule proposed for negotiated rulemaking, potential participants for the negotiated rulemaking committee, possible third party facilitators, and a suggested timeline for the process. The Department may also on its own propose to use negotiated rulemaking.
(2) In determining whether a proposed negotiated rulemaking is appropriate in a particular situation, the Department and interested parties may consider any relevant factors, including:
(A) The number of identifiable interests that would be significantly affected by the proposed rule;
(B) The probability that those interests would be adequately represented in a negotiated rulemaking;
(C) The probable willingness and authority of the representatives of affected interests to negotiate in good faith;
(D) The probability that a negotiated rulemaking committee would reach a unanimous or a suitable general consensus on the proposed rule;
(E) The probability that negotiated rulemaking will not unreasonably delay notice and eventual adoption of the proposed rule;
(F) The adequacy of agency and public resources to participate in negotiated rulemaking; and
(G) The probability that the negotiated rulemaking committee will provide a balanced representation among all interested and affected parties. (Tex. Gov't Code §2008.052(d)).
(3) The Department generally will respond to the request within seven calendar days. If the negotiated rulemaking is not pursued, the Department will provide the party making the request with an explanation for the basis of the decision.
(c) If the Department decides to proceed with a negotiated rulemaking, it shall follow the process outlined in Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 2008 and costs associated with the negotiated rulemaking process will be handled as specified in Tex. Gov't Code §2008.003.
TRD-201802920
10 TAC §1.13
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes the repeal of 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.13, Contested Case Hearing Procedures. The purpose of the proposed repeal is to eliminate an outdated rule while adopting a new updated rule under separate action.
§1.13.Contested Case Hearing Procedures.
TRD-201802928
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes new 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.13, Contested Case Hearing Procedures. The purposes of the proposed new section are to provide compliance with Tex. Gov't Code §2161.003, clarify the steps that initiate a hearing, provide for a timeframe within which the Department will refer a case to the State Office of Administrative Hearings, and make other revisions for readability and clarity.
PUBLIC BENEFIT/COST NOTE. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the new section will be ensuring a rule that provides for clear guidelines for the handling of contested case hearings with the Department and improves the clarity of the rules. There will not be any economic cost to any individuals required to comply with the new section, because the processes described by the rule have been in place through the rule found at this section being repealed.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The new section is proposed pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code §2306.053, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules.
Except as described herein the proposed new section affects no other code, article, or statute.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide procedures for contested case hearings. This section does not apply to matters such as appeals to the Board of staff decisions or waivers, and this section does not in itself create any right to a contested case hearing but merely provides a process for contested case hearings that are otherwise expressly provided for by law or rule.
(b) SOAH Designation. The Governing Board (the "Board") of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") designates the State Office of Administrative Hearings ("SOAH") to hold all contested case hearings on the Board's behalf.
(c) Initiation of Hearing.
(1) Upon receipt of a pleading or other document that is intended to initiate a contested case proceeding before the Department, the Department shall determine if a contested case hearing is indicated under the relevant statutory provisions and rules and, if so, will mark the file as a pending proceeding and refer the matter to SOAH for hearing generally within 45 calendar days, or such other lesser time as an applicable state or federal statute, rule, or regulation may require. The Department will notify the opposing party of any delay.
(2) SOAH shall acquire jurisdiction over a case when the Department completes and files a Request to Docket Case form or other form acceptable to SOAH, together with the notice of report to the Board required under Tex. Gov't Code §2306.043 or other pertinent documents giving rise to the case. Once SOAH acquires jurisdiction, all subsequent documents created, sent, or received in connection with the proceeding that SOAH requires to be filed with it are to be filed with SOAH, with appropriate service upon the opposing party in accordance with this chapter and the rules of SOAH.
(3) Except upon a showing of good cause or as an applicable statute or federal regulation may require, all contested case hearings in which the Department is a party shall be held at the offices of SOAH located in Austin, Texas.
(4) Nothing in this subchapter shall in any way limit, alter, or abridge the ability of the Department to enter into mediation or alternative dispute resolution at any time prior to or after the holding of the administrative hearing but prior to the adoption by the Board of a final order.
