SRC-AXB S.B. 239 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 239
76R3488 KKA-DBy: Ellis
State Affairs
2/8/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, state agencies are responsible for providing services to Texans
with disabilities including assistance in the process of obtaining benefits
under certain federal social security programs. Registering to receive
these benefits can be a confusing, lengthy process.  This bill would
benefit Texans with disabilities and state agencies responsible for
providing services to them, by requiring the agencies to collaborate with
contractors who will assist in the identification, and application of
benefits for eligible clients. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 239 requires various Texas departments, commissions, and
councils to enter into contracts with the goal of gaining benefits for the
people served by those organizations.  Sets forth guidelines for the
assistance provided by the contractors. 

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 29A, Education Code, by adding Section 29.015,
as follows: 

Sec.  29.015.  ELIGIBILITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME.  Authorizes a
school district to enter into a contract with certain provisions for a
contractor.  Authorizes a school district to enter into a new contract
between a state agency and a contractor under certain conditions. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 264B, Family Code, by adding Section 264.113, as
follows: 

Sec.  264.113.  ELIGIBILITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME.  Requires the
Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (DPRS) to enter into a
contract assisting a child receiving foster care if the child fulfills
certain eligibility requirements.  Requires the contractor to take certain
actions.  Authorizes DPRS to comply with Subsection (a) by entering into or
participating in an existing contract between a state agency and a
contractor under which similar services are provided to the state. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Chapter 533A, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
533.018, as follows: 

Sec.  533.018.  FEDERAL BENEFIT PROGRAMS.  Requires the Texas Department of
Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TXMHMR) to enter into a contract
assisting clients who receive services from certain facilities in applying
for federal benefits under certain programs.  Requires the TXMHMR to refer
clients to the contractor for assistance in establishing eligibility from
the programs.  Requires the department to target certain areas of this
state in the process of identifying the clients to refer.  Authorizes the
TXMHMR to obtain assistance from the contractor in identifying the clients.
Authorizes the TXMHMR to comply with Subsection (a) by various forms of
participating in a contract between a state agency and a contractor under
which similar services are provided. 
 
SECTION 4.  Amends Chapter 614, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
614.019, as follows: 

Sec.  614.019.  FEDERAL BENEFIT PROGRAMS.  Requires the Texas Council on
Offenders with Mental Impairments (council) to enter into a contract
assisting offenders in gaining federal benefits under certain programs.
Requires the council to refer offenders to the contractor for assistance in
establishing eligibility from the programs.  Requires the council to target
certain areas of this state in the process of identifying offenders to
refer. Authorizes the council to obtain assistance from the contractor in
identifying the offenders. Authorizes the council to comply with Subsection
(a) by entering into or participating in an existing contract between a
state agency and a contractor under which similar services are provided to
the state. 

SECTION 5.  Amends Chapter 141C, Human Resources Code, by adding Section
141.0521, as follows: 

Sec.  141.0521.  ELIGIBILITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME.  Requires
the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission to enter into a contract with
certain provisions for a contractor.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 6.  Amends Chapter 301D, Labor Code, by adding Section 301.068, as
follows: 

Sec.  301.068.  FEDERAL BENEFIT PROGRAMS.  Requires the Texas Workforce
Commission to enter into a contract with certain provisions for a
contractor.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 7.Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.