BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 747

By: Nelson

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Under current state law, the governor is required to appoint an independent ombudsman for state supported living centers.  This legislation clarifies that the governor shall appoint the ombudsman for a term of two years, expiring February 1 of odd-numbered years.

As proposed, S.B. 747 amends current law relating to the term for the independent ombudsman for state supported living centers.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 555.053, Health and Safety Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) as follows:

(a) Requires the governor to appoint the independent ombudsman for state supported living centers for a term of two years expiring February 1 of odd-numbered years.

(c) Authorizes a person appointed as independent ombudsman to be reappointed.

SECTION 2.  Requires a person serving as the independent ombudsman on the effective date of this Act to serve as the independent ombudsman until February 1, 2015, unless otherwise removed by the governor.

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage or September 1, 2013.