86R28664 TSS-F
By: Meza, Lopez H.B. No. 4462
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a task force to study access to legal services for
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) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human
Services Commission shall establish a task force to study access to
legal services for persons with disabilities.
(c) The task force shall be composed of seven members as
follows:
(1) five members appointed by the executive
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission,
including:
(A) at least two members who are adults with
disabilities; and
(B) at least two members who are parents of
children with disabilities; and
(2) two members who represent Disability Rights Texas.
(d) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human
Services Commission shall designate a member as the presiding
officer of the task force.
(e) The task force shall meet at least quarterly at the call
of the presiding officer and at other times determined by the
presiding officer.
(f) The task force shall study access to legal services for
persons with disabilities. The study 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.
(g) The task force shall develop and submit a written report
of the study and recommendations developed by the task force to the
Health and Human Services Commission, the governor, the lieutenant
governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each
member of the legislature not later than December 1, 2020.
(h) The task force may develop instructional and training
materials for legal professionals and persons with disabilities
relating to legal issues affecting persons with disabilities.
(i) The task force may partner with or seek and accept
assistance from voluntary organizations active in supporting
persons with disabilities.
(j) 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.