SRC-JJJ, PNG C.S.H.B. 3333 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 3333
76R15327 JMM-DBy: Tillery (Cain)
Economic Development
5/12/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, local workforce development boards (boards) receive state and
federal funds to provide child-care assistance to low-income families.
Local child care providers are reimbursed for the provision of this care at
a rate determined by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).  C.S.H.B. 3333
would require each of the state's boards to establish graduated
reimbursement rates for child care based on the TWC's designated vendor
program (program).  The program certifies child care providers that meet
certain enhanced quality standards.  The bill requires that the minimum
reimbursement rate for designated vendors be at least five percent greater
than the rate for nondesignated vendors.  In addition, the bill requires
that each board allocate a portion of their federal child care dollars to
fund a competitive procurement system for the provision of quality care for
children under four years of age.  
 
PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.H.B. 3333 sets forth provisions regarding certain duties
of local workforce development boards in connection with the provision of
child care. 

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 2308G, Government Code, by adding Sections
2308.315 and 2308.316, as follows: 

Sec.  2308.315.  REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR CHILD CARE.  Requires each local
workforce development board (board) to establish graduated reimbursement
rates for child care based on the Texas Workforce Commission's designated
vendor program.  Requires that the minimum reimbursement rate for
designated vendors to be at least five percent greater than the maximum
rate established for nondesignated vendors of the same category of care.
Authorizes the designated vendor rate differential established in this
section to be funded with federal child care development funds dedicated to
quality improvement activities. 

Sec.  2308.316.  FUNDING OF COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT SYSTEM FOR INFANT AND
TODDLER CHILD CARE.  Requires each board to allocate a portion of its
federal child care development funds to a competitive procurement system
for the provision of quality child care for children under four years of
age that encourages child care providers to voluntarily meet the criteria
of the Texas Workforce Commission's designated vendor program or national
accreditation.  Requires special emphasis to be given to funding child care
for children under four years of age in low-income communities. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.