The bill, S.B. No. 337, proposes the establishment of the Texas Tenant Readiness and Landlord Incentive Pilot Program, which will be implemented by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. This program aims to provide funding and support to local governmental entities and nonprofit organizations to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or at high risk of housing instability. The program will allow for financial assistance to cover various costs associated with housing searches, including application fees, security deposits, utility services, and moving expenses, with a maximum assistance limit of $3,500 per household.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for selecting local entities to administer the program, requiring them to submit a housing search assistance plan. It mandates the department to report on the program's outcomes by January 1, 2030, including demographic data, financial assistance usage, housing outcomes, and suggestions for program improvements. The bill also amends existing definitions related to residential development in the Local Government Code, removing a specific reference to the new program. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the program is set to expire on September 1, 2030.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 394.003 (Local Government Code 394)