SRC-SLL C.S.H.B. 2126 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 2126
By: Maxey (Shapleigh)
Health & Human Services
5-8-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, the Department of Human Services (department) has an evaluation
team that conducts research on the department's programs; however, the
existence of the research department is at the discretion of the
commissioner of the agency.  There have been a number of instances in
which the evaluation unit was dissolved, most recently in 1989.  The
current unit was established in 1992. Recreating the evaluation unit is a
time-consuming process that could be avoided if the department was
required to maintain the unit at all times.  This bill will require the
department to evaluate and improve its programs. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.H.B. 2126 requires the Department of Human Services to
evaluate and improve its programs. 

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 22, Human Resources Code, by adding Section
22.0015, as follows: 

Sec.  22.0015.  EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF PROGRAMS.  Requires the
Department of Human Services (department) to conduct research, analysis,
and reporting of its programs to evaluate and improve the programs.
Authorizes the department to contract with one or more independent
entities to assist the department with the research, analysis, and
reporting required by this section. 

SECTION 2. Requires the department, not later than January 15, 1999,
January 15, 2001, and January 15, 2003, to report to certain persons
regarding the department's success in evaluating and improving its
programs.  Requires the department to notify certain persons of the filing
of each report.  Sets forth items the report is required to include. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Amends Section 22.0015, Human Resources Code, to authorize the department
to contract with independent entities, rather than independent private
entities. 

SECTION 2.

Requires the department to report on the department's success in
evaluating and improving its programs on January 15, 2001, and January 15,
2003, in addition to January 15, 1999.  Sets forth the items the report is
required to include.