89R9952 JG-F     By: Cole H.B. No. 2724       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to equitable operations policies for certain emergency   homeless shelters.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter E, Chapter 2306, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 2306.0945 to read as follows:          Sec. 2306.0945.  EMERGENCY HOMELESS SHELTER EQUITABLE   OPERATIONS POLICIES. (a) This section applies only to an emergency   homeless shelter that receives financial assistance administered   by the department, including federal funds described by Section   2306.094.          (b)  The department by rule shall require each emergency   homeless shelter to adopt and implement equitable operations   policies designed to ensure that individuals experiencing   homelessness in this state have equal access to shelter and support   services regardless of the individuals' race, ethnicity, national   origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion,   disability, or other protected status.          (c)  The equitable operations policies must require an   emergency homeless shelter to:                (1)  eliminate discriminatory practices in the   admission of individuals to and the discharge of individuals from   the shelter and in the provision of services;                (2)  offer culturally and linguistically appropriate   services and accommodations;                (3)  ensure that each individual receiving services   from the shelter has access to the same level of basic amenities,   such as clean and safe sleeping accommodations, showers, restrooms,   and laundry facilities;                (4)  provide individuals receiving services from the   shelter with access to supportive services, such as case   management, employment assistance, health care, and mental health   and substance use treatment;                (5)  prioritize the needs of individuals who are most   vulnerable, including families with children, pregnant   individuals, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of   domestic violence;                (6)  adopt trauma-informed care practices to ensure   that each individual receiving services from the shelter is treated   with dignity and respect;                (7)  provide staff training and professional   development on issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion;                (8)  establish and implement other holistic operations   policies determined by the department to maximize the opportunity   for stabilization of the community the shelter serves during and   after a public emergency; and                (9)  collect and report data to the department in   accordance with department rule on the demographic characteristics   of shelter residents and outcomes achieved.          (d)  The department shall develop and distribute to each   emergency shelter guidelines and best practices for the adoption   and implementation of the equitable operations policies.          (e)  The department shall monitor emergency homeless   shelters to ensure compliance with this section.          (f)  The department may not provide financial assistance to   an emergency shelter that fails to adopt and implement the   equitable operations policies required by this section.          (g)  The department may collaborate with local emergency   homeless shelter regulatory authorities in carrying out this   section.          (h)  The senate finance committee and the house   appropriations committee shall use the equitable operations   policies required by this section as a guide in determining the   costs and funding sources of those policies.          SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date   of this Act, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs   shall adopt the rules required by Section 2306.0945, Government   Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.