BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 3252

By: Parker

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

While Texas businesses have embraced diversity, the state only had its first recorded business owner with Down syndrome, Blake Pyron, in 2016. He found that the biggest obstacles for him as a business owner were not his mindset or diagnosis, but a lack of a broader awareness and systemic support for pursuing business ownership as a viable option for a person with a disability. It has been noted that Texas has the second largest disabled community of all states, many of whom are young adults facing uncertainties after graduating or aging out of school systems, and that individuals with disabilities are often overlooked in the workforce. As such, there have been calls to encourage and broaden entrepreneurial options in Texas for more individuals with disabilities. C.S.H.B. 3252 seeks to recognize the career pathways available for these individuals by designating October 17 as Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 3252 amends the Government Code to designate October 17 as Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day to recognize entrepreneurship as a career path for all people with disabilities and bring awareness and inclusion to every aspect of the workforce. The bill requires Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Day to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 3252 differs from the original only by including a Texas Legislative Council draft number in the footer.