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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the establishment of a coordination of disability |
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services pilot program. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 531.0243 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 531.0243. COORDINATION OF DISABILITY SERVICES PILOT |
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PROGRAM. (a) In this section: |
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(1) "Pilot program" means the coordination of |
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disability services pilot program established under this section. |
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(2) "Service provider" means a federal agency, state |
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agency, political subdivision, nonprofit organization, or other |
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person who provides specialty services for individuals with a |
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disability. |
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(b) The commission shall establish a coordination of |
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disability services pilot program to: |
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(1) review all state programs that provide services |
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for individuals with a disability to determine any deficiencies in |
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the programs; |
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(2) refer individuals with a disability to a service |
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provider; and |
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(3) assist individuals with a disability in |
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determining the services available and in applying for services |
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from a service provider. |
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(c) The pilot program must allow an individual with a |
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disability to access the pilot program in person, by telephone, or |
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through the commission's Internet website. |
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(d) The commission shall give preference to qualified |
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individuals with a disability or with personal experience with a |
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disability in operating the pilot program. |
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(e) Not later than December 1, 2022, the commission shall |
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prepare and submit a written report to the legislature on: |
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(1) the results of the pilot program; and |
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(2) the pilot program's recommendations on |
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improvements to state programs for individuals with disabilities. |
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(f) This section and the pilot program expire on September |
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1, 2023. |
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SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2022, the Health and |
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Human Services Commission shall establish the coordination of |
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disability services pilot program required by Section 531.0243, |
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Government Code, as added by this Act. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |