BILL ANALYSIS HUMAN SERVICES H.B. 2126 By: Maxey 3-24-97 BACKGROUND The Department of Human Services currently has an evaluation team that conducts research on the department's programs. Unlike other state entities such as the Texas Education Agency, the department is not required to conduct this type of research. Currently, the existence of the research department is at the discretion of the commissioner of the agency. There have been a number of instances where the evaluation unit was dissolved, most recently in 1989. The current unit was established in 1992. Re-creating the evaluation unit is a time consuming process that could be avoided if the department were required to maintain the unit at all times. This bill would require the department to continually conduct research on the programs implemented by the department. In order to develop programs that are effective and efficient, it is essential to maintain an on-going research effort. Information on programs is used by managers to determine the future direction of the programs. In addition, the unit gathers information that is not routinely available through other sources and provides qualified individuals to design and maintain evaluation contracts that are arranged with outside organizations. There is no additional cost associated with this legislation due to the fact that the department is already operating a research and evaluation team. This legislation would simply ensure that this important task continues. PURPOSE This legislation directs the the Department of Human Services to conduct research to evaluate their programs and use that information to improve their programs. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rule making authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS Section 1. Amends Chapter 22, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 22.0015. Directs the department to conduct research to evaluate its programs. Section 2. Directs the department to report the results of their evaluation and program improvements no later than January 15, 1999. Section 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 1997. Section 4. Emergency clause.