By: Meza H.B. No. 4462
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a task force to study issues
affecting persons with disabilities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. TASK FORCE. (a) In this section:
(1) "Disability" means, with respect to an individual,
a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits at least
one major life activity of that individual.
(2) "Task force" means the task force established by
this section.
(b) A task force is established to study access to legal
services for persons with disabilities.
(c) The task force is composed of seven members as follows:
(1) one member appointed by the governor;
(2) four members who are adults with disabilities; and
(3) two members who are parents of a minor with
disabilities.
(d) A majority of the members appointed to the task force
under Subsection (c) of this section must be persons with
disabilities or guardians of children with disabilities.
(e) The member appointed by the governor shall serve as the
presiding officer of the task force.
(f) The task force shall meet at least quarterly at the call
of the presiding officer and at other times determined by the
presiding officer.
(g) The task force shall study:
(1) Access to legal services for persons with
disabilities.
(h) The study under Subsection (g) of this section must
examine and make recommendations regarding:
(1) the availability of legal representation for
persons with disabilities;
(2) the availability of advocacy and legal services
for persons with disabilities; and
(3) the barriers to accessing legal services for
persons with disabilities, including communication, financial,
medical, and cognitive barriers.
(i) The task force shall develop and submit a written report
of the study and recommendations developed by the task force to the
governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of
representatives, and each member of the legislature not later than
December 1, 2020.
(j) The task force may develop instructional and training
materials for legal professionals and persons with disabilities
relating to legal issues affecting persons with disabilities.
(k) The task force may partner with or seek and accept
assistance from voluntary organizations active in supporting the
disabled community.
(l) The task force is abolished and this Act expires June 1,
2021.
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect
immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members
elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas
Constitution.
If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for
immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2019.