Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 599 amends the Government Code to require the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (commission) to refer all matters relating to the investigation and testing of indoor air quality, except for asbestos, in state buildings to the Texas Department of Health (department). The department is required to promulgate rules and procedures necessary for the investigation and testing of the buildings and to report all findings and test results to the State Office of Risk Management (office). The office is required to conduct an annual educational seminar on indoor air quality that certain persons charged with the control of state buildings must attend.

            In addition, the bill requires the commission to contract with a private entity to conduct necessary air monitoring related to asbestos abatement services by the commission and to report the findings and test results to the office and the department. The bill requires the department, with the assistance of a nonstate entity, to provide a report and a plan of action for addressing indoor air quality issues in state buildings to the Legislative Budget Board, the Governor's Office of Budget and Planning, and the State Office of Risk Management.

            Not later than December 31, 2003, the commission and the department are required to establish a transition plan for this transfer of responsibility.