SRC-JEC H.B. 2058 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2058
78R9835 KLA-DBy: Villarreal (Zaffirini)
Health & Human Services
5/10/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Based on research performed in 2000, the state of Texas failed to achieve
substantial conformity with six of seven safety, permanency, and
well-being outcomes for children who have been removed from their homes
due to abuse and/or neglect.  Furthermore, the state failed to meet
national standards for measures relating to the length of time to achieve
adoption and placement stability for children in foster care.  H.B. 2058
requires a study on goals, outcome standards, and objectives relating to
children's protective services, and a report including recommendations for
improvement. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  STUDY.  Requires the Department of Protective and Regulatory
Services (DPRS) to conduct a study of a random sample of five percent of
DPRS's state office contracts under Chapter 40 (Department of Protective
and Regulatory Services), Human Resources Code, through which program
services for children are provided.  Requires DPRS to determine the extent
to which each contractor under those contracts is achieving the goals and
outcomes included in the contract, and federally mandated and
state-mandated objectives of the program. 

SECTION 2.  REPORT.  Requires DPRS, not later than December 31, 2004, to
report to certain state agencies and entities the results of the study.
Requires the report to include recommendations regarding additional goals
and outcome standards designed to improve program services for children
that DPRS recommends for inclusion in future contracts. 

SECTION 3.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.