S.B. 1489 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 1489
By: Ogden
Human Services
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there is a shortage of foster parents in Texas.  The Texas
Department of Protective and Regulatory Services' (DPRS) most recent
numbers indicate that there are approximately 15,000 children who need
homes and only 7,000 eligible foster families. S.B.1489 requires DPRS to
develop a program to recruit foster parents from faith-based communities.
The program will entail sending DPRS recruiters to encourage families
within faith communities to become foster parents. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 264B, Family Code, by adding Sections 264.113
and 264.114, as follows: 
 
Sec. 264.113.  FOSTER PARENT RECRUITMENT.  (a) Defines "faith-based
organization." 
 
(b)  Requires the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services
(DPRS) to develop a program to recruit and retain foster parents from
faith-based organizations.  Requires DPRS, as part of the program, to
perform certain tasks. 
  
Sec. 264.114.  IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY.  (a)  Provides that a faith-based
organization, including the organization's volunteers and employees, that
participates in a program under this chapter is subject to civil liability
as provided in Chapter 84, Civil Practice and Remedies Code. 
 
(b)  Provides that a faith-based organization that provides financial or
other assistance to a foster parent or to a member of the foster parent's
household is not liable for damages arising out of conduct of the foster
parent or a member of the foster parent's household. 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of the change in law made by Section
264.114, Family Code, as added by this Act, prospective. 

SECTION 3. Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.