87R7475 TSS-F
 
  By: Meza H.B. No. 2514
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a task force to study access to legal services for
  persons with disabilities.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  TASK FORCE. (a)  In this section:
               (1)  "Disability" means, with respect to an individual,
  a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits at least
  one major life activity of that individual.
               (2)  "Executive commissioner" means the executive
  commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.
               (3)  "Task force" means the task force established by
  this section.
         (b)  The executive commissioner shall establish a task force
  to study access to legal services for persons with disabilities.
         (c)  The task force shall be composed of seven members as
  follows:
               (1)  five members appointed by the executive
  commissioner, including:
                     (A)  at least two members who are adults with
  disabilities; and
                     (B)  at least two members who are parents of
  children with disabilities; and
               (2)  two members who represent Disability Rights Texas.
         (d)  The executive commissioner shall designate a member as
  the presiding officer of the task force.
         (e)  The task force shall meet at least quarterly at the call
  of the presiding officer and at other times determined by the
  presiding officer.
         (f)  The task force shall study access to legal services for
  persons with disabilities.  The study must examine and make
  recommendations regarding:
               (1)  the availability of legal representation for
  persons with disabilities;
               (2)  the availability of advocacy and legal services
  for persons with disabilities; and
               (3)  the barriers to accessing legal services for
  persons with disabilities, including communication, financial,
  medical, and cognitive barriers.
         (g)  The task force shall develop and submit a written report
  of the study and recommendations developed by the task force to the
  Health and Human Services Commission, the governor, the lieutenant
  governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each
  member of the legislature not later than December 1, 2022.
         (h)  The task force may develop instructional and training
  materials for legal professionals and persons with disabilities
  relating to legal issues affecting persons with disabilities.
         (i)  The task force may partner with or seek and accept
  assistance from voluntary organizations active in supporting
  persons with disabilities.
         (j)  The task force is abolished and this Act expires June 1,
  2023.
         SECTION 2.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  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, 2021.