BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                            S.B. 1869

                                                                                                                                       By: Gallegos

                                                                                                                                  Human Services

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

In 2003, adult protective services and children's protective services offered by Harris County were merged into a single entity - the Harris County Board of Protective Services for Children and Adults.  However, current law does not reflect this organizational change.

 

The purpose of S.B. 1869 is to update statutory references to reflect the current service delivery structure for protective services in Harris County and the current organizational structure of state health and human services agencies.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

The bill changes a statutory definition from the Harris County Board of Children's Protective Services to the Harris County Board of Protective Services for Children and Adults, and makes conforming changes to reflect that the responsibilities of this entity cover protective services for both children and adults.

 

The bill makes conforming changes to reflect the current organizational structure of State health and human services agencies.

 

The bill also authorizes the board to receive and disburse funds from additional sources, to create or operate a guardianship program as defined under Section 601 of the Probate Code, and to designate an employee to sign certain court documents.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

Upon passage or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2005.