S.B. No. 1149 aims to amend the Human Resources Code to enhance the regulation of child welfare services, particularly concerning licensure and community-based care contractors. A significant addition is the introduction of Section 42.0413, which exempts "single source continuum contractors" from needing a child-placing agency license while fulfilling their contractual obligations with the department. However, these contractors must still comply with other applicable laws and regulations regarding child welfare services. The bill also clarifies that subcontractors and child-placing agencies under these contractors are not exempt from licensing requirements.

Additionally, the bill modifies several existing provisions, including reducing the required liability insurance coverage for license holders and listed family homes from $300,000 to $100,000 per occurrence. It also updates the duration of initial licenses from six months to twelve months and revises the educational and experiential qualifications for child-care and child-placing agency administrators. The bill mandates that the Department of Family and Protective Services adopt necessary rules by December 1, 2025, to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the foster care system while implementing these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 42.043, Human Resources Code 42.049, Human Resources Code 42.0495, Human Resources Code 42.051, Human Resources Code 42.068, Human Resources Code 43.004, Human Resources Code 43.009, Human Resources Code 42.0431 (Human Resources Code 42, Human Resources Code 43)