Amend CSSB 1 (house committee printing) in Article II of the bill, following the appropriations to the Department of Family and Protective Services (page II-3), by adding the following appropriately numbered rider:

____. Study on Reasonable Caseload Goals To Improve Case Outcomes. (a) Out of funds appropriated above, the Department of Family and Protective Services shall collaborate with the Legislative Budget Board to conduct a study to determine reasonable caseload goals and make recommendations regarding minimum and maximum caseloads for caseworkers in each division of the department.

(b)  In conducting the study described under Subsection (a), the commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services shall ensure that:

(1)  the study considers:

(A)  optimal workload time and effort for assigned caseworker duties; and

(B)  the differences in workload between regions of the state in which caseworkers are employed; and

(2)  the recommendations resulting from the study:

(A)  include reasonable caseload goals and minimum and maximum caseload goals for caseworkers in each division of the department, including employees of single source continuum contractors who provide case management services under contract with the department;

(B)  include goal estimates that will provide flexibility to the department in the event of an emergency; and

(C)  are consistent with other provisions of law governing department cases and caseloads, including provisions related to risk assessment.

(c)  The Department of Family and Protective Services and the Legislative Budget Board shall use the results and recommendations of the study to determine the funding level for the department that is appropriate to reduce caseloads.