This website will be unavailable from Friday, April 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, April 29, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. due to data center maintenance.

BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 149

By: Reynolds

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

There are concerns surrounding the differing regulatory schemes among the various state and local laws on group homes, including assisted living facilities, boarding home facilities, and community homes. It has been noted that cities have seen an influx of group homes in recent years and that some of those homes are regulated by the state and others are not. These varying regulations can result in confusion for residents. H.B. 149 seeks to address these concerns and improve transparency to the public by providing for a study on state and local regulation of group homes.

 

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. 149 requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct a study on state and local regulation of group homes. The bill establishes the scope of the study, which must identify and evaluate state laws relating to the regulation of group homes, provide certain analysis regarding complaints against group homes and state and local governmental enforcement authority over group homes, and make certain recommendations and determinations.

 

H.B. 149 requires HHSC, not later than December 1, 2022, to do the following:

·         prepare a written or electronic report that includes a summary of the study results and any legislative recommendations based on the study; and

·         submit the report to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and members of the house and senate standing committees with jurisdiction over HHSC.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2021.