The bill, introduced by Representative Bernal, amends the Government Code to enhance the evaluation process for applications seeking financial assistance from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, particularly concerning private activity bonds and low-income housing tax credits. Key changes include the introduction of a scoring system that now requires applicants to demonstrate that all units they own are equipped with air conditioning, as well as those owned or operated by housing authorities or governmental entities from which they receive financial assistance. This new criterion is added to the existing factors considered in the evaluation process, which include tenant income levels, rent levels, community support, and development costs.

Additionally, the bill specifies that if an applicant requests a statement of support from the state representative for their proposed development, they must disclose the percentage of units equipped with air conditioning. The department is also mandated to assign negative points to applications if any units that fall under the new air conditioning requirement are not compliant. The changes will apply to applications submitted during the 2026 qualified allocation plan cycle or later, with the bill set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 2306.359, Government Code 2306.6710 (Government Code 2306)