HBA-EDN H.B. 3578 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3578
By: Villarreal, Mike
Economic Development
4/6/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

While continuing evidence that quality child care programs lead to academic
success, reduced delinquency and crime, better job opportunities, and
increased productivity, the importance of providing these services
increases.  Under current law, the Texas Workforce Commission is
responsible for allocating funds for child-care subsidies.  According to
federal law, at least 4% of the funds that the state receives through the
child care and development block grant must be used to enhance child-care
quality.  However, there is no explicit definition of what is meant by
quality in relation to child-care.  House Bill 3578 defines what
constitutes as a quality child-care program.        

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 3578 amends the Human Resource Code to require the executive
director of the Texas Workforce Commission to define quality child care
programs as those programs that provide a safe and nurturing environment
while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual
development of young children.  The bill sets forth provisions relating to
the components of these programs. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

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