85R12657 MM-D

By: Menéndez S.B. No. 1368

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study on the provision of vision services benefits to older individuals in this state.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "commission" means the Health and Human Services Commission.

(b) The commission, the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, and the Aging Texas Well advisory committee shall collaborate to conduct a study to evaluate the barriers and limitations and develop recommendations related to expanding vision services benefits to older individuals in this state. In conducting the study, the entities shall:

(1) identify a comprehensive training curriculum that can be used by governmental agencies and personnel who provide direct intervention and independent living services to older individuals who are experiencing vision loss;

(2) explore coordination opportunities between governmental agencies and organizations in the private and public sectors regarding providing vision services benefits to older individuals; and

(3) identify incentives and benefits for organizations in the private sector that address the issue of vision loss in the older individual population.

(c) Not later than September 1, 2018, the executive commissioner of the commission shall submit a written report containing the findings of the study conducted under Subsection (b) of this section to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the members of the legislature.

(d) This Act expires December 1, 2018.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2017.