(d) Service of Notice of Hearing, Pleadings and Other Documents on Parties.
(1) Service of a notice of hearing shall be made by hand delivery, regular first class mail or certified mail to the party's last known address as shown on the Department's records, in accordance with §1.22 of this Chapter (relating to Providing Contact Information to the Department).
(2) Service of pleadings and other documents shall be made in any manner provided for in SOAH rules.
(e) Proposal for Decision.
(1) After the conclusion of a hearing, the Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") shall prepare and serve on the parties a proposal for decision that includes the ALJ's findings of fact and conclusions of law, as modified by the ALJ's addressing of any exceptions and replies to exceptions timely filed with the ALJ in accordance with Tex. Gov't Code §2001.062 and SOAH rules. The Executive Director shall place the proposal for decision and a proposed final order on the Board's agenda for discussion and possible action at a subsequent meeting of the Board.
(2) At a meeting of the Board where the proposed final order may be adopted, parties may provide testimony based on the record only, for changes to the proposal for decision or the proposed final order. No new evidence shall be submitted at the Board meeting. The Board may, on its own motion, remand to SOAH for any additional fact finding it determines is necessary, or, the Board may change a finding of fact or conclusion of law made by the ALJ, but only for reasons stated in Tex. Gov't Code §2001.058(e). The Board may adopt a final order if it finds that the findings of fact and conclusions of law are supported by the evidence. Motions for rehearing may be filed and served in accordance with the Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 2001 and the rules of SOAH.
(f) Disposition of Contested Cases on a Default Basis.
(1) In contested cases where the party not bearing the burden of proof at the hearing fails to appear, the ALJ may issue an order finding that adequate notice has been given, deeming factual allegations in the notice of hearing admitted, if appropriate, conditionally dismissing the case from the SOAH docket, and conditionally remanding the case to TDHCA for disposition on a default basis. Pursuant to SOAH rules, a party has 15 calendar days after the issuance of a conditional order of dismissal and remand to file with SOAH a motion to set aside the order of dismissal and remand. On the sixteenth day after issuance, if no motion to set aside has been timely filed or if such a motion to set aside is not granted within the time limits provided for in SOAH's rules, the conditional order of dismissal and remand becomes final.
(2) When the order of dismissal and remand is final, the Executive Director shall prepare a proposed order for the Board's action containing findings of fact, as set forth in the notice of hearing, conclusions of law, and granting the relief requested by staff. The matter shall be placed on the Board's agenda for discussion and possible action at a subsequent meeting. Although public testimony is allowed, argument and evidence on the merits will not be considered at the meeting. Motions for rehearing shall be filed and served in accordance with Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 2001 and the rules of SOAH.
TRD-201802921
10 TAC §1.16
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes the repeal of 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.16, Ethics and Disclosure Requirements for Outside Financial Advisors and Service Providers. The purpose of the proposed repeal is to eliminate an outdated rule while adopting a new updated rule under separate action.
PUBLIC BENEFIT/COST NOTE. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the repealed section will be a more current and compliant regulation. There will not be any economic cost to any individuals required to comply with the repealed section because additional requirements are not added through this repeal.
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. The public comment period will be held July 16, 2018, to August 16, 2018, to receive input on the repealed section. Written comments may be submitted to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Attn: Brooke Boston, Rule Comments, P.O. Box 13941, Austin, Texas 78711-3941 or email brooke.boston@tdhca.state.tx.us. ALL COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 p.m., Austin local time, AUGUST 16, 2018.
§1.16.Ethics and Disclosure Requirements for Outside Financial Advisors and Service Providers.
TRD-201802929
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes new 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.16, Ethics and Disclosure Requirements for Outside Financial Advisors and Service Providers. The purpose of the proposed new section is to provide compliance with Tex. Gov't Code Chapters 2252, 2260, and 2270 and revise the purpose of the rule.
