Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4129

Filed
3/10/25  
Out of House Committee
4/24/25  
Voted on by House
4/30/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/23/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/25/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to the contract requirements for a contract between a single source continuum contractor and the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

The impact of HB4129 on state law is significant as it introduces accountability measures for continuum contractors. It allows the Department to assess contractor performance after a set period and impose financial penalties or grant incentives based on their performance outcomes. This legislative change aims to enhance the quality of services provided to families and children involved with the foster care system, ensuring that contractors adhere to stringent performance standards and community engagement.

Summary

House Bill 4129 establishes new contract requirements for single source continuum contractors providing community-based care services under the Department of Family and Protective Services in Texas. The bill mandates several key provisions including timelines for the implementation of services such as case management and family reunification support. It emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to data governance and the need for contractors to maintain a diverse network of service providers that cater to children from various cultural backgrounds.

Sentiment

Feedback surrounding the bill is largely positive among proponents who see it as a necessary step toward improving child welfare services. Supporters argue that establishing clear expectations and accountability will lead to better outcomes for children in community-based care. However, some concerns have been expressed regarding the feasibility of implementing these standards effectively, particularly in light of resource constraints and varying capacities of contractors.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve the potential challenge for some contractors to meet the performance benchmarks outlined in the bill. Critics emphasize that while the intent is to improve care quality, setting high-performance expectations without sufficient funding or resources may lead to unintended consequences, such as contractor turnover or a shortage of service providers. Furthermore, ensuring that community engagement adequately includes diverse stakeholder voices presents an ongoing challenge.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

  • Chapter 264. Child Welfare Services
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 155

Companion Bills

TX SB2033

Identical Relating to the contract requirements for a contract between a single source continuum contractor and the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB5366

Same As Relating to the contract requirements for a contract between a single source continuum contractor and the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1853

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.

TX SB1330

Relating to the exchange of certain information between the Department of Family and Protective Services or certain foster care services contractors and a state or local juvenile justice agency.

TX HB1342

Relating to the exchange of certain information between the Department of Family and Protective Services or certain foster care services contractors and a state or local juvenile justice agency.

TX HB3926

Relating to the liability of entities contracted with the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide community-based care.

TX HB3933

Relating to the liability of entities contracted with the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide community-based care or child welfare services.

TX SB2022

Relating to the liability of entities contracted with the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide community-based care or child welfare services.

TX HB4956

Relating to monthly reports of certain activity of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB2610

Relating to trauma-informed care for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and trauma-informed care training for certain department employees.

TX HB1418

Relating to state agency contracting and certain state employees involved with the contracting.

TX SB593

Relating to an independent assessment of the Health and Human Services Commission's and the Department of Family and Protective Services' rules, minimum standards, and contract requirements that apply to certain residential child-care providers.

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