The bill amends the Government Code to enhance the evaluation process for applications seeking financial assistance from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, particularly regarding the issuance of private activity bonds and low-income housing tax credits. Key changes include the introduction of a point system that scores applications based on various criteria, such as tenant income levels, rent levels, community support, and the period of guaranteed affordability. Notably, the bill adds new criteria that require all units owned by the applicant and those operated by housing authorities or governmental entities to be equipped with air conditioning at the time of application submission.

Additionally, the bill specifies that if an applicant requests a statement of support from the state representative for the proposed development site, 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 described are not equipped with air conditioning. The changes will apply to applications submitted during the 2026 qualified allocation plan cycle or later, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

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