PUBLIC BENEFIT/COST NOTE. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the new section will be ensuring a rule that provides for clear compliance with statutory requirements. The economic cost is negligible to any individuals required to comply with the new section, because the processes described by the rule have only been minimally altered from the rule found at this section being repealed.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The new sections are proposed pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code, §2306.053, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules. Except as described herein the proposed new sections affect no other code, article, or statute.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish standards of conduct applicable to financial advisors or service providers in accordance with Tex. Gov't Code Chapters 2263, 2270, and 2252.
(b) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Department--The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, (the "Department").
(2) Board--The Governing Board of the Department.
(3) Financial advisor or service provider--A person or business entity who acts as a financial advisor, financial consultant, money or investment manager, or broker who:
(A) may reasonably be expected to receive, directly or indirectly, more than $10,000 in compensation from the Department during a fiscal year; or
(B) renders important investment or funds management advice to the Department or a member of the Board.
(c) Anti-Boycott Verification. Financial advisors and service providers are required to comply with the requirements of Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 2270, which requires a representation by each financial advisor or service provider that their firm (including any wholly owned subsidiary, majority-owned subsidiary, parent company, or affiliate):
(1) does not boycott Israel; and
(2) will not boycott Israel during the term for which they provide services to the Department.
(d) Iran, Sudan and Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Financial advisors and service providers are required to comply with the requirements of Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 2252, which requires a representation by each financial advisor or service provider that their firm (including any wholly owned subsidiary, majority-owned subsidiary, parent company, or affiliate) is not an entity listed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts under Tex. Gov't Code §2252.153 or §2270.0201.
(e) Exemption from Disclosure of Interested Parties. Financial advisors and service providers are required to comply with the requirements of Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 2252. Financial advisors and service providers that make a representation that their firm (including any wholly owned subsidiary, majority-owned subsidiary, parent company, or affiliate) is a publicly traded business entity are exempt from Tex. Gov't Code §2252.908.
(f) Disclosures and Statement.
(1) A financial advisor or service provider shall disclose in writing to the Executive Director of the Department and to the state auditor:
(A) any relationship the financial advisor or service provider has with any party to a transaction with the Department, other than a relationship necessary to the investment or funds management services that the financial advisor or service provider performs for the Department, if a reasonable person could expect the relationship to diminish the financial advisor's or service provider's independence of judgment in the performance of the person's responsibilities to the Department; and
(B) all direct or indirect pecuniary interests the financial advisor or service provider has in any party to a transaction with the Department, if the transaction is connected with any financial advice or service the financial advisor or service provider provides to the Department or to a member of the Board in connection with the management or investment of state funds.
(2) The financial advisor or service provider shall disclose a relationship described by this subsection without regard to whether the relationship is a direct, indirect, personal, private, commercial, or business relationship.
(3) A financial advisor or service provider shall file annually a statement with the Executive Director of the Department and with the state auditor. The statement must disclose each relationship and pecuniary interest described by this subsection, or if no relationship or pecuniary interest described by that subsection existed during the disclosure period, the statement must affirmatively state that fact.
(4) The annual statement must be filed not later than April 15 in the following form. The statement must cover the reporting period of the previous calendar year.
Figure: 10 TAC §1.16(f)(B)(4) (.pdf)
(5) The financial advisor or service provider shall promptly file a new or amended statement with the Executive Director of the Department and with the state auditor whenever there is new information to report under this subsection.
(6) A contract under which a financial advisor or service provider renders financial services or advice to the Department or a member of the Board is voidable by the Department if the financial advisor or service provider violates a standard of conduct adopted under this section.
TRD-201802922
10 TAC §1.17
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes the repeal of 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.17, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Negotiated Rulemaking. The purpose of the proposed repeal is to eliminate an outdated rule while adopting two new updated rules under separate action.
§1.17.Alternative Dispute Resolution and Negotiated Rulemaking.
TRD-201802930
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes new 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.17, Alternative Dispute Resolution. The purposes of the proposed new section are to provide compliance with Tex. Gov't Code 2306.082 and Chapter 2009, to provide greater clarity by considering the issue of Negotiated Rulemaking separately from that of Alternative Dispute Resolution, and to make minor changes for clarity, improved readability and corrected citations.
