1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to the evaluation of licensing for intermediate care 1-3 facilities for the mentally retarded. 1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-5 SECTION 1. The Texas Department of Human Services shall 1-6 evaluate the department's approach to licensing intermediate care 1-7 facilities for the mentally retarded. In conducting its 1-8 evaluation, the department shall consult with the Texas Department 1-9 of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, facility providers and 1-10 staff, advocates for facility residents, and facility residents and 1-11 their families. The evaluation must consider appropriate 1-12 distinctions between nursing facilities and intermediate care 1-13 facilities. 1-14 SECTION 2. The Texas Department of Human Services shall 1-15 present a report on its evaluation of the licensing of intermediate 1-16 care facilities for the mentally retarded to the governor, 1-17 lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives 1-18 not later than October 1, 2000. The report must include any 1-19 recommendations, based on the evaluation, for changes in law the 1-20 department considers necessary. 1-21 SECTION 3. This Act expires January 17, 2001. 1-22 SECTION 4. The importance of this legislation and the 1-23 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an 1-24 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the 2-1 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several 2-2 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended, 2-3 and that this Act take effect and be in force from and after its 2-4 passage, and it is so enacted. _______________________________ _______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.B. No. 1396 was passed by the House on March 25, 1999, by a non-record vote; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B. No. 1396 on May 17, 1999, by the following vote: Yeas 142, Nays 0, 1 present, not voting. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.B. No. 1396 was passed by the Senate, with amendments, on May 13, 1999, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. _______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: _____________________ Date _____________________ Governor