SRC-SLL H.B. 2385 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2385 By: Delisi (Zaffirini) Health & Human Services 5-15-97 Engrossed DIGEST The state's health and human services system comprises 20.4 percent of general revenue funding appropriated under this year's budget. The system is complex, comprising 13 health and human service agencies, as well as the Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the Texas Workforce Commission. Because each administers programs, existing agencies cannot provide analysis and recommendations with the necessary objectivity. This bill will provide regulations regarding the creation of the Health and Human Services Policy Council. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2385 provides regulations regarding the creation of the Health and Human Services Policy 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 Title 4I, Government Code, by adding Chapter 532, as follows: CHAPTER 532. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES POLICY COUNCIL Sec. 532.001. DEFINITION. Defines "policy council." Sec. 532.002. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES POLICY COUNCIL. Provides that the Health and Human Services Policy Council (council) is an agency of the state. Sec. 532.003. SUNSET PROVISION. Provides that the council is subject to Chapter 325. Provides that, unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the council is abolished September 1, 1999. Sec. 532.004. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Sets forth regulations regarding the executive director of the council. Sec. 532.005. STAFF. Sets forth regulations regarding staff for the council. Sec. 532.006. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Sets forth regulations conflicts of interest. Sec. 532.007. APPOINTMENT OF OTHER ADVISORY BODIES. Authorizes the governor to establish other advisory bodies the governor considers necessary to advise the council or to accomplish the purposes of this chapter. Sec. 532.008. GENERAL DUTY OF POLICY COUNCIL. Requires the council to provide objective research and analysis of health and human services needs and programs. Sec. 532.009. CONSULTATION WITH LEGISLATIVE OFFICIALS. Sets forth regulations regarding consultation with legislative officials. Sec. 532.010. CONTRACTUAL AUTHORITY. Authorizes the council to contract with public or private entities in the performance of its responsibilities. Sec. 532.011. FUNDS; GRANTS AND DONATIONS. Sets forth regulations regarding funds, grants, and donations. Sec. 532.012. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PLAN; BIENNIAL REPORT. Requires the council to submit to the legislature a plan detailing the actions necessary to promote an effective health and human services system. Sec. 532.013. ACCESS TO PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES. Sets forth regulations regarding access to programs and facilities. Sec. 532.014. CONSUMER INFORMATION AND COMPLAINTS. Sets forth regulations regarding consumer information and complaints. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.