Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB513

Filed
11/26/24  
Out of Senate Committee
3/24/25  
Voted on by Senate
3/26/25  
Out of House Committee
4/25/25  
Voted on by House
4/29/25  
Governor Action
5/13/25  

Caption

Relating to a rural community-based care pilot program.

Impact

The proposed pilot program will significantly alter the landscape of child welfare services in Texas, particularly in rural communities that often lack access to comprehensive support. By allowing local nonprofits and governmental entities to lead the initiative, the bill promotes a collaborative model that seeks to address the unique challenges faced by these areas, such as isolation and limited resources. The implementation of community-based care is intended to ensure that services are tailored to local needs, which is anticipated to enhance the effectiveness of child welfare interventions and lead to better outcomes for children and families in these regions.

Summary

Senate Bill 513 establishes a pilot program aimed at implementing a rural community-based care model for child welfare services in specified eligible rural regions. The legislation amends the Family Code to include a new subchapter focused on creating innovative, community-centered approaches to child welfare. This program is designed to enhance the provision of child welfare services through increased community engagement and collaboration among local nonprofits and government entities. By fostering a network of services, the bill aims to improve outcomes for children and families and create a sustainable model that can be replicated in other rural areas.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 513 appears to be supportive, given its objective of improving child welfare by relying on local entities to provide services rather than a one-size-fits-all approach from the state. Proponents believe that engaging local communities will not only improve the quality of services but also empower families and enhance community integration. However, cautious voices within the discussions emphasize the need for sufficient oversight and evaluation to ensure that the program is effective and addresses potential disparities in service delivery across different regions.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve the potential for inconsistent service quality across various pilot sites due to varying levels of resources and capabilities among local entities. Critics raise concerns about the oversight of these newly-empowered local organizations and the adequacy of funding to support the ambitious goals set for the pilot program. Additionally, the process for evaluating the program's effectiveness and making necessary adjustments could be a focal point for debate as stakeholders seek to ensure that the intended outcomes of the legislation are achieved.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

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

Companion Bills

TX HB1536

Identical Relating to a rural community-based care pilot program.

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 HB4541

Relating to the establishment of a pilot program to provide comprehensive whole child care for children with complex medical needs.

TX SB2360

Relating to the establishment of a pilot program to provide comprehensive whole child care for children with complex medical needs.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX HB4383

Relating to measures to assist small and rural school districts in implementing a collegiate model and expanding broadband access, including the establishment of the Rural Schools and Communities Technical Assistance Center and a grant program.

TX SB24

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.

TX HB1917

Relating to the establishment and implementation by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs of the Texas Tenant Readiness and Landlord Incentive Pilot Program.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB4049

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.

Similar Bills

TX HB3540

Relating to the creation of a statewide initiative to increase independent, affordable housing for elderly or homeless persons and persons with disabilities.

TX HB1536

Relating to a rural community-based care pilot program.

TX SB2695

Relating to an education program to enable certain students to practice medicine in certain rural counties and to physician delegation of certain medical acts to advanced practice registered nurses, including in certain rural counties.

TX SB7

Relating to the reliability of the ERCOT power grid.

TX SB3

Relating to preparing for, preventing, and responding to weather emergencies and power outages; increasing the amount of administrative and civil penalties.

TX SB1419

Relating to the establishment of the independent provider health plan monitor for certain appeals in the Medicaid managed care program.