88R3343 AMF-F     By: Meza H.B. No. 788       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a task force to study access to legal services for   persons with disabilities.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  TASK FORCE. (a)  In this section:                (1)  "Disability" means, with respect to an individual,   a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits at least   one major life activity of that individual.                (2)  "Executive commissioner" means the executive   commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.                (3)  "Task force" means the task force established by   this section.          (b)  The executive commissioner shall establish a task force   to study access to legal services for persons with disabilities.          (c)  The task force is composed of seven members as follows:                (1)  five members appointed by the executive   commissioner, including:                      (A)  at least two members who are adults with   disabilities; and                      (B)  at least two members who are parents of   children with disabilities; and                (2)  two members who represent Disability Rights Texas.          (d)  The executive commissioner shall designate a task force   member as the presiding officer of the task force.          (e)  The task force shall meet at least quarterly at the call   of the presiding officer and at other times the presiding officer   determines.          (f)  The task force shall study access to legal services for   persons with disabilities.  The study must examine and make   recommendations regarding:                (1)  the availability of legal representation for   persons with disabilities;                (2)  the availability of advocacy and legal services   for persons with disabilities; and                (3)  the barriers to accessing legal services for   persons with disabilities, including communication, financial,   medical, and cognitive barriers.          (g)  The task force shall develop and submit a written report   of the study and recommendations developed by the task force to the   Health and Human Services Commission, the governor, the lieutenant   governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each   member of the legislature not later than December 1, 2024.          (h)  The task force may develop instructional and training   materials for legal professionals and persons with disabilities   relating to legal issues affecting persons with disabilities.          (i)  The task force may partner with or seek and accept   assistance from voluntary organizations active in supporting   persons with disabilities.          (j)  The task force is abolished and this Act expires June 1,   2025.          SECTION 2.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect   immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members   elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas   Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for   immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.