The House Committee on Human Services convened to discuss multiple bills affecting vulnerable populations, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the aging population in Texas. Key bills included HB728, which aims to create an interagency council to support aging services, and HB637, focused on extending financial assistance for kinship caregivers of foster children. Testimonies were presented from various stakeholders, advocating for the bills and addressing fiscal concerns. The committee moved forward with voting on several bills, successfully passing HB113 addressing Medicaid accountability.
Relating to the selection and reimbursement of certain persons providing services required under a service plan filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to an evaluation by the housing and health services coordination council of the 2-1-1 services provided by the Texas Information and Referral Network.
Relating to suspending the employment of certain persons who provide care to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability and who are alleged to have engaged in reportable conduct; providing an administrative penalty.
Relating to imposing requirements on the employment of or contracts for certain individuals providing services to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability, including requiring certain facilities and Medicaid providers to conduct criminal history record information and employee misconduct registry reviews and to suspend the employment or contracts of individuals who engage in reportable conduct; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to notice regarding certain benefits for which a representative payee or fiduciary has been appointed for a child in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.