SRC-JRN H.B. 3428 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3428 By: Naishtat (Moncrief) Health & Human Services 5-16-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 includes provisions that allow states the option to waive certain requirements for welfare recipients who are victims of family violence. In implementing welfare-to-work programs, other states have found that welfare recipients who are family violence victims have difficulty succeeding in education and employment, and must be given exceptions to requirements in order to succeed. This bill assists victims of family violence in making a successful transition from welfare to work without increasing risks to their safety. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 3428 assists victims of family violence in making a successful transition from welfare to work without increasing risks to their safety. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Department of Human Services, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Title IV-D agency in SECTION 1 (Section 31.0321, Human Resources Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 31B, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 31.0321, as follows: Sec. 31.0321. VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE. Requires the Department of Human Services (department), the Texas Workforce Commission (commission), and the Title IV-D agency (agency), by rule, to adopt procedures under which requirements relating to financial assistance and related services may be waived or modified for an individual who is a victim of family violence, if the requirements would adversely affect the victim in certain ways. Sets forth provisions the procedures must provide. Prohibits the department, commission, and agency from denying an individual access to certain services because the individual is a victim of family violence. Requires the department to coordinate the development and implementation of procedures under this section in collaboration with the commission, the agency, and at least one statewide advocacy group for victims of family violence. Defines "family violence" and "Title IV-D agency." SECTION 2. Requires the department to conduct a study for certain purposes using existing department funds. Defines "Title IV-D agency." SECTION 3. Sets forth the reporting requirements of the department, commission, and agency. SECTION 4. Sets forth the authorization for the department or other state agency to request a waiver to delay implementing provisions of this Act, if certain determinations are made. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.