BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1228

By: Hughes

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill sponsor has informed the committee that, under current federal law, the consolidation of federally funded social services with workforce development programs is restricted and that Utah is the only state in the country allowed to consolidate workforce and social services since its previously existing consolidated program is "grandfathered," and that this means that every other state, including Texas, must service the needs of qualified applicants for social services through separate programs. The 88th Texas Legislature passed S.B. 2315, which created a task force to develop a consolidation plan for applicable state and local agencies and services to be ready when federal law or guidance allows the consolidation of safety net programs in Texas. S.B. 1228 seeks to further this work by allowing for the continuation until 2027 of the task force on the consolidation of workforce and social services to make the necessary recommendations and preparations.

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

S.B. 1228 amends the Labor Code to postpone abolishment of the task force on consolidation of workforce and social services from September 1, 2025, to September 1, 2027. The bill changes the deadline by which the task force is required to prepare and submit to the legislature a report that includes a description of the activities of the task force, the consolidation plan developed by the task force, and the findings and recommendations of the task force from December 31, 2024, to December 31 of each even-numbered year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.