H.B. No. 4129 amends Section 264.155(a) of the Family Code to establish new contract requirements for single source continuum contractors working with the Department of Family and Protective Services. The bill mandates that contracts include provisions for a timeline for implementing community-based care services, conditions for data access, a unified training process for alternative caregivers, and the maintenance of a diverse network of service providers. Additionally, it allows the department to conduct performance reviews and impose financial penalties or incentives based on the contractor's performance outcomes. The bill also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and requires contractors to comply with applicable court orders.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new requirements for contractors, including the necessity to implement formal measures to ensure high-quality service delivery, such as quality improvement plans and financial interventions. It deletes a previous requirement related to stakeholder communication and adds a new provision that mandates compliance with court orders concerning case management responsibilities. The changes will apply only to contracts entered into or modified after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 264.155 (Family Code 264)
House Committee Report: Family Code 264.155 (Family Code 264)
Engrossed: Family Code 264.155 (Family Code 264)