The bill, H.B. No. 645, aims to establish a co-navigation services program specifically for individuals who are deaf-blind in Texas. It amends the Human Resources Code by adding definitions and provisions related to co-navigation services, which are designed to assist deaf-blind individuals in accessing their environment and making informed decisions. The bill defines key terms such as "co-navigator," "communication mode," and "protactile language," and outlines the responsibilities of the Health and Human Services Commission in operating the program. The commission is tasked with providing co-navigation services through trained co-navigators and reimbursing them for their services based on a tiered wage scale that considers their training and fluency in communication modes.

Additionally, the bill mandates the executive commissioner to establish rules for the program's operation and reimbursement rates, ensuring quality services through monitoring and developing additional funding sources. An advisory committee may be formed to assist in the program's development, which must include individuals who are deaf-blind. The implementation of the program is required to begin by September 1, 2026, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 81.001 (Human Resources Code 81)
House Committee Report: Human Resources Code 81.001 (Human Resources Code 81)