81R5217 MCK-D
 
  By: Rose H.B. No. 705
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to providing certain documents and training to children in
  the conservatorship of the state.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 264.014, Family Code, is amended to read
  as follows:
         Sec. 264.014.  PROVISION OF COPIES OF CERTAIN RECORDS. 
  (a) If, at the time a child is discharged from foster care, the
  child is at least 18 years of age or has had the disabilities of
  minority removed, the department shall provide to the child, not
  later than the 30th day before [after] the date the child is
  discharged from foster care, a copy of:
               (1)  the child's birth certificate;
               (2)  the child's immunization records; and
               (3)  the information contained in the child's health
  passport.
         (b)  The department shall ensure that a child who is being
  discharged from foster care obtains, not later than the 30th day
  before the date the child is discharged from foster care:
               (1)  a personal identification certificate under
  Chapter 521, Transportation Code;
               (2)  a social security card or a replacement social
  security card, if appropriate; and
               (3)  proof of enrollment in Medicaid, if appropriate.
         SECTION 2.  (a) The Department of Family and Protective
  Services, in cooperation with the Texas Education Agency and the
  Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas, shall develop a
  plan to ensure that each child in conservatorship of the department
  is provided the opportunity to complete a driver's education course
  and to obtain a driver's license before the child leaves
  conservatorship.
         (b)  Not later than December 1, 2010, the Department of
  Family and Protective Services shall report to the legislature the
  results of the plan under Subsection (a) of this section. The
  report must include cost estimates for providing the driver's
  education and methods for obtaining affordable liability insurance
  for foster children.
         SECTION 3.  The changes in law made by this Act to Section
  264.014, Family Code, apply to any child in the conservatorship of
  the state on or after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.