SRC-JXG H.B. 2641 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2641 By: Gray (Brown) Human Services 5/3/1999 Engrossed DIGEST In 1991, the 72nd Legislature created the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to coordinate the delivery of health and human services in this state. Today, 14 state agencies, with an appropriation of approximately $26 billion for the 1998-1999 biennium, are responsible for delivering these services. HHSC is subject to the Texas Sunset Act and will be abolished on September 1, 1999, unless continued by the legislature. H.B. 2641 would continue HHSC until September 1, 2007, and would increase HHSC's operational control over health and human services. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2641 sets forth the continuation and functions of the Health and Human Services Commission. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Commissioner of Health and Human Services in SECTION 2.01 (Section 531.0055(j), Government Code); and to the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTIONS 3.06, 3.07, and 4.04 (Sections 531.034(d), Government Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS ARTICLE 1. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION SECTION 1.01. Amends Section 531.004, Government Code, to continue the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) until September 1, 2007, rather than 1999. SECTION 1.02. Amends Section 531.005(a), Government Code, to provide that the commissioner of health and human services (commissioner) may be removed by the governor. Deletes text regarding with the advice and consent of the senate. SECTION 1.03. Amends Section 531.009, Government Code, to require the commissioner to employ a medical director to provide medical expertise to the commissioner and HHSC and to employ other personnel necessary to administer HHSC duties. Requires the commissioner or the commissioner's designated representative to prepare and maintain a written policy statement that implements a program of equal employment opportunity to ensure that all personnel transactions are made without regard to race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin. Sets forth requirements for the policy statement. Requires the policy statement described by Subsection (e) to be updated annually, be reviewed by the state Commission on Human Rights for compliance with Subsection (f)(1), and be filed with the governor's office. Deletes text regarding procedures and reasonable methods in the commission. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 1.04. Amends Section 531.011, Government Code, by adding Subsection (g), to set forth standard language developed by the Sunset Advisory Commission regarding complaint information. SECTION 1.05. Amends Chapter 531A, Government Code, by adding Section 531.014, as follows: Sec. 531.014. CONSOLIDATION OF REPORTS. Authorizes HHSC to consolidate any annual or biennial reports required to be made under this chapter or another law if certain conditions exist. SECTION 1.06. Amends Chapter 531A, Government Code, by adding Section 531.015, as follows: Sec. 531.015. PUBLIC HEARINGS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. Prohibits a health and human services agency from establishing a new facility at which the agency proposes to provide any services that the agency is authorized to provide in a county with a population of less than 200,000 unless the health and human services agency holds a public hearing in that county at which the facility and its proposed location is explained and at which public comment may be offered. Requires the time, place, and subject of the hearing to be publicized appropriately. Requires each state representative that represents all or part of the county to be informed in a timely manner of the time, place, and subject of the hearing. ARTICLE 2. RELATIONSHIP WITH HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES SECTION 2.01. Amends Chapter 531A, Government Code, by adding Sections 531.0055 and 531.0056, as follows: Sec. 531.0055. COMMISSIONER: RESPONSIBILITY RELATING TO CERTAIN FUNCTIONS OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES. (a) Defines "agency director" and "policymaking body." (b) Sets forth requirements for HHSC. (c) Requires HHSC to implement the powers and duties given to HHSC under Sections 531.0246, 531.0247, 2155.144, as added by Chapter 1045, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, and 2167.004, after implementation of HHSC duties under Subsection (b). (d) Requires HHSC to implement the powers and duties given to HHSC under Section 531.0248, after implementation of HHSC duties under Subsections (b) and (c). (e) Requires the commissioner, as necessary to perform the functions described by Subsection (b), (c), and (d) in implementation of the policies established by each agency's policymaking body, to manage and direct the operation of each health and human services agency, and supervise and direct the activities of each agency director. (f) Sets forth the operational authority of the commissioner. (g) Provides that the operational authority of the commissioner for purposes of Subsection (e) at each health and human services agency includes the authority to adopt or approve, subject to applicable limitations, any rate of payment or similar provision required by law to be adopted or approved by the agency, notwithstanding any other law. (h) Requires the commissioner to implement a program to evaluate and supervise the daily operations of the agency, for each health and human services agency. Requires the program to include measurable performance objectives for each agency director and adequate reporting requirements to permit the commissioner to perform the duties assigned to the commissioner under this section, for each health and human services