Texas House Bill HB2610

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/11/11
• Voted on by House: 5/7/11
• Refer: 3/15/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/18/11
• Report Pass: 4/5/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/11
• Engrossed: 5/7/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/10/11
• Report Pass: 5/18/11
• Enrolled: 5/24/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to facilitating access to certain public assistance benefits programs and health care providers and services through a community-based navigator program and through promotoras and community health workers.

Impact

The bill will amend existing state laws, particularly Chapter 531 of the Government Code, to formalize the establishment of a navigator program. This new framework intends to train and certify navigators who will interact directly with applicants, thereby aiming to increase the efficiency of benefit applications and improve overall access to essential services. The integration of community-based organizations into this process is seen as a means to bolster engagement with underrepresented populations and enhance the delivery of vital assistance.

Summary

House Bill 2610 aims to facilitate access to public assistance benefits and health care services in Texas through the establishment of a community-based navigator program. This legislative measure is designed to leverage the support of certified navigators, who are volunteers from faith and community organizations, to assist individuals in applying for various state benefits through electronic systems. The proposed bill signifies a proactive approach to enhance outreach and support for communities in need, ensuring a smoother application process for state assistance programs.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2610 may arise from varying opinions on the role of community health workers and the effectiveness of navigator programs in truly addressing barriers to health care access. Supporters advocate for the value of community-level assistance, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge and relationships in reaching marginalized groups. However, skeptics might raise concerns regarding the adequacy of training and certification processes, questioning whether the proposed measures will yield significant improvements in access relative to the resources allocated for their implementation.