81R11524 ALB-D
By: Hinojosa S.B. No. 1781
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a wellness grant program for
individuals with disabilities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 117, Human Resources Code,
is amended by adding Section 117.077 to read as follows:
Sec. 117.077. WELLNESS GRANT PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS. (a) The department shall establish a program to award
grants to public and nonprofit organizations that promote good
health, disease prevention, and wellness for individuals with
disabilities.
(b) To apply for a grant under this section, an applicant
must submit an application in the form and manner prescribed by the
department.
(c) The types of programs that may be funded by grants under
this section include:
(1) programs designed to assist with smoking
cessation, weight control, nutrition, or fitness that focus on the
unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities;
(2) preventive health screening programs to reduce the
incidence of secondary conditions; and
(3) athletic, exercise, or sports programs that
provide individuals with disabilities an opportunity to increase
the individual's level of physical activity in a dedicated or
adaptive recreational environment.
(d) The executive commissioner may appoint an advisory
committee consisting of interested individuals with relevant
expertise to:
(1) review grant applications and make
recommendations to the department; and
(2) evaluate the progress of the program.
(e) The department shall establish an outreach program to
inform public and nonprofit organizations of the existence of the
grant program and the application requirements.
(f) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year,
the department shall submit a report to the legislature summarizing
the activities, funding, and outcomes of programs awarded a grant
under this section and providing recommendations regarding the
grant program.
(g) The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
donations of money from the federal government, local governments,
private corporations, and other persons to be used for the purposes
of the grant program.
SECTION 2. If before implementing any provision of this Act
a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a
federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision,
the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or
authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the
waiver or authorization is granted.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.