agency. (i) Authorizes the commissioner to delegate a specific power or duty given under Subsection (f) or (g) to an agency director, to facilitate the operations of a health and human services agency in accordance with this section. (j) Authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules to implement the commissioner's authority under this section. (k) Requires the commissioner and each agency director to enter into a memorandum of understanding that clearly defines the responsibilities of the agency director and the commissioner, establishes the program of evaluation and supervision of daily operations required by Subsection (h), and describes each delegation of power or duty made under Subsection (i). (l) Provides that a policymaking body has the authority provided by law to adopt policies and rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served by the agency and the rights and duties of persons who are served or regulated by the agency, notwithstanding any other provision of this section. Prohibits a policymaking body and the commissioner from performing any power or duty or adopting any rule or policy that expands or creates a right, power, or duty beyond that granted or created by the express terms of a state or federal statute, and the powers and duties and the rulemaking authority of a policymaking body and the commissioner shall be strictly construed in accordance with the express terms and conditions of state and federal law and in a manner that will accomplish the underlying purposes of this chapter. Requires the commissioner and each policymaking body to enter into a memorandum of understanding that clearly defines the policymaking authority of the policymaking body, and the operational authority of the commissioner. Sec. 531.0056. AUTHORITY OVER RULEMAKING AT HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY. Requires a health and human services agency to notify the commissioner before proposing a rule, notwithstanding any other law. Provides that a rule adopted in violation of this section is void. Authorizes the commissioner to waive the requirement of this section as necessary to permit emergency rulemaking in accordance with Section 2001.034. SECTION 2.02. Amends Sections 21.004(a) and (b), Human Resources Code, to provide that the commissioner of human services (human services commissioner) exercises all rights, powers, and duties imposed or conferred by law on the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) unless the right, power, or duty is specifically delegated by the commissioner, rather than the Texas Board of Human Services (TBHS), to DHS's agents or employees. Provides that the human services commissioner is appointed by the commissioner with the concurrence of TBHS and the approval of the governor. Provides that the human services commissioner serves at the pleasure of the commissioner, but may be discharged only with the concurrence of TBHS. Deletes text regarding board. SECTION 2.03. Amends Chapter 22, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 22.0001, as follows: Sec. 22.0001. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. Provides that the commissioner has the powers and duties relating to TBHS and the human services commissioner as provided by Section 531.0055, Government Code. Provides that to the extent a power or duty given to TBHS or the human services commissioner by this title or another law conflicts with Section 531.0055, Government Code, Section 531.0055 controls. SECTION 2.04. Amends Section 40.027, Human Resources Code, to require the commissioner to appoint the executive director with the concurrence of the board and the approval of the governor. Makes conforming changes. Deletes text regarding the board. SECTION 2.05. Amends Chapter 40C, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 40.0505, as follows: Sec. 40.0505. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. Provides that the commissioner has the powers and duties relating to TBHS and the executive director as provided by Section 531.0055, Government Code. Provides that to the extent a power or duty given to TBHS or the executive director by this chapter or another law conflicts with Section 531.0055, Government Code, Section 531.0055 controls. SECTION 2.06. Amends Chapter 73, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 73.0045, to make conforming changes. SECTION 2.07. Amends Sections 73.0052(b) and (c), Human Resources Code, to require the commissioner to appoint an executive director with the concurrence of TBHS and the approval of the governor. Provides that the executive director serves at the pleasure of the commissioner but may be discharged only with the concurrence of TBHS. Deletes text regarding the board. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2.08. Amends Chapter 81, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 81.0055, to make conforming changes. SECTION 2.09. Amends Sections 81.008(a) and (b), Human Resources Code, to make conforming changes. Deletes text regarding the commission. SECTION 2.10. Amends Sections 91.012(a), (b), and (d), Human Resources Code, to make conforming changes. Deletes text regarding commission. SECTION 2.11. Amends Chapter 91C, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 91.0205, to make conforming changes. SECTION 2.12. Amends Section 101.004(a), Human Resources Code, to make conforming changes. Deletes text regarding the board. SECTION 2.13. Amends Chapter 101B, Human Resources Code, to make conforming changes. SECTION 2.14. Amends Section 111.017, Human Resources Code, to make conforming changes. Deletes text regarding the board. SECTION 2.15. Amends Chapter 111C, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 111.0505, to make conforming changes. SECTION 2.16. Amends Chapter 141C, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 