BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         S.B. 545
                                                       By: Rosson
                                        Health and Human Services
                                                          4-20-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Current law permits only persons 17 years of age or older to donate
blood.  Many communities in the state lack adequate blood supplies
and depend on high school blood drives.  Lowering the age of donors
would increase blood supplies in these communities.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 545 authorizes a person 16 years of age or older
to donate blood or blood components.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 162.015, Health and Safety Code, as
follows:

     Sec. 162.015.  New heading: DONATION OF BLOOD BY MINORS. 
     Authorizes a person 16 years of age or older, instead of 17
     years of age, to consent to the donation of the person's blood
     or blood components.
     
SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.