January 16, 2002

By AHRC News Services
Copyright AHRC News Services

January 16, 2002 Subcommittee on Property Owners' Associations

University of Houston, Houston, Texas

Audio of Hearings - Click to listen
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/ram/archive/jan2002/011602IGR.ram

The Texas Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations Committee has responded to the national media attention on the flood of foreclosures on elderly and minority victims in homeowner associations by setting up a subcommittee to study the appropriateness of foreclosure and other powers granted to property owners' associations to enforce covenants.

It will hold hearings, do a report, and recommend statutory changes.

About the Subcommittee on Property Owners' Associations

Interim Charges

The Committee shall study the appropriateness of foreclosure and other powers granted to property owners' associations to enforce covenants.

Reports

The Committee shall submit copies of its final report as soon as possible, but no later than November 15, 2002. This date will allow the findings of the Committee to be considered when the Legislative Budget Board is developing performance and budget recommendations to the 78th Legislature. Copies of the final report should be sent to the Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of the Senate, Legislative Council, and Legislative Reference Library.

The final report of the Committee should be approved by a majority of the voting members of the Committee and include any recommended statutory changes. Draft legislation containing recommended statutory changes should be attached to the report. Recommended agency rule changes should also be attached to the report.

Budget and Staff

The Committee shall use its existing staff and utilize the budget approved by the Senate Committee on Administration. Where appropriate, the Committee should obtain assistance from the Senate Research Center and legislative agencies, including the Legislative Budget Board, the Legislative Council, and the State Auditor. The Committee should also seek the assistance of appropriate Executive Branch agencies with responsibilities in the areas related to the Committee's interim charges.

Interim Appointments

Pursuant to Section 301.041, Government Code, it may be necessary to change the membership of a committee if a member is not returning to the Legislature in 2003. This will ensure that the work of interim committees is carried forward into the 78th Legislative Session.

Committee Information

Clerk: Hillary Stephens, (512) 463-2527

Chair : Frank L. Madla

Vice-Chair .Jon Lindsay

Members:

David Cain

Craig Estes

Florence Shapiro

Todd Staples

Royce West

John Whitmire

Next hearing

April 2002 - Date & location to be announced