141.0405, to make conforming changes. SECTION 2.17. Amends Sections 11.012(a), (b), (c), and (d), Health and Safety Code, to make conforming changes. Deletes text regarding the board. SECTION 2.18. Amends Chapter 12A, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 12.0001, to make conforming changes. SECTION 2.19. Amends Section 461.011(a), Health and Safety Code, to require the commissioner to employ an executive director with the concurrence of HHSC and the approval of the governor. Provides that the executive director serves at the pleasure of the commissioner but may be discharged only with the concurrence of HHSC. Deletes text regarding the commission. SECTION 2.20. Amends Chapter 461, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 461.0115, to make conforming changes. SECTION 2.21. Amends Sections 532.011(a), (c), (d), and (f), Health and Safety Code, to delete text regarding the board. Deletes text subjecting the commissioner to board rules and basic and general policies. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2.22. Amends Chapter 533A, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 533.0001, to make conforming changes. SECTION 2.23. Defines "agency director." Makes application of this Act prospective, regarding the term of agency director. ARTICLE 3. SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION SECTION 3.01. Amends Section 531.021(b), Government Code, to set forth the requirements of HHSC. Deletes text regarding the commission and the commission adopting rules and standards. SECTION 3.02. Amends Chapter 531B, Government Code, by adding Sections 531.0246, 531.0247, 531.0248, and 531.0249, as follows: Sec. 531.0246. REGIONAL MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES. Sets forth requirements for a health and human services agency under HHSC. Sec. 531.0247. ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN. Requires HHSC to develop and implement an annual business services plan for each health and human services region that establishes performance objectives for all health and human services agencies providing services in the region and measures agency effectiveness and efficiency in achieving those objectives, subject to Section 531.0055(c). Sec. 531.0248. COMMUNITY-BASED SUPPORT SYSTEMS. Requires HHSC to assist communities in this state in developing comprehensive, community-based support systems for health and human services, subject to Section 531.0055(d). Requires HHSC to provide resources and assistance to the community to enable the community to identify and overcome institutional barriers to developing more comprehensive community support systems, and develop a system of blended funds to allow the community to customize services to fit individual community needs, at the request of a community. Requires a health and human services agency to provide resources and assistance to a community as necessary to perform HHSC's duties under Subsection (a), at the request of HHSC. Requires a health and human services agency that receives or develops a proposal for a community initiative to submit the initiative to HHSC for review and approval. Requires HHSC to review the initiative to ensure that the initiative is consistent with other similar programs offered in communities and does not duplicate other services provided in the community. Requires HHSC to consider models used in other service delivery systems, including the mental health and mental retardation service delivery system, in implementing this section. Sec. 531.0249. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES. Requires HHSC to appoint an advisory committee composed of representatives of governmental entities identified under Section 531.022(e). Sets forth the requirements of the advisory committee. Prohibits a member of the advisory committee from receiving compensation, but is entitled to reimbursement of the travel expenses incurred by the member while conducting the business of the committee, as provided by the General Appropriations Act. Provides that the advisory committee is not subject to Chapter 2110. SECTION 3.03. Amends Sections 531.0271 and 531.0273, Government Code, as follows: Sec. 531.0271. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES OPERATING BUDGETS. Authorizes HHSC, within the limits established by and subject to the General Appropriations Act, to transfer amounts appropriated to health and human services agencies among the agencies to enhance the receipt of federal money under the federal funds management system established under Section 531.028, achieve efficiencies in the administrative support functions of the agencies, and perform the functions assigned to the commissioner under Section 531.0055. Deletes text regarding the annual operating budget of each health and human services agency. Sec. 531.0273. New heading: INFORMATION RESOURCES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT; ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Provides that HHSC is responsible for strategic planning for information resources at each health and human services agency and shall direct the management of information resources at each health and human services agency. Sets forth the requirements of HHSC. Requires HHSC to file the coordinated information resources strategic plan with the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives, no later than December 15 of each even-numbered year. Requires HHSC to appoint an advisory committee composed of information resources managers for state agencies and for private employers, and the directors, executive directors, and commissioners of health and human services agencies. Sets forth provisions regarding the advisory committee advising HHSC. Prohibits a member of the advisory committee from receiving compensation, but is