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.