Texas 89th Legislature, Regular Session Status: Introduced

HB 645 — Relating to the provision of certain co-navigation services to individuals who are deaf-blind.

Last action — Referred to Health & Human Services

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  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 89th Legislature, Regular Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Relating to the provision of certain co-navigation services to individuals who are deaf-blind.

Bill Text

We don't have the full text on file for this bill yet.

Read HB 645 on the official Texas source →

How this bill changes current law

2 changes Share ↗

Compared against the Texas statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 2 section(s) of the Texas statutes: Section 81.001, Human Resources Code, Section 81.014, Human Resources Code.

  • Section 81.001, Human Resources Code

    (1) "Commission" means the Health and Human Services Commission.

    amended

  • Section 81.014, Human Resources Code

    Sec. 81.014. CO-NAVIGATION SERVICES PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DEAF-BLIND. (a) In this section: (1) "Communication mode" includes communication through: (A) auditory amplification, such as through a personal hearing aid or assistive listening device; (B) American Sign Language or Signed English by both tactile and visual means; and (C) protactile language. (2) "Co-navigation services" means services provided to an individual who is deaf-blind that assist the individual to physically access the individual's environment and to make informed decisions. The term includes providing visual and environmental information or sighted guide services and assisting with communication accessibility by communicating in the preferred language and communication mode of the individual who is deaf-blind. The term does not include performing any of the following for the individual: (A) providing personal care services to the individual; (B) completing ordinary errands for the individual; (C) making decisions for the individual; (D) teaching or otherwise instructing the individual; or (E) interpreting for the individual in a formal setting, including a medical, legal, or business setting. (3) "Co-navigator" means a person who is specially trained to provide co-navigation services. (4) "Program" means the deaf-blind co-navigation services program. (5) "Protactile language" means a method of communication based on touch that is used by individuals who are deaf-blind. (b) The commission shall operate a statewide co-navigation services program through which: (1) co-navigation services are provided by co-navigators; and (2) the commission reimburses the co-navigators for the provision of the services. (c) The executive commissioner by rule shall establish reimbursement rates to be paid to a co-navigator under the program. The reimbursement rates must use a tiered wage scale that is based on the co-navigator's: (1) level of training in communication modes for individuals who are deaf-blind and in sighted guide-mobility techniques; and (2) fluency and skill in communication modes and sighted guide-mobility for individuals who are deaf-blind. (d) The commission shall ensure that quality co-navigation services are provided under the program by: (1) monitoring the compliance of co-navigators with program rules; (2) developing funding sources for the program that are in addition to state sources and will reduce reliance on the state sources for continuation of the program; and (3) providing funding and technical assistance for training programs for: (A) co-navigators under the program; and (B) individuals who are deaf-blind to enable those individuals to effectively use the services offered under the program. (e) The executive commissioner may establish an advisory committee to advise the commission in developing and operating the program, including operating the program in a manner that ensures the efficient use of state money. Subject to Section 2110.002, Government Code, the executive commissioner shall determine the number of members serving on the advisory committee, which must include individuals who are deaf-blind and other stakeholders. (f) The executive commissioner may adopt rules necessary to: (1) operate the program in a manner that is efficient and maximizes the number of individuals served; and (2) ensure that co-navigators receiving reimbursement under the program have adequate training to provide co-navigation services.

    added

Action History

  1. Referred to Health & Human Services

  2. Read first time

  3. Received from the House

  4. Reported engrossed

  5. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

  6. Record vote

  7. Passed

  8. Read 3rd time

  9. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

  10. Record vote

  11. Passed to engrossment

  12. Read 2nd time

  13. Placed on General State Calendar

  14. Considered in Calendars

  15. Committee report sent to Calendars

  16. Committee report distributed

  17. Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator

  18. Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)

  19. Considered in public hearing

  20. Left pending in committee

  21. Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee

  22. Considered in public hearing

  23. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

  24. Referred to Human Services

  25. Read first time

  26. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 4 co-sponsors · 179 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (4)

Not signed on (179)

179 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights healthcare
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does HB 645 do?
Relating to the provision of certain co-navigation services to individuals who are deaf-blind.
Who sponsors HB 645?
HB 645 is sponsored by Lacey Hull, Toni Rose, Candy Noble, Mihaela Plesa, and Mary E. González.
What is the current status of HB 645?
This bill died with 89th Legislature, Regular Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 645?
Track HB 645 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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