entitled to reimbursement of the travel expenses incurred by the member while conducting the business of the committee, as provided by the General Appropriations Act. Provides that the advisory committee is not subject to Chapter 2110. Makes conforming change. SECTION 3.04. Amends Section 531.028, Government Code, to require HHSC, within the limits established by and subject to the General Appropriations Act, to manage and distribute all federal funds received by health and human services agencies. Requires the commissioner to establish a federal money management system to coordinate and monitor the use of federal money that is received by health and human services agencies to ensure that the money is spent in the most efficient manner and certain requirements are completed. Requires HHSC to prepare an annual report with respect to the results of the implementation of this section. Requires the report to identify strategies to maximize the receipt and use of federal funds and to improve federal funds management. Requires HHSC to file the report with the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives no later than December 15 of each year. Deletes text regarding formulas for the distribution of funds for a health and human services agency. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 3.05. Amends Section 531.0312, Government Code, to require the Texas Information and Referral Network (network) to include information relating to transportation services provided to clients of state and local agencies. Requires HHSC to cooperate with the Records Management Interagency Coordinating Council (RMICC) and the General Services Commission to establish a single method of categorizing information about health and human services to be used by RMICC and the network. Requires the network, in cooperation with the council and the General Services Commission, to ensure that information relating to health and human services is included in each residential telephone directory published by a for-profit publisher and distributed to the public at minimal or no cost, and the single method of categorizing information about health and human services is used in a residential telephone directory described by Subdivision (1). Requires a health and human services agency to provide the network and RMICC with information about the health and human services provided by the agency for inclusion in the statewide information and referral network, residential telephone directories described by Subsection (b), and any other materials produced under the direction of the network or RMICC. Requires the health and human services agency to provide the information in the format required by the network or RMICC and to update the information at least quarterly or as required by the network or the council. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 3.06. Amends Section 531.034, Government Code, by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (d), as follows: (b) Requires HHSC to review agency rules to ensure that the rules do not discourage marriage, or encourage divorce. Makes conforming changes. (d) Authorizes HHSC to adopt rules to establish criteria for determining, as required by Subsection (b), whether an agency rule discourages marriage or encourages divorce. SECTION 3.07. Authorizes HHSC to adopt the rules required by Section 531.034(d), Government Code, as added by this article, no later than January 1, 2000. SECTION 3.08. Amends Section 441.053(j), Government Code, to redesignate Subsection (j) of Section 441.203, Government Code, as added by Chapter 873, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, to require RMICC to cooperate with the network under Section 531.0312 to ensure that RMICC and the network use a single method of defining and organizing information about health and human services. SECTION 3.09. Amends Section 9.12, Chapter 655, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 1116, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, redesignated as Subchapter F, Chapter 531, Government Code, as follows: SUBCHAPTER F. TEXAS INTEGRATED ENROLLMENT SERVICES Sec. 531.191. INTEGRATED ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION. Deletes text regarding Texas Integrated Enrollment Services Legislative Oversight Committee and a plan to consolidate administrative and service delivery functions. Makes conforming changes Sec. 531.192. COORDINATION WITH LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. Requires HHSC to develop and implement the plan required by Section 531.191 in consultation and coordination with the Texas Integrated Enrollment Services Legislative Oversight Committee established by Section 531.202. Requires HHSC to provide the detailed cost-benefit analysis described by Section 531.191(d) to the legislative oversight committee, before awarding a contract under that subsection. Authorizes HHSC to coordinate with the legislative oversight committee to hold any hearing required under Section 531.191(d). Provides that this section expires September 1, 2002. SECTION 3.10. Amends Chapter 531D, Government Code, as added by Chapter 1116, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, redesignated as Subchapter G, Chapter 531, Government Code, and amends the subchapter heading, as follows: SUBCHAPTER G. LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT FOR TEXAS INTEGRATED ENROLLMENT SERVICES SECTION 3.11. Amends Section 531.203(a), Government Code, to require the committee to hold public hearings concerning the development and implementation of the plan required by Subchapter F, rather than Section 9.12(a), Chapter 655, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995. SECTION 3.12. Amends Section 2155.144, Government Code, as added by Chapter 1045, Acts of the75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, as