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Committee:	Senate Health and Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Emergency management | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care | Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Health care costs | Healthy Texas Women | Hurricane Harvey | Insurance, Texas Department of | Juvenile justice system | Managed care | Medicaid | Natural disasters | Opioids | Prescription drugs | Public health | State Health Services, Texas Department of | Substance abuse | Teacher Retirement System of Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.85 H349
Session:	85th R.S. (2017)
Online version:	View report [98 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the state's response to Hurricane Harvey with a focus on public health efforts at the local and state level. The review should include an analysis of the state and local response related to vector control, immunization needs, utilization of health-related volunteers, adequacy of an emergency medical network, evacuation of vulnerable populations from state operated or regulated facilities, and coordination between all levels of government. Recommend any legislative changes necessary to improve public health response and coordination during and after a disaster.
2.	Evaluate the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the capacity of out-of-home placements and care for youth involved with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Determine how the state can ensure support is available to provide appropriate care as close to home as possible as facilities and offices are rebuilt.
3.	Child Welfare: Review the efficacy and quality of services offered to ensure family preservation while in the Family Based Social Services (FESS) stage of service at the Department of Family and Protective Services. Make recommendations to better track quality of services and link payments to providers of these services to outcomes for families and children. Analyze the Department of Family and Protective Services' progress in meeting statutory requirements related to timely visits to children involved in a reported case of abuse or neglect. Make recommendations to further improve the timeliness of these visits. Review services and supports provided to children in Permanent Managing Conservatorship of the state, and the level of preparedness given to youth aging out of state care. Examine the impact of recent legislation related to these populations, and make recommendations to ensure youth in care are ready for adulthood and to reduce the likelihood of intergenerational perpetuation of child maltreatment. Assess the effectiveness of public and private agency efforts to recruit and retain foster parents. Identify barriers to entry and obstacles that prevent interested families from continuing to provide foster care. Recommend solutions to increase foster recruitment and address non-renewals, especially in first-time foster parents.
4.	Substance Abuse/Opioids: Review substance use prevention, intervention, and recovery programs operated or funded by the state and make recommendations to enhance services, outreach, and agency coordination. Examine the adequacy of substance use, services for pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in Medicaid or the Healthy Texas Women Program and recommend ways to improve substance use related health outcomes for these women and their newborns. Examine the impact of recent legislative efforts to curb overprescribing and doctor shopping via the prescription monitoring program and recommend ways to expand on current efforts.
5.	Medicaid Managed Care Quality and Compliance: Review the Health and Human Services Commission's efforts to improve quality and efficiency in the Medicaid program, including pay-for-quality initiatives in Medicaid managed care. Compare alternative payment models and value-based payment arrangements with providers in Medicaid managed care, the Employees Retirement System, and the Teachers Retirement System, and identify areas for cross-collaboration and coordination among these entities. Evaluate the commission's efforts to ensure Medicaid managed care organizations' compliance with contractual obligations and the use of incentives and sanctions to enforce compliance. Assess the commission's progress in implementing competitive bidding practices for Medicaid managed care contracts and other initiatives to ensure the best value for taxpayer dollars used in Medicaid managed care contracts.
6.	Health Care Cost Transparency: Study efforts by the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Department of Insurance to increase health care cost transparency, including a review of the Texas Health Care Information Collection (THCIC) system, and the Consumer Guide to Healthcare. Recommend ways to make provider and facility fees more accessible to consumers to improve health care cost transparency, increase quality of care, and create a more informed health care consumer base.
7.	Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, 85th Legislature and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to: • Initiatives to increase capacity and reduce waitlists in the mental health system, including the construction of state hospitals and new community grant programs; • Initiatives to better understand the causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, including the impact of legislation passed during the first special session of the 85th Legislature. Recommend ways to improve health outcomes for pregnant women and methods to better collect data related to maternal mortality and morbidity; • Initiatives intended to improve child safety, Child Protective Services workforce retention, and development of additional capacity in the foster care system. Make additional recommendations to ensure children with high levels of medical or mental health needs receive timely access to services in the least restrictive setting; • Efforts to transfer case management of foster children and families to Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs). Monitor the progress of this transition and make recommendations to ensure the process provides continuity of services for children and families and ongoing community engagement; • Initiatives to strengthen oversight of long-term care facilities to ensure safety and improve quality for residents and clients of these entities; and • Abortion complications and other reporting legislation that was passed by the 85th Legislature.
Committee:	House Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Adoption | Assisted living facilities | Child abuse | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Early childhood intervention | Emergency management | Family preservation | Foster care | Hurricane Harvey | Long-term care | Managed care | Medicaid | Medicaid program management | Mentally ill persons | Natural disasters | Nursing homes | Pharmaceutical industry | Prescription drugs | State supported living centers | Substance abuse | Tropical storms |
Library Call Number:	L1836.85 H88
Session:	85th R.S. (2017)
Online version:	View report [50 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the impact of Hurricane Harvey and the response to the storm on individuals living in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, state supported living centers, licensed community group homes, and children in the foster care system. Identify and recommend necessary solutions to ensure appropriate disaster-related protocols are in place to keep vulnerable Texans protected. Also, identify any challenges state agencies experienced in responding to the storm or during recovery efforts.
2.	Review the history and any future roll-out of Medicaid Managed Care in Texas. Determine the impact managed care has had on the quality and cost of care. In the review, determine: initiatives that managed care organizations (MCOs) have implemented to improve quality of care; whether access to care and network adequacy contractual requirements are sufficient; and whether MCOs have improved the coordination of care. Also determine provider and Medicaid participants’ satisfaction within STAR, STAR Health, Star Kids, and STAR+Plus managed care programs. In addition, review the Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) oversight of managed care organizations, and make recommendations for any needed improvement.
3.	Examine the survey process for nursing facilities to determine any duplication of government regulations. Consider recommendations to reduce duplication while ensuring patient safety is preserved.
4.	Review the availability of prevention and early intervention programs and determine their effectiveness in reducing maltreatment of children. In addition, review services available to children emancipating out of foster care, as well as services available to families post-adoption. Determine if current services are adequately providing for children's needs and meeting the objectives of the programs. While reviewing possible system improvements for children, follow the work of the Supreme Court of Texas Children's Commissions' Statewide Collaborative of Trauma-Informed Care to determine how trauma-informed care impacts outcomes for children.
5.	Analyze the prevalence of children involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) who have a mental illness and/or a substance use disorder. In addition, analyze the prevalence of children involved with CPS due to their guardian's substance abuse or because of an untreated mental illness. Identify methods to strengthen CPS processes and services, including efforts for family preservation; increasing the number of appropriate placements designed for children with high needs; and ensuring Texas Medicaid is providing access to appropriate and effective behavioral health services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Public Health)
6.	Monitor the HHSC's implementation of Rider 219 in Article II of the General Appropriations Act related to prescription drug benefit administration in Medicaid. Analyze the role of pharmacy benefit managers in Texas Medicaid.
