HBA-MPA H.B. 3333 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3333
By: Tillery
Economic Development
4/7/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Previously, child care for low-income families was set at a 75 percent
reimbursement rate by the federal government.  This is no longer the case.
Low reimbursement rates make it difficult for many providers of child care
in low-income communities to provide sufficient care.  The child care most
needed is for children younger than three.  This is also the most
expensive, and among the least available in Texas.  Quality child care
requires low teacher-child ratios, small groups, and well trained staff.
Federal guidelines recommend funding a network to provide outreach,
technical assistance, and ongoing support to family day homes.  H.B. 3333
provides for differential reimbursement rates to make child care more
accessible, and the provision of contracts to allow parents to get
comprehensive care. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter G, Chapter 2308, Government Code, by adding
Sections 2308.315 and 2308.316, as follows: 

Sec. 2308.315. REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR CHILD CARE. Requires each local
workforce development board (board) to establish graduated reimbursement
rates for child care based on the Texas Workforce Commission's designated
vendor program.  Provides that the vendor program must be voluntary and
have standards related to the accreditation and certification held by the
vendor. 

Sec. 2308.316.  FUNDING OF COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT SYSTEM FOR CHILD CARE.
Requires each board to allocate a portion of its federal child care
development funds to a competitive procurement system that encourages the
provision of child care for children under four years of age in registered
family homes that satisfy certain specified conditions. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.