BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1109

By: Lucio

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that the state lacks a statewide informational campaign and website for aging adults who are blind or visually impaired and their families regarding available programs and resources. This gap in information extends to service providers and community stakeholders who may be referral sources for these programs and resources. S.B. 1109 seeks to address this issue by requiring the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct public awareness and education outreach campaigns regarding such program and resources.  

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 rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 1 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 1109 amends the Government Code to require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), in collaboration with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) and other appropriate state agencies, to conduct public awareness and education outreach campaigns designed to provide information relating to the programs and resources available to aging adults who are blind or visually impaired in Texas. The bill sets out requirements for the design of the campaigns tailored to certain targeted populations and for dissemination through methods appropriate for each target population, including certain specified methods. The bill requires HHSC to do the following to support the campaigns:

· establish a toll-free telephone number for providing counseling and referrals to appropriate services for aging adults who are blind or visually impaired;

· post on its website information and training resources for aging adults, community stakeholders, and health care and other service providers that generally serve aging adults, including certain specified links, videos, best practices, and training;

· designate a contact within HHSC to assist aging adults who are diagnosed with a visual impairment and are losing vision and the families of those adults with locating and obtaining appropriate services; and

· encourage awareness of the reading services for persons who are blind or visually impaired that are offered by TSLAC.

The bill authorizes the executive commissioner of HHSC to adopt rules necessary to implement the bill's provisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.