7.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee will also closely monitor the implementation of H.B. 4 (85R), H.B. 5 (85R), H.B. 7 (85R), and S.B. 11 (85R).
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Bail | Child abuse | Child Protective Services | County jails | County roads | Court costs and fees | Criminal justice | Criminal records | Electronic security | Emergency management | Fees | Indigent health care | Jail Standards, Texas Commission on | Managed care | Medicaid | Mentally ill inmates | Mentally ill persons | Natural disasters | Police officers | Suicide |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 C832
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [112 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review jail standards and procedures with regards to potentially mentally ill persons in county jails, as well as issues stemming from interactions between the general public and peace officers. *
2.	Study the effectiveness and efficiency of current programs in Texas as well as best practices to determine how to decrease the risk and mitigate the impact of wildfires, floods, and other natural hazards in the wildland-urban interface. Examine the duties, performance, and jurisdictions of water districts, municipalities, Emergency Services Districts, other similar districts, and state offices like the Fire Marshal and Extension Services. Evaluate current regulations and identify best practices. Recommend approaches for hazard mitigation and response to natural disasters. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
3.	Identify and address potential gaps in counties’ cybersecurity policies and ensure that personal information held by counties and other local governmental entities is secure.
4.	Evaluate the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to determine if the Commission has the resources and structure to provide sufficient oversight, regulation, and enforcement over Texas county jails.
5.	Review pretrial service and bonding practices throughout the state. Examine factors considered in bail and pre-trial confinement decisions, including the use of risk assessments; assess the effectiveness and efficiency of different systems in terms of cost to local governments and taxpayers, community safety, pretrial absconding rates and rights of the accused. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence)
6.	Study the implications and effects on law enforcement agencies and individuals that stem from the publication, republication, or other dissemination for public internet access of mug shots and other criminal history information regarding involvement of an individual in the criminal justice system.
7.	Study statutorily mandated services provided by sheriffs and constables, and determine whether fee schedules allow cost recovery without placing undue burdens on recipients of those services.
8.	Study the effect of Proposition 5 (SJR 17 (84R)) on the quality of private roadways in counties with a population of less than 7,500. Make recommendations to ensure the amendment does not result in undue competition between counties and private industry, and whether additional counties could benefit from a similar authorization.
9.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, May 16, 2016, 10:00 A.M. (1115 transformation waiver, Child Protective Services)
Library Call Number:
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View document [60 pages  File size: 16,566 kb]
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, June 10, 2016 (County cybersecurity, Child Protective Services)
Library Call Number:
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View document [22 pages  File size: 822 kb]
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, July 7, 2016 (Child Protective Services, 1115 transformation waiver, County cybersecurity)
Library Call Number:
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View document [55 pages  File size: 3,050 kb]
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, August 4, 2016 (Child Protective Services, Debtors prisons, 1115 transformation waiver)
Library Call Number:
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View document [72 pages  File size: 14,626 kb]
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, August 29, 2016 (1115 transformation waiver, Child Protective Services, County cybersecurity, Bexar County justice-involved veterans unit)
Library Call Number:
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View document [88 pages  File size: 10,919 kb]
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, November 16, 2016 (Department of Public Safety and criminal justice reform, Child Protective Services)
Library Call Number:
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View document [276 pages  File size: 31,098 kb]
Committee:	Senate Health and Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Abortion | Adoption | Adult day care | Assisted living facilities | Birth defects | Child abuse | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care | Liability | Long-term care | Managed care | Medicaid | Mental health services | Mentally ill inmates | Nursing homes | Office of Inspector General, Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Organ and tissue donations | Planned Parenthood | Pregnancy | Refugees and asylees | Senior citizens | Services for persons with disabilities | State employee turnover | Sunset review process | Telemedicine | Women's health |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 H349
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [152 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine the business practices and regulatory structure of Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas, and investigate whether state or federal laws are being broken by Planned Parenthood and/or its affiliates in Texas in regards to the donation and/or sale of fetal tissue. Consider recommendations to strengthen regulations on abortion providers, including further restrictions on the sale of fetal tissue by these entities. *
2.	Protecting the Unborn: Part I: Examine and make recommendations on the use of fetal tissue provided for research purposes and how related laws governing abortion procedures are interpreted and enforced. Part II: Examine the cause of action known as “wrongful birth.” The study should examine (1) its history in Texas, (2) its effect on the practice of medicine, and (3) its effect on children with disabilities and their families. Examine related measures proposed or passed in other states.
3.	Protection of Children Part I: Reducing Recurrence of Child Abuse and Neglect: Examine the current process that Child Protective Services uses to track recurrence of child abuse and neglect, and make recommendations to improve data tracking and the use of that data to assist in preventing recurrence. The study should examine the differences in recurrence among families who received services, families who received no services and had their cases closed, and families who had their children removed from the home. Part II: Addressing High-Acuity Needs of Foster Care Children: Study the increase in higher acuity children with trauma and mental illness in the state foster care system, and recommend ways to ensure children have timely access to appropriate treatment and placement options. Part III: Strengthening Adoptions: Examine the frequency, causes, and effects of disrupted foster care adoptions and make recommendations to improve the long-term success of adoptive placements. Study and make recommendations on ways to ensure a smooth transition for foster care children who are exiting the system.
4.	Healthy Aging: Part I: Study and make recommendations on innovative methods and best practices to promote healthy aging for the state’s population and reduce chronic medical and behavioral health conditions. Identify opportunities for improved collaboration to promote healthy aging in the health and human services system at the state, regional and local levels. Part II: Examine and recommend ways to improve quality and oversight in long-term care settings, including nursing homes and ICF/HCS programs. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services during the 84th Regular Session related to the revocation of nursing home licenses for repeated serious violations.
5.	Medicaid Reform and State Innovation: Study the impact of the Section 1115 Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program Waiver on improving health outcomes, reducing costs, and providing access to health care for the uninsured, and monitor the renewal process of the waiver. Explore other mechanisms and make recommendations to control costs and increase quality and efficiency in the Medicaid program, including the pursuit of a block grant or a Section 1332 Medicaid State Innovation Waiver for the existing Medicaid program.
6.	Inpatient Mental Health System Reform: Study and make recommendations on establishing collaborative partnerships between state-owned mental health hospitals and university health science centers to improve inpatient state mental health services, maximize the state mental health workforce, and reduce healthcare costs.
7.	Mental Health Diversion and Forensic Capacity: Study the impact of recent efforts by the legislature to divert individuals with serious mental illness from criminal justice settings and prevent recidivism. Study and make recommendations to address the state's ongoing need for inpatient forensic capacity, including the impact of expanding community inpatient psychiatric beds.
8.	Improving Access to Care through TeleHealth: Study and make recommendations on the appropriate use, scope and application of tele-monitoring and telemedicine services to improve management and outcomes for adults and children with complex medical needs and for persons confined in correctional facilities. Examine barriers to implementation of these services and any impact on access to health care services in rural areas of the state.