follows: (i) Requires HHSC to develop a single statewide risk analysis procedure. Requires each health and human services agency to comply with the procedure. Sets forth the requirements for the procedure. (j) Requires HHSC to publish a contract management handbook that establishes consistent contracting policies and practices to be followed by health and human services agencies, subject to Section 531.0055(c). Provides that the handbook may include standard contract provisions and formats for health and human services agencies to incorporate as applicable in their contracts. (k) Requires HHSC, in cooperation with the comptroller, to establish a central contract management database that identifies each contract made with a health and human services agency, subject to Section 531.0055(c). Authorizes HHSC to use the database to monitor health and human services agency contracts, and health and human service agencies to use the database in contracting. Requires the state agency to send to HHSC in the manner prescribed by HHSC the information the agency possesses that HHSC requires for inclusion in the database. (l) Authorizes HHSC to review the procurement and rate-setting procedures of each health and human services agency to ensure that amounts paid to contractors are consistent and represent the best value for the state, in implementing this duty. Authorizes HHSC to disapprove a procurement and rate-setting procedure of a health and human services agency. Prohibits a health and human services agency from using a procurement or rate-setting procedure that has been disapproved by HHSC. Makes a conforming change. (m) Requires HHSC to develop and implement a statewide plan to ensure that each entity that contracts with a health and human services agency and any subcontractor of the entity complies with the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.), subject to Section 531.0055(c). (n) Makes a conforming change. (o) Requires HHSC to prepare an annual report that assesses the compliance of each health and human services agency with the requirements imposed under this section and that identifies any material risk to the state or to the clients of the health and human services agency that results from the health and human service agency's procurement and contracting practices. Authorizes HHSC to request the assistance of the state auditor in preparing the report. Requires the state auditor to conduct reviews as necessary to assess compliance under this subsection as determined by the Legislative Audit Committee. Requires HHSC to file the report with the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives no later than December 15 of each year. (p) Makes a conforming change. SECTION 3.13. Amends Section 2167.004, Government Code, to prohibit HHSC from entering into an emergency lease to serve the needs of a health and human service agency unless the emergency lease is entered into under criteria adopted by HHSC in consultation with HHSC. Sets forth the requirements of the criteria. Redefines "health and human services agency." Deletes text regarding the meaning of health and human services agency. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 3.14. Requires HHSC to submit a report, no later than December 15, 2000, relating to the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services in this state to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officer of the Health and Human Services Legislative Oversight Committee. Sets forth the required contents of the report. Requires a health and human services agency or any other state agency that provides mental health or substance abuse services to provide HHSC any information, other than confidential information, requested by HHSC, relating to mental health and substance abuse services provided by the health and human services agency. Provides that this section expires December 21, 2000. SECTION 3.15. Requires HHSC to submit a report by December 15, 2000, relating to regulatory programs conducted by the Texas Department of Health to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officer of the Health and Human Services Legislative Oversight Committee. Sets forth the factors HHSC must consider in preparing the report. Provides that this section expires on December 31, 2000. SECTION 3.16. Requires HHSC to assess the benefits of consolidating support services provided to health and human services agencies in agency headquarters and in regional offices and develop a proposed plan and schedule for colocating offices and consolidating support services in accordance with Section 531.0246. Requires HHSC to report the results of the assessment by September 1, 2000, to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officer of the Health and Human Service Legislative Oversight Committee. SECTION 3.17. Requires HHSC, the General Services Commission, and RMICC to ensure that information about health and human services presented in the format required by Section 531.0312, Government Code, is available for publication in residential telephone directories to be distributed to the public after December 1, 2000. Requires HHSC, the General Services Commission, and RMICC to report by December 31, 2000, to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officer of the Health and Human Service Legislative Oversight Committee with respect to the implementation of this section. SECTION 3.18. Requires the state auditor to conduct initial reviews as necessary to assess compliance under that subsection and complete those reviews no later than September 1, 2001, notwithstanding Section 2155.144(o), Government Code. ARTICLE 4. INVESTIGATIONS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT SECTION 4.01. Amends Chapter 531B, Government Code, by adding Section 531.053, as follows: Sec. 531.053. INVESTIGATIONS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT; UNIFORM USE OF TERMS. Requires each health and human services agency that may be required to conduct an investigation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a client of the health and human services agency at a facility operated by or under contract with the health and human services agency to use uniform definitions of "abuse," "neglect," and "exploitation" adopted by HHSC under this section. Requires the definitions of "abuse," "neglect," and "exploitation" adopted under this section to be at least as stringent as any definition that would otherwise be applicable to the investigation under law. SECTION 4.02. Amends Section 261.401, Family Code, to provide that for purposes of an investigation conducted under this section, "abuse," "neglect," and "exploitation" have the meanings assigned by the rules of HHSC under Section 531.053, Government Code. Provides that the meanings assigned to "abuse" and "neglect" by Section 261.001 do not apply to an investigation under this section. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 4.03. Amends Section 48.081, Human Resources Code, to make conforming changes. SECTION 4.04. Requires HHSC to identify each agency that may be required to conduct an investigation described by Section 531.053, Government Code, and convene a group of representatives of those agencies. Requires the group to develop proposed definitions of "abuse," "neglect," and "exploitation" for purposes of those investigations by June 1, 2000. Requires HHSC, by rule, to adopt uniform definitions of "abuse," "neglect," and "exploitation" by August 1, 2000. Provides that an agency is not required to use the uniform definitions adopted under this section by September 1, 2000. ARTICLE 5. GUARDIANSHIP ADVISORY BOARD SECTION 5.01. Amends Sections 531.122(b) and (d), Government Code, to provide that the Guardianship Advisory Board (advisory board) is composed of one representative from each of the health and human services regions, as defined by HHSC, three public representatives, and one representative of the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (DPRS). Provides that the representatives of the health and human services regions are appointed by a majority vote of the judges of the statutory probate courts in each region. Provides that the public representatives are appointed by the commissioner and the representative of DPRS is appointed by the Board of Protective and Regulatory Services (BPRS). Provides that a member of the advisory board serves at the pleasure of a majority of the judges of the statutory probate courts that appointed the member, of the commissioner, or of BPRS, as appropriate. SECTION 5.02. Amends Chapter 531D, Government Code, as added by Chapter 1033, Acts of the75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, by adding Section 531.1235, as follows: Sec. 531.1235. ADVISORY BOARD; ADDITIONAL DUTIES; STATEWIDE GUARDIANSHIP SYSTEM. Sets forth additional duties for the advisory board. Requires the advisory board to prepare an annual report with respect to the recommendations of the advisory board under Subsection (a). Requires the advisory board to file the report with HHSC, DPRS, the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives no later than December 15 of each year. SECTION 5.03. Amends Section 531.124, Government Code, by adding Subsection (c), to require the advisory board to annually review and comment on the minimum standards adopted under Subsection (a)(1) and the plan implemented under Subsection (a)(2) and to include its conclusions in the report submitted under Section 531.1235. SECTION 5.04. Requires BPRS to appoint the additional member of the advisory board by October 1, 1999. ARTICLE 6. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE OF COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES SECTION 6.01. Amends Chapter 131, Human Resources Code, as follows: CHAPTER 131. New heading: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE OF COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Sec. 131.001. OFFICE. Provides that the Health and Human Service Office of Community Transportation Services (office) is in HHSC. Deletes text regarding transportation and planning. Sec. 131.002. DEFINITIONS. Defines "commissioner," "health and human services agency," and "office." Sec. 131.003. POWERS AND DUTIES. Sets forth requirements for the office, with assistance from the commissioner. Requires the office to coordinate with HHSC and health and human services agencies in implementing the goals listed in Section 531.022(c), Government Code. Deletes text regarding Article 4413(502), V.T.C.S. Makes conforming changes. Sec. 131.004. OFFICE STAFF. Makes a conforming change. Sec. 131.005. REPORTING AND ACCOUNTING SYSTEM. Sets forth the requirements for each health and human services agency that provides, purchases, or funds transportation services. Sec. 131.006. IMPLEMENTATION OF STATEWIDE COORDINATION PLAN. Requires the office to provide certain services, in order to implement the statewide coordination plan created by the office under Section 131.003(a)(2). Sec. 131.007. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION. Authorizes the office to create an advisory committee consisting of representatives of state agencies, transportation agencies, and nonprofit consumer groups. Sec. 131.008. