COMPOSITION

(a) The department shall establish a housing and health services coordination council. (b) The council is composed of 17 members consisting of: (1) the director; (2) one representative from each of the following agencies, appointed by the head of that agency: (A) the Office of Rural Affairs within the Department of Agriculture; (B) the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation; (C) the Health and Human Services Commission; (D) the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services; (E) the Department of Aging and Disability Services; (F) the Department of State Health Services; and (G) the Texas Veterans Commission; (3) one representative from the Department of Agriculture who is: (A) knowledgeable about the Texans Feeding Texans and Retire in Texas programs or similar programs; and (B) appointed by the head of that agency; (4) one member who is: (A) a member of the Health and Human Services Commission Promoting Independence Advisory Committee; and (B) appointed by the governor; and (5) one representative from each of the following interest groups, appointed by the governor: (A) financial institutions; (B) multifamily housing developers; (C) health services entities; (D) nonprofit organizations that advocate for affordable housing and consumer-directed long-term services and support; (E) consumers of service-enriched housing; (F) advocates for minority issues; and (G) rural communities. (c) A member of the council appointed under Subsection (b)(2) must have, subject to the approval of the head of the agency, authority to make decisions for and commit resources of the agency that the member represents and must have: (1) administrative responsibility for agency programs for older adults or persons with disabilities; (2) knowledge or experience regarding the implementation of projects that coordinate integrated housing and health services; or (3) knowledge or experience regarding services used by older adults or persons with disabilities. (d) The director serves as the presiding officer of the council.