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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the contracting authority of the Health and Human |
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Services Commission for the volunteer advocate for children |
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program. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 264.603(a), Family Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
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(a) The commission shall contract with one statewide |
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organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under |
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Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization |
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described by Section 501(c)(3) of that code [and designated as a |
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supporting organization under Section 509(a)(3) of that code,] and |
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that is composed of individuals or groups of individuals who have |
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expertise in the dynamics of child abuse and neglect and experience |
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in operating volunteer advocate programs to provide training, |
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technical assistance, and evaluation services for the benefit of |
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local volunteer advocate programs. The contract shall: |
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(1) include measurable goals and objectives relating |
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to the number of: |
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(A) volunteer advocates in the program; and |
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(B) children receiving services from the |
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program; and |
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(2) follow practices designed to ensure compliance |
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with standards referenced in the contract. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |