BILL ANALYSIS


Public Health Committee
H.B. 1231
By: Ramsay
03-07-95
Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND

Chapter 37 of the Health and Safety Code states the provisions for
establishing a program to detect abnormal spinal curvature in
children. Currently, the program mandates spinal screening for
children in grades 6 through 9 attending public or private schools.
Based on a recommendation of the Texas Department of Health, this
bill moves the control of spinal screening to the local level by
making it voluntary instead of mandatory.

PURPOSE

This bill stipulates that the Board of Health, in cooperation with
the Central Education Agency, must adopt rules for voluntary spinal
screening.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency or institution.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 37.001(b), Health and Safety Code, by
striking through mandatory and inserting voluntary.

SECTION 2.  Section 37.002, Health and Safety Code, addressing
compliance with screening requirements, is repealed.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 1231 was considered in a public hearing on March 7, 1995.
Testifying for the bill were Representative Tom Ramsay; and Dr.
Clift Price, representing the Texas Pediatric Society and Texas
Medical Association. No one testified against the bill. Testifying
neutrally on the bill was Susan Penfield, representing the Texas
Department of Health. A motion to report H.B. 1231, unamended, back
to the full House with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed
carried with a vote of 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 PNV, and 4 Absent.