PUBLIC BENEFIT/COST NOTE. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the new section will be ensuring a rule that provides for clear guidelines for the Department's alternative dispute resolution procedures. There will not be any economic cost to any individuals required to comply with the new section, because the processes described by the rule have been in place through the rule found at this section being repealed.
§1.17.Alternative Dispute Resolution.
(a) Purpose. In accordance with Tex. Gov't Code, §2306.082, and as authorized by Tex. Gov't Code, §2009.051(c), the Department encourages the use of appropriate Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR") procedures under Tex. Gov't Code, Chapter 2009 to assist in the fair and expeditious resolution of internal and external disputes under the Department's jurisdiction. These ADR procedures are intended to work in conjunction with the guidelines and rules of the State Office of Administrative Hearings found at Tex. Gov't Code, Chapter 2001; 1 TAC Part 7, Chapter 155; and with Chapter 154, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
(b) Definitions. For purposes of this rule, terms used herein shall have the following meaning:
(1) Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR")--a procedure or combination of procedures described in Chapter 154, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
(2) Dispute Resolution Coordinator--One or more trained persons employed by the Department, who may not be in the Legal Division, designated by the Executive Director to coordinate and process requests for the ADR procedures.
(3) Mediation--a dispute resolution procedure in which an impartial person, the mediator, facilitates communication between the parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or understanding among them. The mediator may not impose his or her own judgment on the issues for that of the parties (§154.023(a) and (b), Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code).
(4) Impartial third party--A person who meets the qualifications and conditions of Tex. Gov't Code §2009.053. An Impartial Third Party must possess the qualifications required under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §154.052 (a minimum of 40 classroom hours of training in dispute resolution techniques), is subject to the standards and duties prescribed by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §154.053 and has the qualified immunity prescribed by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §154.055 for volunteer third parties not receiving compensation in excess of expenses, if applicable. (Tex. Gov't Code §2009.053(d)).
(c) Preliminary Considerations.
(1) The Department encourages communication between Department staff and applicants to the Department programs, and other interested persons, to exchange information and informally resolve disputes.
(2) The Department has appeal procedures found at 10 TAC §1.7, and at 10 TAC §10.902. ADR procedures supplement and do not limit any available procedure for the resolution of disputes (Tex. Gov't Code §2009.052(a)). Pursuing an ADR procedure does not suspend or delay application, appeal, or other deadlines. For example, if a tax credit applicant desires to appeal a Department decision using the procedures promulgated under §2306.6715 and also desires to pursue an ADR procedure, the applicant may independently pursue the two procedures. Each procedure will proceed independently of the other. However, ADR does not suspend any statutory deadlines or grant any additional authority to resolve issues beyond statute.
(3) Consistent with Tex. Gov't Code §2306.082(e), the ADR procedure must be requested before the Department's Board makes a final decision on an issue.
(4) Consistent with Tex. Gov't Code §2306.082(f), the ADR procedure may not be used to unnecessarily delay an appeal proceeding, or other deadline.
(d) Appropriateness of ADR.
(1) Assessment of the Dispute. In determining whether an ADR procedure is appropriate, the parties to the dispute, including the Department, should consider the following factors:
(A) whether direct discussions and negotiations between the parties have been unsuccessful and/or the parties believe there is a misunderstanding involving the facts or interpretations that could be improved with the assistance of an Impartial Third Party;
(B) whether the use of ADR potentially could use fewer resources and take less time than other available procedures, and that there is a reasonable likelihood that the use of ADR will result in an agreement to resolve the dispute;
(C) whether there is a reasonable likelihood that the use of ADR will result in an agreement to resolve the dispute, and there are potential remedies or solutions that are only available through ADR; and/or
(D) whether the need for a final decision with precedential value is less important than other considerations. (Nothing herein should be construed as creating a presumption that a final decision establishes binding precedent in any given manner).
(2) The parties may also consider additional factors found in the State Office of Administrative Hearings' ADR Model Guidelines for assessing whether a dispute is appropriate for mediation.
(3) Independent of any proposal from interested parties outside the Department, the Department may propose using ADR procedures to interested parties to try to resolve a dispute.
