Amend SB 213 (house committee printing) as follows:
(1) On page 1, strike lines 18-19 and substitute the following:
SECTION 4. Section 531.992, Government Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
(2) On page 1, between lines 23 and 24, insert the following:
(d) The ombudsman may not use the name or any logo of the department on any forms or other materials produced and distributed by the ombudsman.
(3) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Subchapter Y, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.9931 to read as follows:
Sec. 531.9931. DIVISION OF OMBUDSMAN FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE. (a) The division of the ombudsman for children and youth in foster care is created within the office of the ombudsman for the purpose of:
(1) receiving complaints from children and youth in the conservatorship of the department as provided under Section 531.993(a)(1);
(2) informing children and youth in the conservatorship of the department who file a complaint under this subchapter about the result of the ombudsman's investigation of the complaint, including whether the ombudsman was able to substantiate the child's or youth's complaint; and
(3) collaborating with the department to develop an outreach plan for children and youth in the conservatorship of the department to promote awareness of the ombudsman.
(b) If a child or youth in the conservatorship of the department contacts the ombudsman by telephone call to report a complaint under this subchapter, the call shall be transferred directly to a person employed by the division of the ombudsman created under this section.