|
House Bill 5 |
House Author: Frank et al. |
|
Effective: See below |
Senate Sponsor: Schwertner et al. |
House Bill 5 amends the Family Code, Government Code, and Human Resources Code and repeals Human Resources Code provisions to provide for the separation of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) from the state's consolidated health and human services system under the oversight of the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) with responsibility for management and direction of DFPS operations, except as otherwise provided by the bill. Among other provisions, the bill transfers certain functions and duties of HHSC and the executive commissioner of HHSC to DFPS and the commissioner of DFPS as appropriate, sets out provisions relating to community-based care, and provides for collaboration between HHSC and DFPS regarding a foster child's medical care and health passport.
House Bill 5 recreates the Family and Protective Services Council to assist the commissioner of DFPS in developing rules and policies for DFPS and transfers the duty to appoint a commissioner for DFPS from the executive commissioner of HHSC to the governor. The bill requires the commissioner of DFPS to adopt rules and policies for the operation of and the provision of services by DFPS and to establish certain divisions and offices within DFPS. Effective May 31, 2017, the bill includes DFPS functions relating to investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurring at a child-care facility among those not subject to transfer to HHSC as part of the consolidation of the health and human services system. Except as otherwise provided, the bill takes effect September 1, 2017.