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.