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.