BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2420
81R2618 KLA-F By: Deuell
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) has had trouble in the past obtaining free space to test candidates for interpreter certification. As a result, people have forgone certification because they were not able to travel to Austin to take an examination.
As proposed, S.B. 2420 requires DARS to use state-owned or state-occupied facilities for meetings, conferences, and administration of examinations. The bill requires DARS to use appropriated money to lease private facilities if state facilities are not available or are inadequate.
[Note: While the statutory reference in this bill is to the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TCDHH), the following amendments affect the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, as the successor agency to TCDHH.]
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 Section 81.007(i), Human Resources Code, to require the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TCDHH) to determine the frequency for conducting the interpreter examinations. Requires TCDHH to conduct the interpreter examinations in a space, rather than in Austin at TCDHH's office or in other space owned or leased by the state, that can be obtained free of charge; or at a facility selected in compliance with Section 2113.106 (State Facilities For Meetings; Conferences, and Examinations), Government Code, rather than in other cities in this state in space that can be obtained free of charge.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.