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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a demonstration project to reduce social isolation |
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among the elderly. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 161, Human Resources Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 161.082 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 161.082. SOCIAL ISOLATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT. (a) |
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In this section, "area agency on aging" means an agency described by |
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42 U.S.C. Section 3002(6) and through which the department ensures |
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the implementation of services and volunteer opportunities for |
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older persons in this state as provided by Section 161.071(5)(A). |
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(b) The department, in coordination with area agencies on |
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aging, shall establish not more than 10 demonstration projects |
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throughout the state to identify and assist socially isolated |
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elderly individuals. |
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(c) A demonstration project created under this section must |
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include a variety of volunteer opportunities to assist socially |
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isolated elderly individuals, including: |
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(1) transportation; |
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(2) minor home repair; |
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(3) shopping assistance; |
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(4) installation of wheelchair ramps; |
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(5) installation or management of safety equipment; |
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(6) yard maintenance; |
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(7) food bank pickup; |
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(8) household chores; |
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(9) visits by telephone and in person; |
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(10) meals; and |
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(11) information and referrals to services. |
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(d) In establishing demonstration projects under this |
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section, the department shall consider the design of the Neighbor |
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Helping Neighbor program developed in Tarrant County. |
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SECTION 2. If before implementing any provision of this Act |
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a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a |
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federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision, |
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the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or |
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authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the |
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waiver or authorization is granted. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |