Texas House Bill HB988

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to employee caseload limit goals for child and adult protective services and child-care licensing services and call processing goals for certain of those services.

Impact

By enforcing these caseload limits, HB 988 seeks to reduce burnout among caseworkers, which can often lead to inadequate attention to cases and a lack of thorough follow-ups. This bill could impact the operational framework of various state agencies, particularly the Department of Family and Protective Services and the Health and Human Services Commission. Additionally, it requires these agencies to report progress on achieving the set goals, enhancing accountability and monitoring mechanisms within state services that support children and adults in need.

Summary

House Bill 988 aims to establish specific employee caseload limit goals for both child and adult protective services as well as for child-care licensing services within Texas. The intent behind this legislation is to improve the quality of service provided to these vulnerable populations by ensuring that caseworkers are not overwhelmed with excessive caseloads. The bill specifies various limits, for instance, capping the average caseload for child protective services investigators at 15 cases, while other categories have similar or adjusted limits based on the nature of the work involved.

Contention

While this bill has been presented as a necessary reform for improving child and adult services, there may be potential contention surrounding its implementation. Opponents could argue about the fiscal implications of hiring additional staff or reallocating existing resources to meet these goals. Moreover, achieving these caseload limits might be challenged by existing budget constraints or the availability of trained personnel, raising questions about the government’s capacity to fulfill these aspirations effectively. Some stakeholders may worry that without sufficient financial backing, the legislation may result in unmet goals, ultimately leaving vulnerable populations without adequate support.