9.	Review of Refugee Resettlement Program: Study the impact to the state of the increasing number of refugees relocating to Texas, including the range of health and human services provided. Examine the authority of the state to reduce its burden under the Refugee Resettlement Program, and any state-funded services.
10.	Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation and riders related to health and human services that were considered by the 84th R.S. and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to: ? The impact of changes made by the Department of Family and Protective Services, Child Protective Services on child safety, workforce retention, prevention, and permanency; ? Initiatives to reduce Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse, and other cost containment strategies, including examining the processes and procedures used by managed care organizations to address Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse; and The consolidation and expansion of women's health programs at the Health and Human Services Commission.
Committee:	House Child Protection, Select
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Child welfare | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 C436
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [54 pages]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	This committee shall study the incidence of abuse and neglect fatalities in Texas and make recommendations to protect children. In developing its recommendations, the committee shall: Monitor the ongoing efforts of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), the work of the Protect Our Kids Commission and the National Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities, and any relevant Sunset Commission recommendations; Assess the efficacy of ongoing prevention efforts that target resources to families at risk; Examine regulatory policy and contract oversight within the child welfare system; Consider ways to encourage consistent, transparent, and timely review of abuse and neglect fatalities; Monitor ongoing efforts to stabilize the CPS workforce, placing specific emphasis on improving work environment, enhancing the quality of supervision, and addressing the unique challenges facing different regions of the state; Suggest improvements to the screening, assessment, training, and support of potential foster and kinship families; Evaluate the ability of children and youth within the system to report maltreatment; Monitor ongoing efforts to enhance the use of data to improve outcomes; and Consider strategies to ensure better coordination and collaboration among local agencies, faith-based organizations, the private sector, non-profits, and law enforcement to reduce the incidence of abuse and neglect fatalities.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Child Protection, Select
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, July 1, 2014 (Overview from the agencies, Stakeholder panels 1-2)
Library Call Number:
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View document [173 pages  File size: 9,125 kb]
Committee:	House Child Protection, Select
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, July 24, 2014 (Contract oversight and regulatory oversight within the child welfare system; Screening, assessment, training and support of foster and kinship families; Ability of children and youth within the system to report maltreatment)
Library Call Number:
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View document [173 pages  File size: 2,736 kb]
Committee:	House Child Protection, Select
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, September 10, 2014 (Border support operations and unaccompanied alien children, Sunset recommendation, Audit reports, Child Protective Services workforce and data to improve outcomes)
Library Call Number:
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View document [300 pages  File size: 8,131 kb]
Committee:	House Child Protection, Select
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, September 30, 2014 (Overview from the National Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities, State agency panel)
Library Call Number:
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View document [89 pages  File size: 2,122 kb]
Committee:	Senate Health and Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas | Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Computers and government | Contraceptives | Dental Examiners, Texas State Board of | Family planning | Foster care | Healthy Texas Women | Homelessness | Medicaid | Medicaid fraud | Medically uninsured | Mental health services | Mentally ill persons | Office of Inspector General, Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act | Substance abuse | Temporary Assistance for Needy Families | Welfare eligibility | Welfare reform | Welfare-to-work | Women's health |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 H349
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [58 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the Department of Family and Protective Services’ efforts to reduce child fatalities. Review the process by which the Department of Family and Protective Services collects and uses data to evaluate agency performance and improve outcomes for children in the Child Protective Services system. Make recommendations to ensure the process effectively uses data to strategically improve caseworker performance, and identify and improve upon deficiencies within the system and improve overall outcomes for children and reduce child fatalities.
2.	Monitor the implementation of programs that were created or expanded by the 83rd Legislature to improve mental health and substance abuse services and assess these efforts' contribution to improved outcomes such as reduced recidivism in state hospitals, diversion from emergency rooms and county jails, and access to permanent supportive housing. Identify and address gaps in the current mental health and substance abuse system and make recommendations to better coordinate services across agencies and programs.
3.	Build on previous legislative achievements in women's healthcare by examining women’s access to preventative health care, pregnancy services, and post-partum care, and exploring ways to expand access and improve quality, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the state. Monitor the implementation of women's health programs in Texas. Assess these programs' impact on outcomes such as improving access to preventative services, reducing unplanned pregnancies, and achieving cost savings. Recommend ways to better coordinate the various programs in a manner that increases the number of women served, ensures adequate provider capacity statewide, and maximizes efficiencies to the state.
4.	Identify cost-effective alternatives to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to better connect low income individuals to health care services through private market-based solutions, including Medicaid block grants and waivers. Recommendations should strive to encourage cost sharing, promote personal responsibility, reduce uncompensated care costs, contain increasing health care costs, improve access to care, address access to emergency department care issues in rural areas, promote the use of existing private coverage or employee sponsored coverage, reduce non-­?emergency use of emergency departments, and reduce the need for federal approval to the state Medicaid plan.
5.	Evaluate the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program structure. Make recommendations to improve the program's operations and ensure the program achieves outcomes that allow TANF recipients to find employment and achieve self-sufficiency. Recommendations should seek to ensure Texas is using the most effective work-related requirements and drug testing protocols.
6.	Evaluate the current state of prescription drug abuse and strategies for reducing prescription drug abuse in Texas. Make recommendations on how these policies can be improved or modified to enhance the State of Texas’ handling of services, treatments and education related to prescription drug abuse and to reduce the overall prevalence of prescription drug abuse.
7.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to: Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of Medicaid long-term care services and supports, including the redesign of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at reducing fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas Medicaid and other health and human services programs. Dental Board Reforms: Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the State Board of Dental Examiners' ability to protect public safety, including strengthening the Board's authority and enforcement powers, improving the complaint review and resolution processes, and increasing staffing to improve the Board's ability to respond to complaints and potential fraudulent activity. Determine whether there are additional changes necessary to ensure that the Board is able to regulate the practice of dentistry and ensure public safety. Cancer Prevention and Research Institute: Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at restructuring the governance structure, eliminating conflicts of interest, and increasing transparency at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).
Committee:	Senate Criminal Justice
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 82nd Legislature / Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
Subjects:	Alcohol-related deaths | Alternatives to incarceration | Blood alcohol concentration | Child abuse | Child sexual abuse | Community notification of sex offenders | Concealed weapons | Crime laboratories | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | DNA testing | Driving while intoxicated | Forensics | Indigent criminal defense | Jail Standards, Texas Commission on | Juvenile detention facilities | Juvenile justice system | Juvenile Probation Commission, Texas | Mental health services | Mentally ill inmates | Municipal jails | Prison security | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Recidivism | School discipline | Sex offender registration | State Health Services, Texas Department of | Texas Fair Defense Act | Witnesses | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.81 C868
Session:	81st R.S. (2009)
Online version:	View report [115 pages  File size: 3,355 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the efficiency and fairness of the current sexual offender registry system and make recommendations to improve the system, if necessary. Study the issue of compliance with the Adam Walsh Act, focusing on the associated costs to the state and the punishment of juveniles. Examine the risk assessment tools used to measure the likelihood of recidivism of sexual predators.
