Bill: SB 781, 86(R) - 2019

Committee

Senate Health & Human Services

2nd Chamber Committee

House Human Services

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral

Author(s)

Lois Kolkhorst

Sponsor(s)

Ben Leman

Bill Caption

Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities.

Fiscal Notes

According to the Legislative Budget Board, no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated. 

The Department of Family and Protective Services and the Health and Human Services Commission are required to implement the provisions of the bill only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that purpose, the agencies may, but is not required to, implement a provision of this Act using other appropriations available for that purpose.

Bill Analysis

SB 781 would require the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to establish a strategy to develop trauma-informed protocols to reduce the number of children who run away from residential treatment centers (RTCs) and comply with federal and state requirements related to normalcy. DFPS would monitor and coordinate with general residential operations (GROs) to provide treatment services and maintain and improve quality residential child-care services purchased by DFPS.

Additionally, SB 781 would: require DFPS to develop and submit a strategic plan regarding child placements in settings eligible for federal funding under the federal Family First Prevention Services Act; allow the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to waive notice and hearing requirements for GRO applicants if they provide services to children who are victims of human trafficking; require GROs to submit an operations plan and an educational plan to HHSC; and allow HHSC to establish rules to hold public hearings and receive public input for the renewal of every GRO license.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Since this is not a matter that involves liberty principles, Texas Action has a neutral stance towards SB 781. We recognize that this bill is seeking to comply with the Family First Prevention Services Act signed into law in February 2018.


Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 09:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/86r/sb781?print_view=true