Bill > HB645

This bill establishes a statewide Co-Navigation Services Program for individuals who are deaf-blind in Texas, aimed at providing specialized assistance to help these individuals navigate their environment and communicate effectively. The program will be operated by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and will provide co-navigation services through trained professionals called co-navigators, who will help deaf-blind individuals access their environment and make informed decisions. Co-navigators will be reimbursed using a tiered wage scale based on their training level and communication skills, which include various modes like American Sign Language, tactile communication, and protactile language. The services specifically do not include personal care, errands, decision-making, teaching, or formal interpretation. The HHSC will be responsible for monitoring service quality, developing additional funding sources, and providing technical assistance for training both co-navigators and deaf-blind individuals. The bill allows for the potential creation of an advisory committee to help develop and operate the program efficiently, with membership including deaf-blind individuals and other stakeholders. The program is set to begin operation by September 1, 2026, with rules to be adopted by the executive commissioner prior to that date, and the bill itself will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB645