CLC H.B. 1784 75(R) 
BILL ANALYSIS


HUMAN SERVICES
H.B. 1784
4-14-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

The bill would implement recommendations from the Committee on Human
Services Interim Report.  The Committee was charged with monitoring the
implementation of HB 1863, welfare reform, passed by the 74th Legislature.
This bill is an amendment to last session's welfare reform bill. 

PURPOSE

This bill would direct the Department of Human Services to increase the
amount of financial assistance granted to persons with dependent children
to aid in covering costs related to a work activity.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Department of Human Services in
Section 1, Section 31.003(b), Human Resource Code. 


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSES

SECTION 1

This bill amends Section 31.003 of the Human Resources Code by adding (b),
(c) and (f) and relettering current subsections. 
 
(b) DHS is directed to increase the amount of financial assistance to a
recipient who participates in a work or employment activity. 
(c) DHS is directed to periodically estimate the number of participants
who participate and the number who will not participate in a work or
employment activity.  The department must develop a method to set the
benefit amounts under subsection (b) that to the extent possible will not
affect the total amount of assistance provided under this chapter. 
(f) Incidental costs do not include support services defined by Section
31.010. 

SECTION 2

DHS can request waiver or federal authorization before implementing this
act if necessary. 

SECTION 3

The act takes effect September 1, 1997 and applies to all financial
assistance that is paid on or after January 1, 1998. 

SECTION 4

Emergency Clause.