Statewide co-navigator program for deaf-blind Texans

The text as introduced · 638 words

89R960 KKR-F

By: Hughes
S.B. No. 1653

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the provision of certain co-navigation services to

individuals who are deaf-blind.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 81.001, Human Resources Code, is amended

by adding Subdivision (1) to read as follows:

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

Commission.

SECTION 2. Chapter 81, Human Resources Code, is amended by

adding Section 81.014 to read as follows:

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.

SECTION 3. Not later than September 1, 2026:

(1) the executive commissioner of the Health and Human

Services Commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement

Section 81.014, Human Resources Code, as added by this Act; and

(2) the commission shall begin operating the program

required by that section.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.