(e) ADR Process.
(1) Any applicant for Department programs or other interested person may request the use of an ADR procedure to attempt to resolve a dispute with the Department. The ADR request must be submitted in writing to the Department's Dispute Resolution Coordinator at the mailing address or email address listed on the Department's website. The request for ADR must state the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, any pertinent or impending deadlines, whether all parties agree to refer the dispute to ADR, proposed times and locations, and the preferred type of ADR procedure.
(2) If an applicant or other interested person is uncertain whether to propose the possible use of ADR or is uncertain about any particular aspect of a possible proposal, they should contact the Department's Dispute Resolution Coordinator to discuss the matter.
(3) The ADR Coordinator will notify the person requesting the ADR procedure that an ADR decision is not binding on the state and that the Department will mediate in good faith.
(4) The ADR Coordinator will provide copies of the request received, and all other materials received, to any other parties to the dispute.
(5) The Dispute Resolution Coordinator shall provide a copy of the ADR request to the Executive Director and General Counsel and other applicable internal parties.
(6) The Dispute Resolution Coordinator will assess whether ADR would assist in fairly and expeditiously resolving the dispute and will notify all affected parties within seven calendar days of receiving an ADR request of one of the following determinations:
(A) If the parties, including the Department, cannot agree on whether an ADR procedure should be used or on the particulars of the ADR procedure, the Dispute Resolution Coordinator will notify both parties that agreement to utilize ADR could not be reached;
(B) If the Dispute Resolution Coordinator determines not to refer the dispute to ADR, the Dispute Resolution Coordinator shall state the reasons in writing; or
(C) If the Dispute Resolution Coordinator decides to refer the dispute to ADR, the date for the selected ADR process will be included in the notice.
(f) Selection of Mediator or Impartial Third Party.
(1) The Department designates the State Office of Administrative Hearings ("SOAH") as the primary mediator for Department ADR requests as required by Tex. Gov't Code §2306.082(b).
(2) If the Department and SOAH agree to utilize an Impartial Third Party other than one so designated through SOAH, an Impartial Third Party will be identified.
(3) The selection of an Impartial Third Party is subject to the approval of the parties to the dispute. If the parties do not suggest potential third parties, the Dispute Resolution Coordinator will provide a list of potential third parties from which to choose. If all parties agree to use an Impartial Third Party who charges for ADR services, then the costs for the Impartial Third Party shall be apportioned equally among all parties, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
(g) Voluntary Agreement. All parties participating must have the authority to reach an agreement to make a final recommendation to resolve the dispute. The Executive Director will abide by an agreed upon solution to the dispute and either approve that agreement or offer that recommendation to the Board, if Board authorization is needed. The decision to reach agreement is voluntary. If the parties reach a resolution and execute a written agreement, the agreement is enforceable in the same manner as any other written agreement of the same nature with the State. A written agreement to which the Department is a signatory resulting from an ADR procedure must be approved by the appropriate authority.
(h) A written agreement to which the Department is a signatory resulting from an ADR procedure is subject to Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 552 concerning open records.
(i) Confidentiality of Records and Communications. The confidentiality of the communications, records, conduct, and demeanor of an impartial third party and parties in an ADR procedure are governed by Tex. Gov't Code §2009.054.
(j) The Department may share the results of its ADR process with other governmental bodies, and with the Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution at the University of Texas School of Law, which may collect and analyze the information and report its conclusions and useful information to governmental bodies and the legislature.
TRD-201802923
10 TAC §1.18
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes the repeal of 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.18, Colonia Housing Standards. After review of this rule in compliance with Tex. Gov't Code §2001.039, the Department has assessed this rule and determined that there is no longer a need for this rule.
6. The proposed action will repeal an existing regulation, as it is no longer necessary;
7. The proposed repeal will decrease the number of individuals subject to the rule's applicability; and
PUBLIC BENEFIT/COST NOTE. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the repealed section will be the elimination of unnecessary regulations. There will not be any economic cost to any individuals required to comply with the repealed section.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The proposed repeal is made pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code, §2306.053, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules. Except as described herein the proposed repealed sections affect no other code, article, or statute.
