HBA-AMW S.B. 875 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 875
By: West, Royce
Human Services
4/23/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, the encouragement of full participation of fathers in
programs and services relating to children is not included in the goals of
the state's coordinated strategic plan for health and human services
(plan).  Senate Bill 875 adds the encouragement of full participation of
fathers in programs and services relating to children to the goals of the
state's plan and requires the Health and Human Services Commission, the
attorney general, and each health and human services agency to examine, and
if needed, modify policies and procedures to encourage full participation
of fathers in programs, services, or functions relating to children.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 875 amends the Government Code to add to the state's
coordinated strategic plan for health and human services the goal that the
plan encourage the full participation of fathers in programs and services
relating to children.   

The bill requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), each
health and human services agency (agency), and the attorney general to
periodically examine policies and procedures to determine if the policies
and procedures deter or encourage participation of fathers in programs and
services relating to children.  Based on the examination, the bill requires
HHSC, each agency, and the attorney general to modify policies and
procedures as necessary to permit full participation of fathers in all
appropriate circumstances. 

 EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.