2.	Review statistics regarding the crime of driving while intoxicated, including accident statistics, alcohol-related deaths and injury, and other impacts on the community. Examine enforcement options used nationwide to deter driving under the influence and make recommendations to reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities and accidents in Texas.
3.	Review the performance of the Fair Defense Act and the Task Force on Indigent Defense. Study key outcomes of the law, including: appointment rates in felony and misdemeanor cases; state and county indigent defense expenditures; attorney caseloads; attorney compensation; access to investigators and experts; and overall quality of counsel for the indigent. Examine the Task Force on Indigent Defense's effectiveness in monitoring and enforcing standards and design strategies to improve the delivery of services for indigent defense, including timing of the appointment of counsel, the use of the appointment wheel and the monitoring of workloads and performance of attorneys.
4.	Study and make recommendations related to municipal jails and other detention facilities that operate without state agency oversight. Identify the number of such facilities and the population detained, as well as best practices for municipal jails. Make recommendations to improve services and consider options for oversight of facilities by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.
5.	Review the detention of juvenile offenders in local jails, state jails, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison units by examining conditions of confinement, including quality of education, mental health treatment and medical services, rehabilitative treatment, and equality of access to services for young female inmates. Review access to administrative and inspector general grievances in TDCJ facilities. Make recommendations for improving the system and reduce recidivism of juvenile offenders.
6.	Study and make recommendations to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of testing done in Texas forensic laboratories, including DNA and blood/alcohol testing. Assess and make recommendations for improving the capacity of Texas criminal laboratories to process evidence, identify ways to reduce the backlog of DNA evidence processing, identify ways to encourage qualified applicants for crime lab jobs, ensure adequate training for new crime lab technicians, ensure the availability of efficient crime lab processing to all regions of the state, and determine the impact of additional collection requirements on the capacity of Texas crime labs to process evidence. Consider the costs and benefits of creating a statewide crime lab.
7.	Assess how the Commission on Jail Standards, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Criminal Justice, and Department of State Health Services are working together to identify defendants with mental health issues, notify magistrates when defendants have been identified and, where appropriate, provide crisis stabilization services to defendants. Monitor legislation passed by the 81st Legislature for mental illness and make recommendations for any needed improvements to improve mental health services and reduce recidivism.
8.	Study and evaluate the success of juvenile probation pilot programs aimed at community-based diversion of youth from Texas Youth Commission facilities. Make recommendations for needed legislative action and additional programs to increase the number of delinquent youth successfully rehabilitated in their home communities.
9.	Consider the impact that secondary education school disciplinary laws and policies have on the juvenile justice system and the adult prison system. Recommend changes, if needed, to current law.
10.	Evaluate the usage of current Texas practices for facilitating the fair and accurate courtroom testimony of children and reducing the trauma associated with testifying, particularly for children who are victims of sexual abuse. Specifically consider recent efforts and trends across the nation to develop best practices, including "court orientation" programs, and ensure that courtrooms are more child friendly and accommodating for young victims to reduce the trauma associated with testifying in court while ensuring that fair and accurate information is solicited from the child as a witness.
11.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Study the impact of certain provisions in the 2009 DPS Sunset bill on the timely processing of concealed handgun license applications and the issuance of licenses. Monitor and make recommendations, if needed, on actions by TDCJ to improve security and reduce contraband.
Committee:	Senate Health and Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 82nd Legislature
Subjects:	Adult Protective Services | Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of | At-risk youth | Child abuse | Children's Health Insurance Program | Cloning | Crime prevention | Diet and nutrition | Emergency management | Families | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Family violence | Federal government | Foster care | H1N1 virus | Health care | Health care providers | Health insurance | Human services | Long-term care | Medicaid | Medicaid eligibility | Medical Board, Texas | Medical errors | Medical research | Mental health services | Mentally ill persons | Nurses | Obesity | Physicians | Quality of care | Senior citizens | Services for persons with disabilities | State budgets | Stem cell research | Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System |
Library Call Number:	L1836.81 H349
Session:	81st R.S. (2009)
Online version:	View report [272 pages  File size: 6,511 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Upon passage of federal legislation relating to reform of the health care industry and health insurance industry that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission estimates will costs the State of Texas $2 to 2.5 billion per year in General Revenue beginning as early as 2013, study the implications of such legislation on Texas, the health care industry, and public and private insurance. Study and monitor the implementation of the insurance regulatory changes, changes to high risk pool, and any other insurance mandates. Study the health care policy changes and the impact to the Medicaid and CHIP programs and the state budget. Assess the impact to all state uninsured and uncompensated care programs and county programs for the uninsured, including county property tax programs to pay for the uninsured. Make recommendations for the efficient implementation of programs. (Joint charge with Senate State Affairs Committee)
2.	Study the benefits, efficiencies and costs, and effectiveness of the social service related prevention and early intervention programs at the health and human services agencies, the juvenile and adult criminal justice agencies and other government agencies that have programs that address mental illness, substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, single-parent families, absentee fathers, early pregnancy, and unemployment. Study other states' prevention programs and efforts to administer these programs through a merged prevention department. Make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these programs.
3.	Review the timeliness and efficiency of the Health and Human Service Commission's eligibility system. Include a review of staffing levels and staffing distribution; implementation of Rider 61; and the increased demand on the system. Make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system, focusing on policy changes that will not create a large financial burden for the state.
4.	Study and make recommendations on the state's role for facilitating the exchange of health care information in the future, including using the Medicaid exchange as a framework for the statewide exchange of health information between health care providers to improve quality of care; what information the state should provide; how to use this information to improve care management, prevent medical errors, and reduce unnecessary services; and policies and statutory changes needed to ensure that privacy is protected. Study the feasibility of developing multiple regional health information technology exchanges in Texas.
5.	Study the state's current and long-range need for physicians, nurses, dentists and other allied health and long-term care professionals. Provide recommendations for ensuring sufficient numbers of health care professionals, focusing on medically underserved and rural areas of the state as well as the Border region. Consider health care delivered by Advanced Practice Nurses in terms of access, cost and patient safety and include an assessment of independent prescriptive authority with those states in which prescriptive authority is delegated by a physician. Make recommendations to enhance the efficient use of Advanced Practice Nurses in Texas.
6.	Explore strategies to support the needs of aging Texans, including best practices in nursing home diversion, expediting access to community services, and programs to assist seniors and their families in navigating the long-term care system with the goal of helping seniors remain in the community. Study the guardianship program implemented by the Department of Aging and Disabilities and the Department of Adult Protective Services, including the efficiency and effectiveness of the program, the relationship between the two agencies, the appropriate rights for parents, and whether clients and their assets are adequately protected to ensure the state is appropriately identifying seniors in need of protection.
7.	Examine how the state could enact policies to improve the overall health of Texans, focusing on programs that compliment individually-based prevention with community­based prevention to reduce obesity rates by increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and improving self-management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Examine obesity-related health disparities between different ethnic groups and ways to narrow these gaps. Consider the fiscal and health impact of second-hand smoke on businesses and service sector employees. Study state-level initiatives to incorporate these individual and community-based prevention strategies, including initiatives pursued in other states.
