BILL ANALYSIS
By: West, Royce
Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Many states, such as Michigan, have implemented a statewide adoption day contributing to the adoption of at least ten percent of available children in the system. Currently, adoption days are held in many cities across Texas and are successful because of press attention, publication of information about available children on a website, an expedited paperwork process, and the availability of free legal advice to participants.
As proposed, S.B. 640 creates a statewide recognition day to celebrate adoption, adoptive families, and adoption workers in Texas. This bill specifies that Texas Adoption Day will be held on the third Saturday of November, as November is National Adoption month. The Department of Family and Protective Services will coordinate with cities and regions to plan and implement this day.
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
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.053. Section 662.053 (a) provides that the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day in November of each year is Texas Adoption Day to celebrate and encourage adoption, adoptive families, and adoption workers in Texas. Section 662.053 (b) requires Texas Adoption Day to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities that encourage participation in and raise awareness about the adoption process and that honor adoptive families and adoption workers in Texas. Section 662.053 (c) requires the Department of Family and Protective Services to create a statewide awareness campaign to promote Texas Adoption Day and to coordinate ceremonies and activities held throughout the state.
SECTION 2. Effective date: Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.