BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 1431 By: Zaffirini, et al. (Berlanga) May 2, 1995 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Rural area medical emergencies demand specialized emergency medical services. PURPOSE S.B. 1431 would require a state emergency medical services (EMS) plan to include an emergency radio communication plan, and require the Bureau of Emergency Management within the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to establish a statewide EMS force to provide support and assistance to local governments and districts that provide EMS. 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 773.021, Health and Safety Code, to require the Bureau of Emergency Management within the Texas Department of Health (Bureau) to develop a state plan for the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS) to include an emergency radio communication plan to be used by local governments and districts that provide EMS to develop an emergency radio communication network linking EMS providers with local hospitals or trauma centers. SECTION 2. Adds Section 773.0215 to Chapter 773B, Health and Safety Code, as follows: Sec. 773.0215. PLAN FOR STATEWIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FORCE. (a) Requires the Bureau to develop a plan to establish a statewide EMS force composed of volunteers trained and recruited by the TDH and supported by state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and training. (b) Requires the plan to include proposals to provide support and assistance to local governments and districts that provide EMS in the state. (c) Authorizes the Bureau, in developing the plan, to appoint a task force. Establishes that a task force member is not entitled to receive compensation or reimbursement for travel expenses while serving on the task force. (d) Requires the Bureau, not later than December 1, 1996, to report to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and the legislature with respect to the plan, any comments the bureau may have with respect to the plan, and any legislation required to implement the plan. (e) States that this section expires January 16, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION S.B. 1431 was considered by the Public Health Committee in a public hearing on May 2, 1995. The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 6 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 PNV, and 3 ABSENT.