Update on House Bill 492 Implementation

Background on HB 492

On May 30, 2009, Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 492 (HB 492) into law. Authored by Representative John Zerwas, this bill will strengthen the capacity of faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs)-and the overall capacity of the nonprofit sector-by developing stronger partnerships between FBCOs and state government. These stronger partnerships will in turn allow the nonprofit sector to more effectively provide social services to Texans.

The bill requires specified state agencies to designate liaisons. These liaisons will work with one another and with FBCOs across Texas to:

• Identify and remove barriers in an effort to foster partnerships between state agencies and FBCOs.
• Provide information and training on FBCOs to state employees.
• Conduct outreach efforts to FBCOs.
• Coordinate efforts with the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
• Attend conferences to remain informed of related current events.

Accounts, Funding Opportunities and Committees

Provisions in HB 492 designate a state general revenue account, titled the Renewing our Communities Account (ROCA), to fund the partnership-development work between state government and the nonprofit sector. Funds will be used to assist FBCOs with capacity building efforts so they can more effectively provide Texans with needed social services. HB 492 authorizes Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to contract with OneStar Foundation, which serves as the State Commission on National and Community Service, to administer ROCA.

As part of the administration of ROCA funds, OneStar will implement competitive requests for proposals. Grants may be awarded to FBCOs to strengthen their capacity building efforts, as well as to local government entities to encourage partnerships with area FBCOs. This funding will also provide a series of trainings across the state designed to cover topics such as grant management, legal assistance, capacity building and leadership development.

A diverse group of Texas-based FBCO leaders will be appointed by HHSC Executive Commissioner Tom Suehs to serve on the ROCA Advisory Committee. These committee members will be tasked with developing recommendations regarding the account.

The Task Force on Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity will also be established by Executive Commissioner Suehs, in consultation with Governor Rick Perry. This task force will include members from state agencies, nonprofit organizations, academia and foundations. Task force members will develop a legislative report and recommendations for strengthening the capacity of FBCOs.

For More Information

OneStar is proud to play such an integral role in the implementation of this groundbreaking bill. We will periodically post updates on our Web site and through our newsletter. (To receive our newsletter, create an account on our Web site.)

The full text of HB 492 is available in PDF form here.