BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1156

By: Nelson

Juvenile Justice & Family Issues

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In 2015, the legislature transferred the administrative oversight of children's advocacy centers and court-appointed volunteer advocate programs to the Health and Human Services Commission to better align them with the state's child welfare system. Since then, statutory changes have been made that incorrectly included a reference to a designation under the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as a condition for participating in the program as a contractor. Concerns have been raised that this inclusion may have unintended effects on the federal tax status of these contractors. S.B. 1156 seeks to alleviate these concerns by removing the incorrect reference.

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

S.B. 1156 amends the Family Code to remove the requirement that an organization be designated as a supporting organization under the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to qualify for a contract with the Health and Human Services Commission to administer a court‑appointed volunteer advocate for children program.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.