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.