8.	Study the state's ability to appropriately respond to the H1N1 influenza pandemic by examining issues related to vaccine distribution and capacity. Consider the benefit of providing the state's independent school districts and various health authorities with standardized protocols for issues including, but not limited to, vaccine administration, absenteeism and the cancellation of school and other school-related events. Assess the state's ability to track and record H1N1 vaccinations through the ImmTrac registry, and review statutes governing ImmTrac to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of immunization information systems.
9.	Study current state health care quality improvement initiatives in Texas, including statewide health care-associated infection and adverse event reporting, reimbursement reductions in the Texas Medicaid program for preventable adverse events, potentially preventable readmissions identification, health information technology implementation, pay-far-performance programs, and other initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, and quality of health care in Texas. Identify statutory changes that may build upon efforts to improve quality of care and contain health care costs in Texas. Study policies that encourage and facilitate the use of best practices by health care providers including the best way to report and distribute information on quality of care and the use of best practices to the public and to promote health care provider and payment incentives that will encourage the use of best practices. The study/recommendations could also include assessing the best way to bring provider groups together to increase quality of care, the use of best practices, and reduce unnecessary services.
10.	Study current practices of the Texas Medical Board relating to disclosure of complaints.
11.	Review the types of human stem cell and human cloning research being conducted, funded, or supported by state agencies, including institutions of higher education. Make recommendations for appropriate data collection and funding protocols.
12.	Review the Medicaid HCBS waivers (CBA, STAR Plus, CLASS, MDCP, DBMT, TxHmL) and develop recommendations to assure that people with significant disabilities, regardless of disability label or age, receive needed services to remain in or transition to the community. Review should look at the delivery system, eligibility, service packages, rate structures, workforce issues and funding caps. Examine options for the provision of services for children aging out of the Medicaid system. Make recommendations for streamlining/combining these waivers, ensuring that these waivers are cost effective or create cost savings, and developing policies that contain costs in an effort to increase access to these services. The review should examine other states' community care waivers and provide recommendations relating to efforts that have been successful in other states.
13.	Study the type, duration, frequency and effectiveness of mental health services available to and accessed by abused and neglected Texas children. Recommend strategies to address the impact of the trauma, and enhance therapeutic services available to this population in an effort to eliminate the cycle of abuse and neglect.
14.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Monitor Department of Family and Protective Services' implementation of the U.S. Fostering Connections Act, including the new Kinship Care program. Include recommendations on how to optimize the use of monetary assistance to qualified relative caregivers. Monitor the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) implementation of SB 643, relating to Texas' state-supported living centers (SSLCs), implementation of Special Provisions relating to All Health and Human Services Agencies, Section 48. Contingency Appropriation for the Reshaping of the System for Providing Services to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and implementation of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement terms.
Committee:	Senate Criminal Justice
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 81st Legislature
Subjects:	Capital murder trials | Child abuse | Correctional officers | Criminal justice | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Deferred adjudication | Drug trafficking | Homicide | Juvenile justice system | Mental health services | Mentally ill inmates | Methamphetamine | Occupational licenses | Ombudsmen | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Police officers | Prison population | Prison security | Prisoner re-entry | Privately-operated prisons | Pseudoephedrine | Recidivism | Searches and seizures | Sex offenders | Substance abuse | Texas Code of Criminal Procedure | Theft | Youth Commission, Texas | Youthful offenders |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 C868
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [113 pages  File size: 13,967 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Determine how private prisons are complying with state laws and how cost, safety, living conditions and rehabilitative services at private prisons compare with state-run facilities. Include an assessment of the staff turnover rates and compensation of private contractors when compared with state-operated facilities, and of the contract bidding processes used by the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
2.	Monitor the implementation of SB 103, 80th R.S., and the continuing reforms to the Texas Youth Commission and the juvenile criminal justice system. Identify barriers to effective implementation and provide recommendations to ensure that the goals of this legislation are achieved. Provide recommendations relating to best practices and identify needed additional treatment programs for juvenile sex offenders.
3.	Study the impact of laws designed to reduce illegal drug use and make recommendations for reducing access to illegal drugs and for developing best practices for preventative programs, focusing on drugs targeted for the younger population, such as cheese heroin. Assess the impact of limiting access to pseudoephedrine, including the impact restrictions have had on illegal manufacturers' methods for producing methamphetamine.
4.	Monitor the implementation of the new and expanded programs provided to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) within the Fiscal Year 2008 and 2009 budget, and identify their impact on the criminal justice populations. Study security issues within TDCJ, including staffing issues, use of lock down procedures, the control and containment of infectious diseases and the introduction and control of contraband within the institutions. Review the use of career ladders for employees of TDCJ and issues surrounding the retention of professional corrections staff. Study the issues of independent oversight of TDCJ, including the use and effectiveness of the TDCJ ombudsman system. Provide recommendations for the reduction or elimination of barriers to an effective corrections system.
5.	Study and make recommendations for reducing the number of law enforcement officer deaths in the line of duty. This study should include: an assessment of the types of calls and assignments that put law enforcement officers most at risk; the geographic regions of the state that suffer the most deaths; the agencies experiencing the highest rate of deaths in the line of duty; the time in an officer's career, and the officer's age that he or she is most susceptible to death in the line of duty; and the times of year, month, and day that are most dangerous.
6.	Study the issue of criminal asset seizure and the use of seized and forfeiture funds by district attorneys and law enforcement agencies. Review the oversight of these matters by the Texas Attorney General and provide recommendations to improve the dissemination of information concerning these funds. Ensure that these funds have the appropriate accountability and fiscal controls required for public funds.
7.	Study the system of deferred adjudication in Texas courts and make recommendations for resolving any problems and reducing the potential for release of dangerous criminals.
8.	Study and recommend best practices for reducing re-victimization of child abuse victims associated with delay in resolution of criminal cases. Recommend options for reducing the time lapse between child victimization and criminal hearings.
9.	Review the processes for re-entry of criminal offenders into communities. Identify barriers to the successful return to law-abiding behavior, including the absence of employment opportunities created by restriction on obtaining certain state occupational licenses. Provide recommendations for improvements to our current statutes governing this matter.
10.	Study whether Articles 36.09 (relating to trying multiple defendants from the same transaction either separately or jointly) and 36.10 (relating to severing defendants that show prejudice from a joint trial) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure provide sufficient safeguards to ensure fair and reliable trial results in capital cases with multiple defendants. Determine whether the articles provide trial judges with sufficient instruction regarding joinder or severance of defendants and, if not, make recommendations to improve procedures.
