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House Bill 306 |
House Author: Herrero et al. |
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Effective: 9-1-19 |
Senate Sponsor: Hinojosa |
House Bill 306 amends the Health and Safety Code to enact the Service Member and Veteran Open Burn Pit Registry Act. The bill requires the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to create and maintain an open burn pit registry of service members and veterans who were exposed to open burn pit smoke or other airborne hazards during their military service in certain conflicts or theaters. The state registry is electronically linked to the complementary federal registry. The bill, among other provisions, authorizes an applicable service member or veteran, or a family member of that member or veteran, to voluntarily register a case of exposure to open burn pit smoke or other airborne hazards with DSHS. DSHS, with assistance from the Texas Veterans Commission, must develop and make available online information relating to the registry's use, scientific developments about such exposure, and treatment and disability options and must submit a biennial report to the legislature relating to the effectiveness of and improvements to the registry. Implementation of a provision of this bill by DSHS is mandatory only if a specific appropriation is made for that purpose.