SRC-TJG, MLC, LBB S.B. 153 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 153
By: Zaffirini
Health and Human Services
6/4/2003
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Voucher Payment Program (program) is overseen by the
Voucher Payment Program Work Group which was established by S.B. 1586 in
the 76th Legislature.  The program is only used for two services, respite
and personal attendant services, and these services are provided through
the Community Based Alternatives Waiver Program, the Community Living
Assistance and Support Services Waiver Program, the Client Managed
Personal Attendant Services Program, the Deaf Blind with Multiple
Disabilities Waiver Program, the Primary Home Care Program, and the In
Home and Family Support Program administered by the Texas Department of
Mental Health and Mental Retardation.  However, S.B. 1586 provides for the
program to include supported employment and "other services that the
Health and Human Services Commission, with assistance from the work group,
determines are appropriate and applicable and may be provided with
available funding."  Extending the expiration date, currently set for
September 1, 2003, would allow the work group to assist with the rollout
of the program.  Adding the Texas Workforce Commission as a partner could
help address labor issues that have arisen during the initial rollout of
the program.  S.B. 153 expands the membership of the group, changes the
name of the group, and extends the expiration date of the group. 

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.  Amends the heading to Section 531.052, Government Code, to
read as follows: 

 Sec. 531.052.  CONSUMER DIRECTED SERVICES WORK GROUP

SECTION 2.  Amends Sections 531.052 (b) and (g), Government Code, as
follows: 

(b)  Adds to the composition of the consumer directed services work group
representatives of the Texas Workforce Commission, appointed by the
executive director of that commission, and representatives of any other
state agency as considered necessary by the commissioner of health and
human services, appointed by the governing body of their respective
agency.  Amends the reference to consumers served by the pilot program
under Section 22.0325 (Voucher Pilot Project), Human Resources Code, to
reflect that that section has been abolished.  Makes nonsubstantive
changes. 

(g)  Provides that this section will expire September 1, 2007, rather than
September 1, 2003. 

SECTION 3.  Requires the commissioner of health and human services and the
executive director of the Texas Workforce Commission to ensure that, not
later than January 1, 2004, the composition of the work group created to
assist in implementing the voucher payment program complies with the
requirements of Section 531.052, Government Code, as amended by this Act. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.