S.B. 153 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 153
By: Zaffirini
Human Services
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Voucher Payment Program (program) is overseen by the
Voucher Payment Program Work Group which was established by Senate Bill
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.  Senate Bill 153 expands the membership of the group, changes
the name of the group, and extends the expiration date of the group. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the author that the bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 153 amends the Government Code by changing the heading of
Section 531.052, Government Code to CONSUMER DIRECTED SERVICES WORK GROUP
(work group) from VOUCHER PAYMENT PROGRAM WORK GROUP.  The bill adds the
provision that the work group is to be composed of representatives of the
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), appointed by the executive director of
TWC (director) and representatives of any other state agency as considered
necessary by the commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission
(commissioner), appointed by the governing body of their respective
agency.  The bill provides that this section will expire September 1,
2007, rather than September 1, 2003. 

SB 153 requires the commissioner and the director 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, no later than January 1,
2004. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.