BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 1696
By: Maxey
03-28-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (T.D.C.J.) reports the
highest case rates for tuberculosis in Texas, with approximately 15
percent of T.D.C.J. inmates having a positive skin test as compared
to an estimated 5 percent for the general population.  This poses
a serious risk to both inmates and staff.  

The Texas Department of Health investigated the number of TB cases
in a state prison facility for the mentally retarded from April 5
to September 30, 1994.  The investigation uncovered fifteen cases
of TB, and 100 positive skin tests.  This outbreak resulted in more
cases and positive skin test conversions than any other recorded
Texas outbreak.  T.D.H. recommended a more stringent screening
process for inmates in our state.  This screening should be
extended to employees as well.

PURPOSE

This bill would require that the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice enact tuberculosis screening for employees who request the
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.  Redesignates Section 501.059, Government Code, as
Section 501.060 and adds a subsection (b) to require the
institutional division to provide TB screening for any employee of
the division requesting the procedure.

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 1696 was considered by the Committee on Corrections in a
public hearing on March 28, 1995.  The following persons testified
in favor of the bill:

     Linnie Stone, representing herself; 
     Carol McMillan, representing herself and the Texas State
     Employees Union;
     Ann Darby, representing herself;
     Robin Anderson, representing herself and the American Lung
     Association of Texas; and
     Debbie Louder, representing herself and the Gatesville
     Association of Federal, State,          County, Municipal
                                             Employees (AFSCME).

The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed by a record vote of
6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 3 absent.