§1.18.Colonia Housing Standards.
TRD-201802933
10 TAC §1.19
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes the repeal of 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.19, Reallocation of Financial Assistance. The purpose of the proposed repeal is to eliminate an outdated rule while adopting a new updated rule under separate action.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The proposed repeal is made pursuant to Tex. Government Code §2306.053, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules. Except as described herein the proposed repealed sections affect no other code, article, or statute.
§1.19.Reallocation of Financial Assistance.
TRD-201802934
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") proposes new 10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.19, Reallocation of Financial Assistance. The purpose of the proposed new section is to provide compliance with Tex. Gov't Code §2161.003 and §2306.111(h), add the purpose of the rule, make some sections more concise, add that the receipt of program income is an instance when reallocation may need to occur, add that Notices of Funding Availability may also be a governing document for reallocation decisions, remove the requirement that $1 million in HOME funds is set aside annually for disaster relief as this is now addressed in the program planning documents, and improve readability and clarity.
PUBLIC BENEFIT/COST NOTE. Mr. Irvine also has determined that, for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the new section will be ensuring a rule that provides for clear guidelines and improved clarity. There will not be any economic cost to any individuals required to comply with the new section, because the processes described by the rule have been in place through the rule found at this section being repealed.
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. The public comment period will be held July 16, 2018, to August 16, 2018, to receive input on the new section. Written comments may be submitted to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Attn: Brooke Boston, Rule Comments, P.O. Box 13941, Austin, Texas 78711-3941, by fax to (512) 475-0220, or email brooke.boston@tdhca.state.tx.us. ALL COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 p.m., Austin local time, AUGUST 16, 2018.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The new section is proposed pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code §2306.053, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules. Except as described herein, the proposed new sections affect no other code, article, or statute.
(a) Purpose. As provided for by Tex. Gov't Code §2306.111(h), this rule provides the policy for the reallocation of financial assistance, including assistance related to bonds, administered by the Department if the Department's obligation with respect to that assistance is prematurely terminated.
(b) It is the policy of the Department to take prudent measures to ensure that, when funds are provided to recipients for assistance, they are timely and lawfully utilized and that, if they cannot be timely and lawfully utilized by the initial recipient, there are mechanisms in place to reallocate those funds to other recipients in order to ensure their full utilization while maximizing assistance to beneficiaries.
(c) The reallocation of federal or state financial assistance administered by the Department may be required when:
(1) an administrator, subrecipient, owner, or contractor returns contracted funds;
(2) reserved funds are not fully utilized at completion of an activity;
(3) balances on contracts remain unused;
(4) funds in a contract or reservation are partially or fully recaptured or terminated;
(5) required benchmarks or expenditure deadlines have not been achieved within the time frames agreed; or
(6) there is program income.
(d) Reallocation of financial assistance for specific federal or state funding sources or programs administered by the Department is also governed by or provided for in:
(1) federal regulations and requirements;
(2) state rules adopted in other Sections of this Part;
(3) funding plans authorized by the Board governing federal or state resources that may have been reviewed and approved by the federal funding agency;
(4) Notices of Funding Availability or NOFAS; or
(5) written agreements and contracts relating to the administration of such funds.
(e) To the extent that programs or funding sources are governed by any of the items provided for in subsection (d) of this section, and the specific documents listed in subsection (d) of this section do not require further Board approval, no additional approval to take action on such reallocation is required. Reallocation of funding not governed by subsection (d) of this section will require Board approval.
(f) To the extent that certain programs are required to regionally allocate their annual allocations of funds, funds reallocated under this section do not require subsequent regional allocation.
(g) Funds made available under this section may be aggregated over a period of time prior to being reallocated.
(h) Consistent with the requirements of Tex. Gov't Code §2306.111(h), if the Department's obligation of financial assistance related to bonds is terminated prior to issuance, the assistance will be reallocated among other activities permitted by that bond issuance and any indenture associated with those bonds, as approved by the Board.
TRD-201802924