Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB728

Filed
11/16/22  
Out of House Committee
3/24/23  
Voted on by House
4/12/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/11/23  
Voted on by Senate
5/17/23  
Governor Action
6/10/23  

Caption

Relating to the statewide interagency aging services coordinating council.

Impact

The formation of the interagency council aims to enhance coordination among various state agencies responsible for aging services. By bringing together representatives from multiple departments such as health and human services, veterans affairs, and workforce development, HB 728 seeks to streamline processes and improve the efficiency of service delivery. This initiative is particularly significant given the lack of cohesive aging services currently in place, which has resulted in service duplication and coverage gaps for the older population in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 728 establishes a statewide interagency aging services coordinating council to address the growing needs of Texas's aging population, which is expected to rise significantly. The council will be charged with developing a five-year strategic plan to ensure that resources are allocated effectively and that services provided to older Texans are not redundant or cross-purposed. This bill reflects Texas's proactive approach in planning for an aging demographic that is projected to increase by approximately 3 million residents aged 65 and older between 2010 and 2030.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill has been largely positive, with strong support from organizations such as AARP Texas, which represents millions of older Texans. Advocates argue that the establishment of a coordinating council is a critical step to effectively manage and advocate for the needs of the rapidly growing aging demographic. However, there may be concerns around how well the council can implement the strategic plan and whether adequate funding will be available to meet the demands outlined in their reports.

Contention

The bill is not without its challenges, particularly regarding the ongoing questions about resource allocation and potential bureaucratic hurdles. There is a concern that the council's recommendations might face obstacles in execution due to varying priorities among different state departments. Furthermore, the efficacy of the council's oversight and its ability to maintain a focus on the most pressing needs of older Texans will be tested as the demographic shift continues.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 531. Health And Human Services Commission
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4572

Relating to the statewide interagency aging services coordinating council.

TX HB729

Relating to the statewide intellectual and developmental disability coordinating council.

TX SB524

Relating to the statewide intellectual and developmental disability coordinating council.

TX SB2896

Relating to the statewide intellectual and developmental disability coordinating council.

TX HB2807

Relating to the statewide intellectual and developmental disability coordinating council.

TX HB4571

Relating to the statewide intellectual and developmental disabilities coordinating council.

TX HB2813

Relating to the statewide behavioral health coordinating council.

TX SB2891

Relating to the establishment of the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council and the abolition of the statewide health coordinating council and the nursing advisory committee of that council.

TX HB3801

Relating to the establishment of the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council and a workgroup on nursing career pathways and the abolition of the statewide health coordinating council and the nursing advisory committee of that council.

TX SB552

Relating to the creation of the Energy Efficiency Coordination Council and to statewide energy efficiency; providing penalties.

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