SRC-CDH C.S.S.B. 115 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 115 By: Zaffirini Health and Human Services 2-24-97 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST Currently, the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (DPRS) is not authorized to assign priorities to an investigation conducted at Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) facilities by DPRS. This bill grants DPRS the rulemaking authority to prioritize investigations at MHMR facilities in an effort to more efficiently use staff time and resources; and establishes the primary prioritization criteria. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.S.B. 115 grants rulemaking authority to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services in assigning priorities to certain investigations. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill grants rulemaking authority to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services in SECTION 1 (Section 48.081(g), Human Resources Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 48.081, Human Resources Code, by amending Subsection (g) and adding Subsection (h), to authorize the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (DPRS), by rule, to assign priorities to an investigation conducted by DPRS. Provides that the primary prioritization criteria will be the risk that delaying the investigation has on the collection of evidence in the case. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days upon adjournment. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES Amends SECTION 1, Section 48.081, Human Resources Code, to establish the primary prioritization criteria. Amends SECTION 2 to amend the effective date.