S.B. No. 1156 AN ACT relating to the contracting authority of the Health and Human Services Commission for the volunteer advocate for children program. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 264.603(a), Family Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The commission shall contract with one statewide organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization described by Section 501(c)(3) of that code [and designated as a supporting organization under Section 509(a)(3) of that code,] and that is composed of individuals or groups of individuals who have expertise in the dynamics of child abuse and neglect and experience in operating volunteer advocate programs to provide training, technical assistance, and evaluation services for the benefit of local volunteer advocate programs. The contract shall: (1) include measurable goals and objectives relating to the number of: (A) volunteer advocates in the program; and (B) children receiving services from the program; and (2) follow practices designed to ensure compliance with standards referenced in the contract. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all 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, 2021. ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1156 passed the Senate on April 9, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1156 passed the House on May 8, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 134, Nays 5, two present not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: ______________________________ Date ______________________________ Governor