Bill Caption

Relating to the rulemaking authority of the Health and Human Services Commission to provide for the placement of refugees in this state.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated

Bill Analysis

This legislation would amend the Government Code to enact a requirement for the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to implement rules for receiving community input on refugee distribution reporting requirements for the United States Refugee Resettlement Program. This legislation requires local volunteer agencies to convene and conduct quarterly refugee placement consultations with state and local governments, in addition to obtaining feedback on proposals in regards to refugee placement, and consider all feedback given as a result of these engagements, and ultimately develop a report for the national voluntary agencies and HHSC. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

We support this legislation for its commitment to limited government. Not all answers can be solved at a state or federal level regarding some of the biggest issues facing Texas, including refugee placement. This bill instructs the HHSC to coordinate and work with voluntary organizations and local community stakeholders to collect, report, and return all feedback and ideas regarding best practices within local jurisdictions on solutions to refugee placement issues within the state of Texas.