Texas Senate Bill SB1824

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/11/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/21/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the Interagency Task Force for Children with Special Needs.

Impact

The task force is expected to collaborate with federal agencies to enhance funding opportunities and conduct a thorough review of state policies affecting service delivery for children with special needs. It is also charged with performing a needs assessment to identify gaps in service delivery. The creation of a five-year plan to improve these services will rely on consultations with experts, stakeholders, and examines best practices from other states to support more effective interventions and service coordination.

Summary

SB1824 aims to establish the Interagency Task Force for Children with Special Needs in Texas, which is designed to improve the coordination and quality of services provided to children with various disabilities and chronic illnesses. The bill outlines the definitions pertinent to the task force, designating 'children with special needs' as those under 22 with chronic illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or serious mental illnesses. It mandates the task force to be overseen by the governor and to include representatives from various health and human services agencies which will be responsible for implementing the goals set forth in the bill.

Contention

While the bill presents a structure for improved support for families with children with special needs, it may also raise questions regarding the allocation of resources across various state services and the effectiveness of coordination among state agencies. Concerns may arise among advocacy groups about ensuring that the needs of specific communities are being addressed adequately without potential bureaucratic complexities. The implementation strategies, such as developing a memorandum of understanding for collective action between various agencies, might need careful consideration to avoid ambiguity in responsibilities and action plans.