BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1680

By: Howard

Youth Health & Safety, Select

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Nurse-Family Partnership and other home visiting programs provide support to eligible pregnant women or families with children under the age of six from trained experts to improve pregnancy outcomes, support child health and development, and ensure economic self-sufficiency. Some of the mothers served by Nurse-Family Partnership and other home visiting programs are under the age of 18, but there is confusion regarding the ability of mothers under the age of 18 to consent to receive home visiting services after their babies are born. According to the CDC, Texas ranks in the top ten states for teen births, and, by clarifying current law, the state can ensure that young mothers receive the support needed to improve outcomes for families. H.B. 1680 seeks to address this issue by providing access to Texas Home Visiting Program services for an eligible individual younger than 18 years of age.

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. 1680 amends the Government Code to authorize an individual younger than 18 years of age to consent to enrollment in and to receive Texas Home Visiting Program services from an applicable home visiting program if the individual is otherwise eligible for enrollment in the program.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.