Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Impact
SB 24 is positioned to have a significant impact on child welfare laws in Texas. By consolidating services and transferring responsibilities to a single agency, it is intended to eliminate bureaucratic redundancies and improve efficiency in service delivery. The bill not only focuses on welfare services for at-risk families but also promotes maternal health and economic stability for families. The changes will facilitate a more organized approach to support families, ensuring they receive timely and necessary services that can help avert adverse outcomes for children.
Summary
Senate Bill 24, titled the Thriving Texas Families Program Act, aims to enhance the support for families by consolidating maternal and family services previously managed by the Department of Family and Protective Services into the Health and Human Services Commission. This legislation seeks to streamline services by transferring various existing programs catering to at-risk families and pregnant women under a new chapter in the Human Resources Code. The bill redefines and expands the assistance offered to families, including economic support, parenting skills education, and improving access to healthcare services.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 24 is predominantly supportive among pro-life advocates and organizations that prioritize family welfare. Testimonies during discussions highlighted a joint sentiment of optimism about the bill's potential to provide necessary support to families and modify existing practices that inhibit access to comprehensive care. However, there were some concerns from opponents who fear that while consolidating services might streamline processes, it may also overlook specific local needs and reduce the diversity of services required to meet varied family situations.
Contention
Notable points of contention in the discussions around SB 24 include worries from certain legislators regarding the completeness of programs being integrated into the new framework. There were calls for amendments to ensure that all necessary services and programs maintain their functions during the transition. Critics of the bill also expressed skepticism about its potential efficiency, given previous issues with state agencies managing multiple programs. This tension reflects a broader debate on balancing state-managed services with localized needs and involved community networks.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Human Resources Code
Chapter 137. Family Support Services
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: 004
Section: 052
Section: 054
Section: 106
Section: 107
Section: New Section
Chapter 40. Department Of Family And Protective Services
Section: 0025
Section: 0025
Section: 0025
Local Government Code
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 54. Living Organ Donor Education Program
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Government Code
Chapter 531. Health And Human Services Commission
Section: 0045
Family Code
Chapter 59. Progressive Sanctions Model
Section: New Section
Chapter 261. Investigation Of Report Of Child Abuse Or Neglect
Identical
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Department of Family and Protective Services and the transfer of certain powers and duties from the Health and Human Services Commission.
Relating to the provision of health and human services by the Department of Family and Protective Services and the Health and Human Services Commission.
Relating to abolishing the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and transferring the powers and duties of those agencies to the newly created Texas Juvenile Justice Department and to the functions of the independent ombudsman that serves the department.
Relating to abolishing the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and transferring the powers and duties of those agencies to the newly created Texas Juvenile Justice Department and to the functions of the independent ombudsman that serves the department.
Relating to the provision of health and human services in this state, including the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and other state agencies, and the licensing of certain health professionals; clarifying certain statutory provisions; authorizing the imposition of fees.
Relating to the provision of health and human services in this state, including the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and other state agencies, and the licensing of certain health professionals; clarifying certain statutory provisions; authorizing the imposition of fees.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to certain procedures in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship for a child placed in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and the provision of family preservation services and community-based foster care.