| TO: | Honorable Patrick M. Rose, Chair, House Committee on Human Services |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB4023 by Villarreal (Relating to a study and report on the feasibility of providing services and benefits under federally funded public benefit programs to encourage fathers' involvement beginning during pregnancy.), As Introduced |
The bill would require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct a study on the feasibility of providing services and benefits under federally funded public benefit programs to encourage fathers’ involvement beginning during pregnancy. The study would evaluate the feasibility of such programs under the HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), including CHIP, WIC, programs operated by the Texas Primary Care Office and DSHS, and programs funded under the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant. The study must evaluate and identify federal funding sources to provide the benefits and services to prospective fathers, including the possibility of obtaining a waiver or other authorization to provide those services. The study must also consider the ability of providers of the federal programs to provide these benefits and services.
No later than September 1, 2010 HHSC shall submit a written report to the legislature containing the findings of the study.
The act would take effect immediately if it receives two-thirds votes in each house; otherwise it would take effect September 1, 2009.
The Health and Human Services Commission estimates that any cost associated with conducting the study can be absorbed within existing resources.
| Source Agencies: | 529 Health and Human Services Commission
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, CL, BM, MB
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