TX HB385

Requires municipalities receiving federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds to conduct annual surveys of all affordable housing units within their boundaries, collecting data on unit type, rent, utilities, eligibility requirements, waiting lists, nearby services, and contact information

Mandates municipalities publish collected affordable housing information in a searchable public database accessible via website and mobile application, with at least annual updates and real-time update capability for authorized users

Defines "affordable housing unit" to include Section 8 voucher-eligible housing, public housing, permanent supportive housing, service-enriched housing projects, municipal affordable housing initiatives, and rental units with rent not exceeding 30% of the lowest household income quartile

Authorizes municipalities with populations of 1.3 million or less and general-law municipalities to use existing general fund appropriations (up to 1% of budget or 5 cents per $100 assessed valuation) to promote awareness of affordable housing options and the new database

Directs the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to adopt rules for implementation and publish statewide reports on affordable housing availability using municipal survey data, with authority to cooperate with governmental or private entities and accept gifts or grants