SRC-JJJ H.B. 2017 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2017
By: Christian (Carona)
Human Services
5/14/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

In implementing the federal "Charitable Choice" provision of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act of 1996, and the Welfare to Work
reform in Texas, various legislators and state agencies have attempted to
identify churches and other faith-based organizations that attempt to help
people in need and assist them in gaining independence from governmental
assistance programs. The purpose of this bill is to enhance communication
and cooperation between the Texas Department of Human Services (department)
and faith-based organizations. H.B. 2017 would require the Commissioner of
Human Services to designate one department employee in each of the
department's administrative regions to serve as a liaison to faith-based
organizations in the region with the potential ability to provide community
services for the needy.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2017 establishes provisions regarding the designation of
certain state employees as liaisons to faith-based organizations for the
purpose of promoting community services for the needy and to the promotion
of cooperation and coordination among certain organizations by local
workforce development boards. 

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 21, Human Resources Code, by adding Section
21.0061, as follows: 

Sec. 21.0061. LIAISONS TO FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS.  Requires the
Commissioner of Human Services (commissioner) to designate one Department
of Human Services (department) employee in each of the department's
administrative regions to serve as a liaison to faith-based organizations
in the region with the potential ability to provide community services for
the needy.  Requires the commissioner to ensure that the primary function
of each employee designated a liaison is to fulfill certain conditions.   
   
SECTION 2.  Amends Section 2308.303(a), Government Code, to require the
local workforce development board to promote cooperation and coordination
among public organizations. community organizations, charitable
organizations, religious organizations, and private businesses providing
workforce development, in a manner consistent with nondiscrimination
principles and safeguards stated in 42 U.S.C. Section 604a. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.