H.B. No. 2655

	AN ACT
	relating to requiring the Department of Family and Protective
	Services to study the effectiveness of the relative and other
	designated caregiver placement program.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter I, Chapter 264, Family Code, is
	amended by adding Section 264.761 to read as follows:
	Sec. 264.761.  STUDY OF PROGRAM.  (a)  The department shall
	study the effectiveness of the relative and other designated
	caregiver placement program created by this subchapter and make
	recommendations to the legislature for improving the program.  The
	recommended improvements must be designed to minimize the number of
	placements for each child, maximize efficiency in the distribution
	of any monetary or other assistance for which caregivers qualify,
	facilitate a safe and permanent exit from the managing
	conservatorship of the department in as timely a fashion as
	possible, and assist caregivers in obtaining the verification
	necessary to qualify for foster care maintenance reimbursement.
	The recommendations may include increases in the amount of
	assistance and the identification of automated or other processes
	designed to speed the payment of assistance.
	(b)  The department shall report its findings and
	recommendations to the legislature not later than January 1, 2017.
	(c)  This section expires September 1, 2017.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
	______________________________	______________________________
	President of the Senate	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.B. No. 2655 was passed by the House on May 5,
	2015, by the following vote:  Yeas 145, Nays 0, 2 present, not
	voting.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House
	I certify that H.B. No. 2655 was passed by the Senate on May
	26, 2015, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
	______________________________
	Secretary of the Senate
	APPROVED:  _____________________
	Date
	_____________________
	Governor