Texas House Bill HB309

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/17/14

Caption

Relating to a study on the feasibility and potential costs and benefits of implementing a pay-for-performance contract program for certain juvenile justice programs and services.

Impact

If established, this pay-for-performance system could empower the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to enhance the effectiveness of juvenile programs by prioritizing measurable performance outcomes. It aspires to increase accountability and result-driven operations in juvenile justice settings. The bill also anticipates identifying necessary changes in law and offering recommendations for operational structures that could effectively support the implementation if found feasible.

Summary

House Bill 309 is focused on conducting a study to evaluate the feasibility and potential costs and benefits of a pay-for-performance contract program specifically targeted at juvenile justice programs and services. The bill directs the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to explore how investors could fund these programs, only providing payments based on successful outcomes, thus shifting financial risk from the taxpayers to the investors. The findings from this study are intended to guide future decisions regarding the implementation of such a program in the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 309 appears to be supportive, particularly from those who advocate for innovative solutions in juvenile justice reform. Legislators demonstrated strong enthusiasm for the potential of this model to improve performance metrics while mitigating the financial burden on the state. However, skepticism was expressed by some who questioned the practical implications and whether the pay-for-performance model could adequately address the complexities involved in juvenile rehabilitation.

Contention

Notable points of contention center around concerns about the pay-for-performance approach's capacity to cover all facets of juvenile justice effectively. Critics argue that tying financial rewards strictly to performance metrics could lead to the risk of providers focusing solely on easily measurable outcomes at the expense of broader rehabilitative goals. There is also apprehension regarding the potential impact on existing juvenile justice service operations and funding structures, prompting debate about how best to balance performance incentivization with comprehensive service provision.