2021S0155-1 03/04/21
 
  By: Nelson S.B. No. 1156
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the contracting authority of the Health and Human
  Services Commission for the volunteer advocate for children
  program.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 264.603(a), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  The commission shall contract with one statewide
  organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under
  Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization
  described by Section 501(c)(3) of that code [and designated as a
  supporting organization under Section 509(a)(3) of that code,] and
  that is composed of individuals or groups of individuals who have
  expertise in the dynamics of child abuse and neglect and experience
  in operating volunteer advocate programs to provide training,
  technical assistance, and evaluation services for the benefit of
  local volunteer advocate programs. The contract shall:
               (1)  include measurable goals and objectives relating
  to the number of:
                     (A)  volunteer advocates in the program; and
                     (B)  children receiving services from the
  program; and
               (2)  follow practices designed to ensure compliance
  with standards referenced in the contract.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all 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.