89R4201 RAL-D

By: Lalani H.B. No. 1541

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the establishment of an advisory committee to study and make recommendations on services provided to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 547, Government Code, as effective April 1, 2025, is amended by adding Subchapter D-1 to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER D-1. INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY

SERVICES AND SUPPORTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Sec. 547.0191. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "advisory committee" means the intellectual and developmental disability services and supports advisory committee established under this subchapter.

Sec. 547.0192. ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The commission shall establish the intellectual and developmental disability services and supports advisory committee to:

(1) conduct a study identifying and evaluating gaps in access to acute and long-term care services and supports for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability; and

(2) provide to the legislature recommendations to address those gaps in access.

Sec. 547.0193. ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS. (a) The executive commissioner shall appoint relevant stakeholders to serve as advisory committee members, including:

(1) representatives of the commission;

(2) representatives of the Department of State Health Services;

(3) representatives of the Private Providers Association of Texas;

(4) representatives of local intellectual and developmental disability authorities;

(5) representatives of intellectual and developmental disability advocacy organizations;

(6) persons with expertise on intellectual and developmental disability services and supports;

(7) representatives of long-term services and supports providers;

(8) representatives of managed care organizations;

(9) individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability who receive services or supports; and

(10) parents or other family members of individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability who receive services or supports.

(b) The executive commissioner shall appoint an advisory committee member to serve as the advisory committee's presiding officer.

(c) The executive commissioner shall fill a vacancy that occurs on the advisory committee in the same manner as the original appointment as soon as practicable but not later than the 60th day after the date the vacancy occurs.

Sec. 547.0194. EXPENSES. An advisory committee member is not entitled to compensation but is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing advisory committee duties. The advisory committee may accept gifts, grants, and donations to pay for those expenses.

Sec. 547.0195. MEETINGS. (a) The advisory committee shall meet at least quarterly.

(b) The advisory committee may conduct meetings in person or remotely.

Sec. 547.0196. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. The commission shall provide administrative support for the advisory committee using existing resources.

Sec. 547.0197. STUDY; BIENNIAL REPORT. (a) The advisory committee shall:

(1) evaluate the adequacy of state and federal funding for acute and long-term care services and supports for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability;

(2) evaluate the financial sustainability of current service delivery models;

(3) evaluate the availability and capacity of trained professionals, caregivers, and support staff necessary to deliver services for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability;

(4) identify best practices and innovative models used in and outside this state for services provided to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability;

(5) evaluate the quality of current services provided in this state to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability;

(6) evaluate the effectiveness of programs designed to promote health, education, employment, and community inclusion for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability;

(7) identify factors that contribute to mental health conditions affecting individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability;

(8) evaluate public safety net services, including the role, functions, and capacity of local intellectual and developmental disability authorities to coordinate services and supports to meet the needs of individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability; and

(9) review and identify areas for improvement to the Texas Statewide Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Strategic Plan developed by the IDD Strategic Planning Group.

(b) Not later than August 31 of each even-numbered year, the advisory committee shall prepare and submit to the legislature and each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over intellectual and developmental disability issues a written report that includes:

(1) a summary of the results of the advisory committee's findings under Subsection (a);

(2) recommendations to address gaps in access to acute and long-term care services and supports for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability;

(3) recommendations for legislative or administrative action, including legislation or rules, to implement the advisory committee's recommendations;

(4) a complete explanation of each of the advisory committee's recommendations; and

(5) suggested timelines for implementing each of the advisory committee's recommendations.

Sec. 547.0198. EXPIRATION. (a) Not later than December 1, 2028, the commission shall prepare and submit to the legislature a report that contains a recommendation on whether the advisory committee should be continued or abolished.

(b) The advisory committee is abolished and this subchapter expires September 1, 2029.

SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act but not later than December 1, 2025, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall appoint members to the intellectual and developmental disability services and supports advisory committee as required by Section 547.0193, Government Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.