HBA-MPM H.B. 2825 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2825
By: Smithee
Human Services
3/23/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Many religious and social organizations operate child care facilities and
child placement agencies.  Some view state licensing standards as
intrusive, burdensome, and conflicting with the goals of the religious or
social organization.  In 1997, the state legislature enacted law approving
the alternative accreditation of child care facilities and child placement
agencies.  Alternative accreditation by a recognized organization in lieu
of state licensure allowed the organizations to retain their religious
identity through exemption from some government regulations.  The law
enacted in 1997 that approved alternative accreditation also provided a
sunset for this legislation.  House Bill 2825 extends existing provisions
that permit the alternative accreditation for certain child-care facilities
and child-placing agencies until September 1, 2007. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2825 amends the Human Resources Code to provide for the
continuation of the accreditation program for a child-care facility or
child-placing agency as an alternative to licensure by the state until
September 1, 2007. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, of if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act take
effect September 1, 2001.