11.	Study the relationship between the public mental health system and the criminal justice and civil courts systems, including the identification and sharing of information regarding mentally ill offenders, including minors, among criminal justice and mental health agencies, the courts, state hospitals, and the Veterans Administration. Study how current confidentiality laws impact the exchange of information among groups described above. Study the sentencing of mentally ill offenders compared to non-mentally ill offenders, including minors, and the affect that has on statewide prison capacity and on the health care provided to mentally ill offenders. (Joint Charge with Senate State Affairs Committee)
12.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Criminal Justice Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, report on the implementation of SB 909, 80th R.S., the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Sunset legislation, including provisions relating to the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and monitor implementation of the new laws relating to copper theft (SB 1154, 80th R.S., HB 1766, 80th R.S., and HB 1767, 80th R.S.).
Committee:	House Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Human Services, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2008 : a report to the House of Representatives, 81st Texas Legislat
Subjects:	Adoption | Child abuse | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care | Long-term care | Nursing homes | Senior citizens | Services for persons with disabilities | Terminal care |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 H88
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [186 pages  File size: 21,784 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Research strategies to promote permanency and stability for children and families involved with Child Protective Services. Identify any priorities that would approve the adoption process.
2.	Explore strategies to support the needs of aging Texans effectively and efficiently. This investigation should include best practices in delaying or avoiding the need for institutionalized care as well as promoting high-quality services for those who are best served in nursing homes.
3.	Evaluate Prevention and Early Intervention programs at the Department of Family and Protective Services that have been funded by the Texas Legislature for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Consider if higher priority for selection should be given to child or family mentoring or other support services, such as foster grandparents and efforts to assist mothers.
4.	Evaluate existing and part efforts by the state for Youth Transitions in Independent Living. Recommend improvements to educational, occupational, health, and life skills components of preparation of foster children for adult living.
5.	Investigate the need and potential of respite care programs to delay or avoit institutional placements, thereby resulting in cost savings for the state.
6.	Examine compliance issues and concerns of hospices with certification surveys and ability to meet federal standards.
7.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	Senate Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Senate Committee on Jurisprudence interim report
Subjects:	Adoption | Air pollution control technology | Child abuse | Child custody | Children's Advocacy Centers | Extraterritorial jurisdiction | Grandparents | Houston, Texas | Judges | Juries | Medical records | Occupational licenses | Parents | Private investigators | Probate courts | Records management | Rules of evidence | Texas Code of Criminal Procedure | Visitation rights |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 J979
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [161 pages  File size: 5,386 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the laws governing suits affecting the parent-child relationship involving non-parents, including suits for possession of or access to a child by a grandparent, and make recommendations for providing the best care and protection for the children involved. Provide an assessment of the constitutional issues involved with these suits.
2.	Study the management and storage of adoption records, including the costs and benefits of converting records into digital format. Study ways to increase access by adopted persons and their children and spouses to important family medical history information and ensure that medical history information is updated, while maintaining privacy and anonymity of records.
3.	Examine the role of heir finders in Texas and make recommendations regarding professional standards and fees for heir finders.
4.	Identify and study best practices for representation of children in child abuse and neglect cases and determine whether to implement further training, oversight, or other requirements for judges, attorneys, and others responsible for child abuse and neglect cases, including child sexual abuse cases. Develop and implement tools for children’s advocacy centers (CACs) and prosecutors to successfully investigate and prosecute child abusers. Include the following: Explore changes to the rules of evidence that could facilitate the presentation of child testimony in court; Explore making prior extraneous sex offenses admissible during determination of guilt, as has been adopted in the federal court system; and Explore possible expansion of the rules regarding how cases are consolidated and punishments are stacked in a single trial involving a crime committed against a child.
5.	Study practices intended to enhance the jury experience and increase jury participation, including: allowing jurors to ask questions of witnesses by submitting them to the judge in writing; allowing lawyers to periodically summarize testimony for the jury; allowing jurors to take notes during trial; and allowing jurors to discuss evidence among themselves during trial.
6.	Study and make recommendations relating to the jurisdiction, authority, power and discretion of probate judges in Texas, including the authority of a probate judge to intervene in a non-probate case.
7.	Study administrative and legal procedures used by municipalities to exert regulatory authority beyond city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction. Determine whether conflicts exist with agencies' regulatory authority and regulatory authority delegated to home-rule municipalities, and make recommendations for appropriate delegation and clarification of respective authorities.
8.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Jurisprudence Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
Committee:	Senate Criminal Justice
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 80th Legislature
Subjects:	Border drug trafficking | Border issues | Border security | Child abuse | Competency to stand trial | Inmate health | Mentally ill inmates | Methamphetamine | Non-citizen inmates | Privately-operated prisons | Probation | Pseudoephedrine | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.79 C868
Session:	79th R.S. (2005)
Online version:	View report [69 pages  File size: 16,360 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the resources and facilities available to offenders with mental health needs in the Texas criminal justice system. Provide an inventory of resources and facilities. Develop recommendations to better allocate existing resources and efficiently address the needs of this population.
2.	Study the expenditure patterns and identify trends in the community supervision and corrections departments' use of state and local monies, known collectively as the Judicial Districts Trust Funds. Ascertain the percentages spent on direct supervision of probationers and identify notable policy decisions. Provide recommendations for improvements and methods of maximizing the use of these funds.
3.	Examine the allegations of abuse and neglect within the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) facilities and the appropriateness of TYC response. Include an analysis of factors that may be affecting the safety of inmates and staff and make recommendations for Legislative actions to improve the safety of inmates and staff at these facilities.
4.	Monitor the implementation of legislation relating to reducing the production and abuse of methamphetamine, including the predicted impact of methamphetamine's increased availability on state resources and criminal justice populations, and make recommendations for additional programs for further reductions in abuse and production.
5.	Study and make recommendations for methods to reduce kidnapping and violence along the Texas Border, focusing on reducing drug-related crime.
6.	Monitor the expenditure of funds for adult probation services dedicated to the lowering of revocations to state prisons and state jails. Examine the compliance with and effectiveness of associated budget riders and make recommendations for future funding needs.
7.	Study the feasibility of the State of Texas establishing or contracting with a private prison facility in the country of Mexico in order to house non-violent Mexican Nationals currently being housed in Texas prisons.
8.	Review other states' correctional health care systems and make recommendations, if necessary, for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Texas' system.
Committee:	House Child Welfare and Foster Care, Select, Interim
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care, Select, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2004 : a report to the House of Representatives, 79th Texas Legislatu
Subjects:	Adoption | Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care | Residential treatment centers | Therapeutic wilderness programs |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 C437
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [256 pages  File size: 3,474 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Examine the current child welfare and foster care system in Texas, with an emphasis on the following: (1) Determine barriers to adoption, specific to minority children, in foster care. Determine activities that will increase the recruitment and retention of racial and ethnic minority families as foster care providers. (2) Evaluate means by which the state may promote substitute care with relatives of a child who is removed from the home by Child Protective Services. (3) Review the licensure requirements for and the performance of all types of foster care facilities, including residential treatment facilities, wilderness camps and emergency treatment centers. Assess the adequacy of communication and interaction between the licensing agency and other state agencies that place children within the foster care and Child Protective Care system. Explore other state's efforts that will promote "best practices" and identify program efficiencies with Texas child welfare system.
