SRC-SLL H.B. 1914 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1914
By: Wise (Lucio)
Jurisprudence
5-17-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Educating children, families, and professionals about abduction, sexual
exploitation, and child abuse is helpful in reducing crime against
children.  A basic understanding of the unique particulars of cases
involving child abuse, child sexual assault, incest, and abduction is
critical to the successful processing of these cases through the social
services, criminal justice, and legal systems.  This bill will provide
regulations regarding the powers and duties of the Children's Trust Fund
of Texas Council. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1914 provides regulations regarding the powers and
duties of the Children's Trust Fund of Texas Council. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 74, Human Resources Code, by adding Section
74.004, as follows: 

Sec.  74.004.  EARLY PARENTING SKILLS PROGRAMS.  Authorizes the Children's
Trust Fund of Texas Council (council), subject to availability of funds,
to provide grants for voluntary, community-based, early parenting skills
programs in at least three different geographic areas of this state.
Requires an early parenting skills program, to be eligible for a grant, to
serve expectant parents and families with one or more children three years
of age or younger.  Authorizes the programs to take certain actions.
Requires the council to review the programs periodically to ensure that
program instruction and materials are not racially, culturally, or
sexually biased.  Requires the funded programs to cooperate with schools
and other social services programs to avoid duplication of services. 

SECTION 2. Sets forth regulations regarding a report on the extent to
which training on child abuse and neglect is provided in this state to be
prepared by the council.  Requires the council, not later than December 1,
1998, to submit the report to certain persons.  Requires the council to
provide the report to any member of the legislature on request. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.