HBA-NLM H.B. 649 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 649
By: Flores
County Affairs
3/1/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, cities that administer Community Development Block Grant and
Home Funds are required to record liens and deed restrictions on property
that has been purchased or improved with federal funds.  County clerks
charge fees for the recording of these documents.  H.B. 649 authorizes the
commissioners court to direct the county clerk to waive fees for filing
real property records for persons buying or improving a home with
assistance from a federal or state assistance program that benefits low and
moderate income families. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 118, Local Government Code, by
adding Section 118.0135, as follows: 

Sec. 118.0135. WAIVER OF REAL PROPERTY FILING FEES. Authorizes the
commissioners court to direct the county clerk to waive fees for filing
real property records under this chapter, for a person who is buying or
improving the person's home with assistance from a federal or state grant
or aid program that promotes home ownership or home improvement for persons
of low or moderate income.  Requires the commissioners court to specify the
types of grant or aid programs that qualify a person for a fee waiver under
this section. Authorizes the commissioners court to limit the waiver to
only certain programs. 

SECTION 2.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.