Committee:	House Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Human Services, Texas House of Representatives report, 2004 : interim report to the House of Representatives, 79th Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Elder abuse | Marriage | Services for persons with disabilities | Welfare | Welfare reform |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 H88
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [195 pages  File size: 2,572 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the incident of abuse and neglect of individuals receiving services in community care settings. The committee will evaluate the effectiveness of procedures to prevent abuse and neglect, methods to streamline reporting and investigations and the adequacy of available enforcement mechanisms.
2.	Assess the effectiveness of new marriage promotion initiatives in the Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) program.
3.	Monitor congressional re-authorization of TANF and child care programs and the impact of federal policy changes on Texas' welfare reform efforts. Report any needed policy changes to accommodate new federal policy for the 79th Legislature.
4.	Monitor the implementation of SB 669, 78th R.S., which mandates police presence with Child Protective Services workers during priority calls. The study should include, at minimum, the impact on victims, parent cooperation and local law enforcement availability.
5.	Monitor agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdictions.
Committee:	Senate Health and Human Services
Title:	Interim report - Client abuse & medically fragile children
Library Catalog Title:	Investigations of client abuse and neglect and progress report, medically fragile children : interim report.
Subjects:	Child abuse | Elder abuse | Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Texas Department of | Mentally disabled persons | Mentally ill persons | Nursing homes | Protective and Regulatory Services, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number:	L1836.74 h349c
Session:	74th R.S. (1995)
Online version:	View report [126 pages  File size: 5,368 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Look into complaints included in the Austin American Statesman Jan 25 article regarding investigations of physical or mental abuse at our mental health and mental retardation institutions and look into the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services and determine why the number of investigations has increased, while the number of complaints has remained relatively constant and the number of confirmed cases has declined.
Supporting documents
Committee:	Senate Health and Human Services
Title:	Interim minutes, letters to Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock with enclosures, and charts reflecting legislative recommendations submitted to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1803.9 H88 74
Session:	74th R.S. (1995)
Online version:	View document [461 pages  File size: 10,303 kb]
Committee:	Senate Domestic Violence, Interim
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Senate Interim Committee on Domestic Violence : a report to the 74th Legislature.
Subjects:	Child abuse | Elder abuse | Family violence | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number:	L1836.73 d712
Session:	73rd R.S. (1993)
Online version:	View report [136 pages  File size: 4,256 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study and report on the role domestic violence plays in Texas' crime rate, both as a percentage of overall crime relative to other offenses and as a factor in future crimes committed by members of households with a history of domestic violence; study the relationship between domestic violence and alcohol and drug abuse; make recommendations regarding Texas' criminal laws and procedures
Committee:	House Human Services
Title:	Interim report - Vol 1
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report, 1992 : a report to the House of Representatives, 73rd Legislature / Committee on Human Services, Texas House of Representatives.
Subjects:	Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Children with disabilities | Emergency medical services | Foster care | Hospital emergency rooms | Inmate health | Medicaid | Mental health services | Mentally disabled persons | Mentally ill persons | Nursing homes | Persons with disabilities | Protective and Regulatory Services, Texas Department of | Quality of care | Services for persons with disabilities | Trauma centers | Women's health |
Library Call Number:	L1836.72 h88 1
Session:	72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version:	View report [370 pages  File size: 18,729 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the implementation of the Pre-admissions Screening and Annual Resident Review (PASAAR) (OBRA '87 mandate) including the areas of program design, Alternate Disposition Plan (ADP), accountability, and residents' rights and training.
2.	Monitor child protective services in the proposed structure of the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services including criteria used in "priority" classifications and intervention methods and response time per classification; services provided to children over the age of 10 and to special needs children; value of family preservation services; and problems associated with abuse or neglected children in one-parent homes.
3.	Study health care in women's correctional facilities.
4.	Monitor and Coordinate with the Texas Health Policy Task Force as it relates to trauma care in Texas.
Committee:	House General Investigating
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 72nd Texas Legislature / House of Representatives, General Investigating Committee.
Subjects:	Child abuse | Child abuse prevention | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Parole | Parole consultants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.71 IN8
Session:	71st R.S. (1989)
Online version:	View report [86 pages  File size: 4,035 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Conduct a thorough investigation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Investigate complaints regarding the mishandling of parole supervision fees, the falsification of travel vouchers, and the activities of parole advocates. *
2.	To investigate all matters relating to the prevention, detection, investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child abuse in Texas.
Committee:	House Human Services
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 72nd Texas Legislature / Committee on Human Services.
Subjects:	At-risk youth | Child abuse | Child care | Child welfare | Elder abuse | Long-term care | Medical education | Nurses | Nursing education | Nursing homes | Nursing shortages | Obesity | Public health | Quality of care | Runaway children | Senior citizens |
Library Call Number:	L1836.71 h88
Session:	71st R.S. (1989)
Online version:	View report [310 pages  File size: 11,175 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To monitor all activities and to have budget oversight responsibilities for those agencies, boards and commissions as listed in Rule 3, Section 17.
2.	To study the extent of the problem of "throwaway children" that have been abandoned by their parents.
3.	To study feasibility of obesity prevention programs and the potential impact on reduction of indigent health care costs.
4.	To study the impact of the shortage of nursing personnel on health care delivery providers, including an examination of the regulation and permit requirements of nursing pools.
5.	To study the provision of day care services to families with low to moderate income, including the licensing and regulation of providers, the effects of federal welfare and day care reforms on day care services and the potential for expanded public-private partnerships in the area of day care.
6.	To study current public and private policies relating to child day care and to make recommendations to improve child day care services in Texas.
7.	To study the development of state policy and strategy for long term care, including a review of policies regarding penalties and sanctions for long term care providers, and to examine unlicensed and unregulated boarding terms.
Committee:	Senate Health and Human Services
Title:	Interim report - Child protective services
Library Catalog Title:	Child protective services in Texas
Subjects:	Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Protective and Regulatory Services, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number:	L1836.70 c435
Session:	70th R.S. (1987)
Online version:	View report [121 pages  File size: 4,642 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study the Child Protective Services (CPS) program administered by the Texas Department of Human Services. Review agency procedures, the qualifications and training of employees, and the handling of incoming reports of child abuse and child neglect. *
Committee:	Senate Juvenile Justice System, Select
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Blueprint for prevention: the future of juvenile justice in Texas : the report of the Senate Select Committee on the Juvenile Justice System, the Senate of Texas.
Subjects:	At-risk youth | Child abuse | Child safety | Crime prevention | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice system | Juvenile Probation Commission, Texas | Mental health services | Runaway children | School dropouts | Substance abuse | Teenage pregnancy | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.70 j988
Session:	70th R.S. (1987)
Online version:	View report [68 pages  File size: 3,096 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study the state's juvenile justice system, emphasizing improved coordination between state and local service.
