88R26775 SHH-D
By: Thimesch H.B. No. 4655
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of the vulnerable adult protection
task force.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section:
(1) "Task force" means the vulnerable adult protection
task force established by this Act.
(2) "Vulnerable adult" means:
(A) an elderly person as that term is defined by
Section 48.002, Human Resources Code; or
(B) a person with a disability as that term is
defined by Section 48.002, Human Resources Code.
(b) The vulnerable adult protection task force is
established to study abuse of vulnerable adults in this state.
(c) The task force is composed of:
(1) the commissioner of the Department of Family and
Protective Services or the commissioner's designee;
(2) the banking commissioner of the Texas Department
of Banking or the banking commissioner's designee;
(3) a district attorney selected by the Texas District
and County Attorneys Association;
(4) the following members appointed by the governor
from a list of names submitted by the speaker of the house of
representatives:
(A) a representative from the banking or credit
union industry;
(B) a representative from an unaffiliated
nonprofit organization that advocates for elderly persons
statewide; and
(C) a representative from the health care
industry;
(5) two members of the house of representatives
selected by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(6) two members of the senate selected by the
lieutenant governor.
(d) A task force member is not entitled to compensation for
service on the task force or reimbursement for expenses incurred in
performing task force duties.
(e) The task force shall:
(1) assess the status of vulnerable adults in this
state;
(2) examine existing services and resources
addressing the needs of vulnerable adults in this state and any
barriers impeding those services and resources;
(3) determine the economic and human impact of
financial exploitation of vulnerable adults in this state;
(4) review possible solutions that could reduce the
incidents of financial exploitation of vulnerable adults in this
state; and
(5) develop recommendations to address abuse of
vulnerable adults in this state, including:
(A) possible legislation; and
(B) other state policies or responses.
(f) A state agency shall cooperate with and assist the task
force in carrying out the duties of the task force.
(g) Not later than December 31, 2024, the task force shall:
(1) prepare a written report that summarizes the task
force's findings under this section and recommends solutions for
improving the well-being of vulnerable adults in this state; and
(2) submit the written report to the:
(A) governor;
(B) lieutenant governor;
(C) speaker of the house of representatives;
(D) chair of the House Human Services Committee;
and
(E) chair of the Senate Health and Human Services
Committee.
(h) The task force is abolished and this Act expires June 1,
2025.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.