BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 504

By: Guillen

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Direct support professionals are among the providers of publicly funded long-term support services for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Interested parties note that the essential care provided by these professionals enables persons with disabilities to live meaningful, productive lives while remaining connected to their families and communities and that the demand for such professionals employed in homes and community-based settings continues to grow. The parties further note that these professionals enhance the lives of thousands of Texans in performing a vital service for individuals with disabilities, including the families of these individuals for whom day-to-day care often poses a challenge beyond a family's capabilities. H.B. 504 seeks to honor the work of direct support professionals whose contributions are indispensable to countless of their fellow citizens.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 504 amends the Government Code to designate the second full week in September as Direct Support Professionals Week to honor the work of direct support professionals as an integral part of the long-term support system for individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.