The bill, S.B. No. 2488, proposes the establishment of a statewide homeless data sharing network in Texas, aimed at facilitating the sharing and assessment of real-time data on homelessness. This initiative will be implemented by the department in collaboration with the Texas Homeless Network, allowing homeless response systems and data warehouse vendors to work together effectively. The bill outlines that the department will also collaborate with health benefit plan issuers and managed care organizations to identify individuals experiencing homelessness and connect them to available services, including housing navigation assistance, to improve their health outcomes.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of confidentiality, stating that any information shared through the homeless data sharing network that is protected under state or federal law must not be disclosed. The new legal language introduces Subchapter QQ to Chapter 2306 of the Government Code, specifically detailing the framework and responsibilities associated with the homeless data sharing network. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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