FLEXIBLE, LOW-COST HOUSING OPTIONS

(a) To the extent permitted under federal law and regulations, the executive commissioner shall adopt or amend rules as necessary to allow for the development of additional housing supports for individuals with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in urban and rural areas, including: (1) a selection of community-based housing options that comprise a continuum of integration, varying from most to least restrictive, that permits individuals to select the most integrated and least restrictive setting appropriate to the individual's needs and preferences; (2) provider-owned and non-provider-owned residential settings; (3) assistance with living more independently; and (4) rental properties with on-site supports. (b) The department, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, and the Intellectual and Developmental Disability System Redesign Advisory Committee established under Section 542.0052, Government Code, shall coordinate with federal, state, and local public housing entities as necessary to expand opportunities for accessible, affordable, and integrated housing to meet the complex needs of individuals with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (c) The department shall develop a process to receive input from statewide stakeholders to ensure the most comprehensive review of opportunities and options for housing services described by this section.