BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2022 By: Berlanga 04-26-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND The Texas Department of Health (TDH) operates the largest public health laboratory in the country. Services provided include screening tests for specific diseases in newborn infants, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, rabies, childhood blood lead poisoning, as well as reference microbiology services and various environmental health testing services. The laboratory plays a key role in testing public drinking water supplies, as mandated by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. TDH is concerned that the current space at their main office complex is not sufficient to meet their staffing and technological needs. The physical structure, in addition to having insufficient floor space, no longer has adequate air flow capacity for additional air management systems. This causes a serious problem in that the air handling system for the tuberculosis isolation laboratory is shared with the rest of the main laboratory building. These and other issues related to space, engineering and safety severely limit the laboratory's ability to respond to current and future analytical needs. TDH recommends the construction of a new facility through the issuance of revenue bonds. No general revenue would be requested for the project because costs would be offset by increased laboratory revenue. PURPOSE As proposed, HB 2022 authorizes the issuance of revenue bonds for construction of a laboratory and office facility. 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 24A(b) of the Texas Public Finance Authority Act by adding as an approved project a laboratory and office facility for TDH with an estimated cost of $42,300,000. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective immediately. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION HB 2022 by Berlanga was considered in full committee on April 12, 1995. Dr. David Smith, Texas Commissioner of Health, Dr. R.R. Casso, Vice-Chair of the Texas Board of Health, and Dr. Alan Moore, Texas Society of Pathologists, testified for the bill. The bill was left pending on April 12th in full committee. The bill was next considered in full committee on April 26, 1995, and Dr. David Smith, Commissioner of Health, testified again on the bill. Representative Glaze made a motion to report the bill favorably to the General Calendar, and the motion prevailed by a vote of 21 aye, 0 nay, 0 present not voting and 6 absent.