BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2703 By: Naishtat 04-03-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND As result of the discussion in Washington by the U.S. Congress regarding block grant funding for some human service programs, concern has been expressed over possible implications of any changes in methods for funding programs under the Older Americans Act. PURPOSE H.B. 2703 would identify the Texas Department on Aging as an eligible state agency to receive and administer block grants funds, under Chapter 2105 of the Government Code. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that H.B. 2703 does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 2105.001(1), Government Code, to add a new subsection (F) to the definition of state agencies, including the Texas Department of Aging, and inserting the words "or state agency" in the subsequent subsection redesignated as (G), as a clarification of which agencies may receive and administer block grants. SECTION 2. Emergency clause, effective in 90 days. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION The House Human Services Committee convened in a public hearing on March 29, 1995, and the Chairman laid out H.B. 2703 by Rep. Naishtat. The following witnesses testified for H.B. 2703: Kim Kirchoff, Texas Ass'n of Regional Councils; Bruce Bower, Houston Welfare Rights Organization. No one testified against or neutral on the bill and H.B. 2703 was left pending. On April 3, 1995, the Committee took up H.B. 2703 which had been pending. Rep. Krusee moved to report H.B. 2703 favorably to the full House, without amendment. The motion prevailed by a record vote of 9 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 PNV, and 0 Absent.