Bill > SB200

This bill enacts significant changes to the Health and Human Services (HHS) system in Texas, primarily by consolidating various agencies and their functions under the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The bill outlines a phased transfer of functions, with initial transfers occurring between September 1, 2015, and September 1, 2016, and final transfers completed by September 1, 2017. Key agencies being consolidated include the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, the Department of Aging and Disability Services, and aspects of the Department of State Health Services and the Department of Family and Protective Services. The bill also establishes a Health and Human Services Transition Legislative Oversight Committee to monitor this consolidation process and aims to streamline administrative support services across the system. Additionally, it makes various amendments to existing laws to reflect these structural changes, including updating references to agencies and their leadership, and repeals several provisions related to previously existing advisory committees and agency structures. The bill also includes provisions for studies on the continued need for certain agencies and mandates the development of strategic plans for chronic respiratory disease and human papillomavirus-associated cancer. Finally, it addresses changes to vital statistics record access and includes a sunset provision for the HHSC, extending its existence to 2027.