BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        S.B. 1685
                                                       By: Sibley
                                                    State Affairs
                                                           5-3-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is a major public health concern with an estimated
244,000 cases diagnosed and over 40,000 deaths per year in our
county. Annual checkups and testing can result in early detection
and cure.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1685 provides for the detection and prevention of
prostate cancer.

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 Title 2D, Health and Safety Code, by adding
Chapter __, as follows:

                  CHAPTER __. PROSTATE CANCER.

     Sec. __ FINDINGS. Sets forth the legislature's findings in
     relation to prostate cancer.
     
     Sec. __ PROSTATE CANCER PROGRAM. Requires the commissioner of
     health (commissioner), in consultation with the board, to
     develop and implement a program that educates the public on
     the causes of prostate cancer and the factors associated with
     the development of prostate cancer. Requires the program to
     also publicize the value of early detection and prevention,
     and identify the options available for treatment.
     
     Sec. __ TASK FORCE. (a) Requires the commissioner, in
     developing the program created by Section __, to appoint a
     task force to make recommendations on strategies for educating
     the public on the health benefits of the early detection and
     prevention of prostate cancer.
     
     (b) Provides that members of the task force are not entitled
       to compensation, per diem, or expense reimbursement for
       their service on the task force.
       
       SECTION 2.   Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.