H.B. No. 636 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. The bill introduces a new Subchapter QQ to Chapter 2306 of the Government Code, which outlines the responsibilities of the department in collaboration with the Texas Homeless Network. This network will enable homeless response systems and data warehouse vendors to share information effectively. Additionally, the department is tasked with collaborating 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 health outcomes.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of confidentiality, stipulating that any information shared through the network that is protected under state or federal law must not be disclosed. The implementation of this act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()