BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 428
86R6126 LED-D	By: Lucio
	Intergovernmental Relations
	3/14/2019
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

During the 85th Legislative Interim, various entities including the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations and the Governor's Rebuild Texas Commission heard from concerned stakeholders that unfortunately, disaster survivors were having to fill out multiple forms to be able to apply for services, such as case management and financial assistance. Unfortunately, this led to a lot of confusion and frustration among disaster survivors.

S.B. 428 directs the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of developing a single intake form that would include all the necessary information needed to obtain assistance of a disaster from various state and federal programs.

Specifically, S.B. 428 directs TDEM and HHSC to work with the appropriate state and federal agencies to undertake the study and to report to the legislature there findings and any recommendations for reform.

As proposed, S.B. 428 amends current law relating to a study of using a single intake form for state and federal disaster assistance.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. (a) Defines "commission" and "division."

(b) Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)� to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing a single intake form that would compile all information needed to obtain disaster assistance from multiple state and federal programs for an individual who needs assistance as a result of the disaster and an automated intake system for collecting the information.

(c) Requires HHSC and TDEM to coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other appropriate state and federal agencies to conduct a study under Subsection (b) of this section. Requires HHSC and TDEM to determine whether FEMA and other appropriate state and federal agencies will accept the single intake form.

(d) Requires HHSC and TDEM to prepare and submit a written report to the legislature containing the findings of the study conducted under Subsection (b) of this section and any recommendations to the legislature, not later than September 1, 2020.

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act expires January 1, 2021.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.