SRC-JFA S.B. 197 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 197
By: Zaffirini
Health & Human Services
1-29-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


DIGEST 

Currently, Section 461.012, Health and Safety Code, does not list the
regulation of alcoholic awareness courses as one of the required duties of
the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCADA).  The report of the
Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, Interim Report on
Improving Immunization Programs and Restricting Children's Access to
Tobacco and Alcohol, recommends that TCADA be allowed to establish rules
and monitor such alcohol awareness programs. TCADA certifies over 106
alcohol awareness programs across the state and is currently working on
approving an alcohol awareness program for under-age drinkers that have
been charged with possession or the consumption of alcohol.  S.B. 197
would require TCADA to regulate such courses.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 197 requires the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug
Abuse to regulate alcoholic awareness courses required under Section
106.11, Alcoholic Beverage Code, relating to attendance of alcohol
awareness course by a minor for violation of the Alcoholic Beverage Code. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 461.012(a), Health and Safety Code, to require
the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCADA) to regulate,
coordinate, and provide training for alcohol awareness courses required
under Section 106.11, Alcoholic Beverage Code, relating to attendance of
alcohol awareness course by a minor for violation of the Alcoholic
Beverage Code, among other required duties.  Authorizes the commission to
charge a fee for an activity performed by TCADA under this subdivision.
Makes conforming changes.  

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

There were no committee changes.