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. Requires HHSC and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to enter into a memorandum of understanding relating to functions performed by each agency that relate to the duties of the office. Requires the agencies to include provisions in the memorandum of understanding necessary to ensure that the agencies do not have duplicate authority, responsibilities, or activities in the area of transportation services for clients of health and human services agencies. Sets forth the requirements for the memorandum. SECTION 6.02. Requires the office and the commissioner, no later than January 1, 2001, to create the statewide coordination plan required by Section 131.003(a)(2), Human Resources Code. ARTICLE 7. EMPOWERMENT ZONES AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES SECTION 7.01. Amends Chapter 481B, Government Code, by adding Section 481.025, as follows: Sec. 481.025. EMPOWERMENT ZONE AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY PROGRAM. Provides that the Texas Department of Economic Development (TDED) is the agency of this state responsible for administering the Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community grant program in the state. Requires TDED to cooperate with appropriate federal and local agencies as necessary to administer the grant program. SECTION 7.02. Provides that effective September 1, 1999, the administration of the Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community grant program in this state is transferred from HHSC to TDED. Requires the commissioner and the governing board of TDED to enter into a memorandum of understanding as necessary to implement the transfer required by this section. ARTICLE 8. HEALTH CARE INFORMATION COUNCIL SECTION 8.01. Amends Section 531.001(4), Government Code, to redefine "health and human service agencies." Makes conforming changes. SECTION 8.02. Amends Section 108.002(4), Health and Safety Code, to redefine "data." SECTION 8.03. Amends Chapter 108, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 108.0065, as follows: Sec. 108.0065. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COUNCIL RELATING TO MEDICAID MANAGED CARE. (a) Defines "commission" and "Medicaid managed care organization." (b) Requires the Texas Health Care Information Council (THCIC), in consultation with HHSC, to collect data under this chapter with respect to Medicaid managed care organizations. Authorizes THCIC to coordinate the collections of the data with the collection of data for health benefit plan providers, but may collect data in addition to the data otherwise required of health benefit plan providers. (c) Requires each Medicaid managed care organization to provide the data required by THCIC in the form required by THCIC. (d) Provides that dissemination of data collected under this section is subject to Sections 108.010, 108.011, 108.012, 108.013, 108.014, and 108.0141. (e) Requires THCIC, in consultation with HHSC, to analyze the data collected in accordance with this section and to use the data for certain purposes. (f) Requires THCIC to report, no later than December 15, to HHSC, the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives with respect to THCIC conclusions, recommendations, and any recommendations for legislation. (g) Authorizes the report made under Subsection (f) to be consolidated with any report made under Section 108.006(a)(9). SECTION 8.04. Requires THCIC, in consultation with HHSC and the presiding officer of the Health and Human Services Legislative Oversight Committee, to develop a plan, no later than December 15, 1999, for implementing THCIC's duties under Section 108.0065, Health and Safety Code. ARTICLE 9. LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT SECTION 9.01. Amends Chapter 531, Government Code, by adding Subchapter E, as follows: SUBCHAPTER E. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT Sec. 531.171. DEFINITION. Defines "committee." Sec. 531.172. COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEE; PRESIDING OFFICER. Provides that the committee is composed of six persons who are members of the senate or the lieutenant governor, appointed by the lieutenant governor, and six persons who are members of the house of representatives, one of whom may be the speaker of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. Provides that a member of the committee serves at the pleasure of the appointing official. Sec. 531.173. COMMITTEE POWERS AND DUTIES. Sets forth requirements for the committee. Requires HHSC, at the committee's request, to provide staff and resources to support the committee, information, and an annual plan that addresses the topics identified by the committee. Requires an agency, at the committee's request, to provide information to the committee relating to the health and human services system and report on agency progress in implementing statutory directives identified by the committee and the directives of HHSC. Authorizes the committee to also use staff of standing committees in the senate and the house of representatives with appropriate jurisdiction, the Department of Information Resources, the state auditor, the Texas Legislative Council, and LBB in carrying out its responsibilities. Sec. 531.174. REPORT. Requires the committee to report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives no later than December 31 of each year. Requires the report to include identification of significant problems in the implementation of Section 531.0055 and HHSC's duties other duties in consolidating and integrating health and human services with recommendations for action by the commissioner, the status of the implementation of Section 531.0055 and HHSC's other duties in consolidating and integrating health and human services, and recommendations for legislative action. Sec. 531.175. DURATION OF COMMITTEE. Provides that the committee is abolished September 1, 2001. ARTICLE 10. REPEALER; EFFECTIVE DATE; EMERGENCY SECTION 10.01. Repealer: Section 441.053(k), Government Code (defines "member agency"). Repealer: Section 531.0272, Government Code (federal funds). SECTION 10.02. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 10.03. Emergency clause.