BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 1386

By: Thompson, Senfronia

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of training requirements for certain professionals who interact with individuals with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. H.B. 1386 seeks to address these concerns by establishing requirements for certain training and development activities for persons who may interact with these individuals in the course of employment and by clarifying the persons to whom those requirements apply.

 

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. 1386 amends the Human Resources Code to include Department of Family and Protective Services personnel among those for whom the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is required to conduct training and development activities for persons who may interact with an individual with autism or another pervasive developmental disorder in the course of their employment. The bill clarifies that the training and development activities are to be conducted for school, medical, and law enforcement personnel. The bill requires HHSC to ensure that such training and development activities are evidenced-based, applicable to the professional role of each type of personnel to be trained, and instructive regarding means of effectively communicating and engaging with individuals with limited social or verbal abilities. The bill requires HHSC, not later than September 1, 2024, and at least once every five years thereafter, in consultation with an institution of higher education, to revise the materials and methods for the training and development activities.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2019.