Supporting documents
Committee:	Senate Juvenile Justice System, Select
Title:	SR 572
Library Call Number:	SR 572
Session:	70th R.S. (1987)
Online version:	View document [4 pages  File size: 1,062 kb]
Committee:	House Child Abuse and Pornography, Select, Interim
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 70th Legislature, Texas House of Representatives.
Subjects:	At-risk youth | Child abuse | Human Services, Texas Department of | Pornography | Runaway children |
Library Call Number:	L1836.69 c436
Session:	69th R.S. (1985)
Online version:	View report [62 pages  File size: 2,281 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	To continue the examination of issues relating to the prevention, detection, investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child abuse and child pornography, and the prevention and management of the "runaway" problems among Texas youth.
Committee:	House Child Abuse and Pornography, House Joint
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 69th Legislature, Texas House of Representatives / House Joint Study Committee on Child Abuse and Pornography.
Subjects:	Child abuse | Child sexual abuse | Pornography | Runaway children |
Library Call Number:	L1836.68 c436
Session:	68th R.S. (1983)
Online version:	View report [122 pages  File size: 4,538 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To continue the study efforts of previous interim committees which have produced significant new laws aimed at protecting the children of this state.
2.	To make a thorough examination and recommendations for the legislature to deal with the growing problem of runaway children in Texas.
Committee:	House Child Abuse/Neglect and Child Pornography, Select
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 68th Legislature, Texas House of Representatives / House Select Committee on Child Abuse/Neglect and Child Pornography.
Subjects:	Child abuse | Pornography |
Library Call Number:	L1836.67 c436
Session:	67th R.S. (1981)
Online version:	View report [62 pages  File size: 2,224 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Continue to study child abuse in Texas. Conduct in-depth studies, encourage and take testimony from professionals and lay persons in the field, and pursue all possible research avenues in an effort to develop additional legislation for the 68th legislature.
2.	Meet as necessary during the interim, with state and local governmental entities providing assistance, information and cooperation to the Committee as it works towards the common goal of eradication of child abuse, neglect and pornography from our society.
Committee:	House Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 68th Legislature : report of the / Human Services Committee, Texas House of Representatives, 67th Legislature.
Subjects:	Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of | Air quality | Blind, Texas Commission for the | Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Texas Commission for the | Elder abuse | Hazardous substances | Manufactured housing | Medicaid | Outdoor recreation | Senior citizens | State agency budgets | Welfare |
Library Call Number:	L1836.67 h89
Session:	67th R.S. (1981)
Online version:	View report [309 pages  File size: 11,172 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Oversight functions shall be conducted for all appropriations-related actions of those agencies assigned to this committee for appropriative purposes during the 67th Regular Session of the Legislature. In addition, a study should be made of the impact of any federal cuts, and the differences in the operation aspect of the agencies under block vs. categorical grants. These agencies include: Department of Human Resources Texas Commission for the Blind Texas Commission for the Deaf Texas Department of Community Affairs Texas Rehabilitation Commission Board of Licensure of Nursing Home Administrators Department of Aging The Veterans Affairs Commission
2.	Track the development of the newly created Department of Aging. Investigate protective services for the elderly, currently provided by Department of Human Resources, and determine whether the Department of Aging could effectively take over those duties.
3.	Develop background information on the general subject area of battered children and conduct and investigation into protective services for children provided by state agencies. (Do agencies overlap in authority, number of calls answered per month, effective results, justification or program, etc.)
4.	Conduct and in-depth study of the AFDC program. Look at descriptive data such as turnover rate, ethnic breakdown, percentage of fraud. Consider the effect of abolishment of ceiling on payments if amendment passes in November of 1982.
5.	Monitor the development of outdoor training programs under the Commission for the Deaf.
6.	Study the detrimental effects of formaldehyde use to determine what actions need to be taken to protect the health of the general public.
7.	Monitor state procurement and program changes of Medicaid Services in Texas.
8.	Study activities and programs of the Texas Commission for the Blind including the Commission's efficiency in relation to its contracted services.
Committee:	House Child Abuse/Neglect and Child Pornography, Select
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 67th Legislature, Texas House of Representatives. Texas. Legislature. House of Representatives. Select Committee on Child Abuse/Neglect and Child Pornography.
Subjects:	Child abuse | Pornography |
Library Call Number:	L1836.66 c436
Session:	66th R.S. (1979)
Online version:	View report [47 pages  File size: 1,771 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the statutory changes of 1979 against a background of increasing reports of child abuse and child neglect. Consider the appropriate implementation of these statutes and the need for further changes. *
2.	Study the effectiveness of child protective services, the appropriateness of interventions by the Department of Human Resources, and the adequacy of prosecution by state and local governments. *
Committee:	House Child Abuse, House Joint
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	A report to the House of Representatives of the 66th Legislature on child abuse / by the House Joint Committee on Child Abuse.
Subjects:	Child abuse |
Library Call Number:	L1836.65 c436
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View report [13 pages  File size: 608 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Survey the problem of child abuse in Texas with emphasis on determining the nature of the services available from the State and local governments for prevention, assistance, and counseling. Recommendations should be made as to any needed statutory or constitutional changes or additions to combat the problem of child abuse as well as any changes in agency structure or jurisdiction that would make the services of the state more responsive to the problem.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Child Abuse, House Joint
Title:	Preliminary Needs Assessment
Library Catalog Title:	Preliminary needs assessment for a treatment program for abusive parents and their children / by Patricia E. Burns ; prepared for Gerald Fisher and Pat Tompkins.
Library Call Number:	L1836.65 c436p
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Committee:	House Child Pornography: Its Related Causes and Control, Select
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report, Sixty Sixth Legislative session / the Select Committee on Child Pornography, Its Related Causes and Control.
Subjects:	Child abuse | Child sexual abuse | Incest | Pornography | Prostitution |
Library Call Number:	L1836.65 p826r
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View report [207 pages  File size: 6,327 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Conduct in-depth studies, to take and receive testimony, and to pursue all possible research avenues in an effort to develop legislation and other recommendations for the 66th Legislature designed to inhibit and completely halt the production, distribution and exploitation of pornography involving children.
Committee:	House Human Resources Subcommittee on Public Welfare
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	The case of Artesia Hall : report of the / Subcommittee on Public Welfare.
Subjects:	Child abuse | Child care | Occupational licenses | Public Welfare, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number:	L1836.63 h88pa
Session:	63rd R.S. (1973)
Online version:	View report [63 pages  File size: 2,873 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Review the licensing of Artesia Hall and the licensing procedures and policies of the State Department of Public Welfare. *
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Human Resources Subcommittee on Public Welfare
Title:	Letter from Price Daniel, Jr.
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1801.9 H88 63
Session:	63rd R.S. (1973)
Online version:	View document [2 pages]
Committee:	House Human Resources Subcommittee on Public Welfare
Title:	Correspondence by Rep. Lane Denton
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1801.9 H88 63
Session:	63rd R.S. (1973)
Online version:	View document [10 pages]

* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.

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