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.