House Bill No. 5415 amends Section 264.155(a) of the Family Code to establish new contract requirements for single source continuum contractors providing community-based care services in Texas. The bill mandates that contracts include provisions for a timeline for implementing community-based care, access to relevant department data, a unified training process for alternative caregivers, and the maintenance of a diverse network of service providers. Additionally, it allows the Department of Family and Protective Services to conduct performance reviews, impose financial penalties for unmet outcomes, and award incentives for exceeding performance goals.

The bill also introduces new requirements for contractors, such as giving employment preference to impacted department employees, providing community engagement plans, and complying with applicable court orders. Notably, it allows the department, at its discretion, to reclaim or transfer case management authority over cases in a catchment area from the contractor. The changes will apply only to contracts entered into or amended after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, while existing contracts will continue to be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 264.155 (Family Code 264)