Creation of Advisory Committee for Purchasing from People with Disabilities Program SB 212

TRANSFER OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE TEXAS COUNCIL ON PURCHASING FROM PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO THE TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION AND CREATION OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE DISCUSSION PAPER

1 Background 2 Senate Bill 212, passed by the 84th Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2015), abolishes the 3 Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities (TCPPD) and transfers all TCPPD 4 rules, contracts, and operations to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) effective September 5 1, 2015. Additionally, the bill directs TWC to create an advisory committee to assist in 6 establishing performance goals for the program. 7 8 TCPPD currently serves as the oversight and policy-making body for the State Use Program and 9 contracts with TIBH Industries (TIBH) to administer the program, the intent of which is to assist 10 individuals with disabilities in achieving independence through productive employment. TIBH 11 currently contracts with local community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) that hire individuals 12 with disabilities to provide goods and services for purchase through the program. The Texas 13 Comptroller’s Office currently establishes prices for the goods and services provided under 14 TCPPD. 15 16 In addition to establishing program performance goals, the advisory committee, which will meet 17 twice a year, will establish criteria for certifying CRPs for program participation. By September 18 1, 2015, or as soon as possible after that date, TWC must appoint 13 advisory committee 19 members composed of the following: four individuals from CRPs; four individuals from 20 organizations that advocate for people with disabilities; four individuals with disabilities, 21 including two who are employed by a participating community rehabilitation program; and the 22 executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission or designee. 23 24 Recommendations 25 Staff recommends the following: 26  Posting a request for applications on TWC’s website to seek qualified advisory committee 27 members for 30 days; and 28  Outreach to the different groups on the committee to make them aware of the request for 29 applications available on TWC’s website. 30 31

DP Transfer of TCPPD to TWC and Creation of Advisory Committee 7 14 15 (Comm Staff) 1