Presented to: DHS Board of Directors

Date: February 18, 2015

DHS Legislative Update

Georgia Department of Human Services

Vision, Mission and Core Values Vision

Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia.Mission

Strengthen Georgia by providing Individuals and Families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults.

Core Values• Provide access to resources that offer support and empower Georgians and

their families. • Deliver services professionally and treat all clients with dignity and respect.

Manage business operations effectively and efficiently by aligning resources across the agency.

• Promote accountability, transparency and quality in all services we deliver and programs we administer.

• Develop our employees at all levels of the agency.

Overview – 2015 General Assembly session

The Georgia General Assembly is in year one of a two-year legislative session.

Priorities this year include:• FY 2015 and 2016 budget• Transportation funding• Education• Creation of a Department of Community Supervision• Implementation of the Child Welfare Reform Council Recommendations• Requiring insurance companies to provide treatment for children with autism• Providing access to cannabidiol oil for Georgians with seizure disorders

Overview – 2015 General Assembly sessionThe sole priority for the General Assembly is to pass a balanced budget for the state. There are deadlines for all legislative proposals (excluding local bills) in the 40-day General Assembly session.• Day 30: a bill must receive the approval of its chamber of origin (House or

Senate) by the end of this day in order to be considered for final passage this year.

• Day 40: last day of the session. For any bill to have a potential of becoming law, it must be passed by both chambers by midnight on this day.

Today is day 17 of the 2015 session.

Overview – 2015 General Assembly sessionThe Department of Human Services Office of Legislative Affairs and Communications (OLAC) tracks legislative proposals with potential agency impact and educates elected officials on agency programs and the impact of proposals on agency programs.

• OLAC is currently tracking more than 40 legislative proposals that may have potential impact on the agency or on agencies that partner with DHS or DFCS.

Overview – 2015 General Assembly sessionWhat we’re watching (the highlights):• Child welfare legislation

– Senate Bill 3– Senate Bill 8/ Senate Resolution 8– House Bill 177– House Bill 268

• Aging legislation– House Bill 86– House Bill 72

• Child support legislation– House Bill 264– Senate Bill 64

Overview – 2015 General Assembly sessionWhat we expect:• Legislation from the Child Welfare Reform Council recommendations

– Creation of a child abuse registry– Restructure DFCS so that Director reports to the Governor

• Maintain connection to DHS so that DHS oversees budgeting with DFCS input• DHS Board still approves rules and regulations

– Revision of purpose for local DFCS boards– Creation of a DFCS Advisory Board– Revision of privacy laws to allow care providers appropriate access to the records relating to children

in their care.

• Legislation as a result of the House Study Committee on Child Welfare Providers– Rep. Andy Welch has bills that likely will impact inspections and background checks for Georgia’s

residential child care providers.

• Agency bills to improve child support service delivery– Genetic testing– Concurrent jurisdiction