RLV S.B. 770 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


PUBLIC HEALTH
S.B. 770
By: Moncrief (Seaman)
5-8-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND 

Currently, Texas law provides for the establishment of peer assistance
programs by state licensing agencies.  These programs provide assistance
to licensed individuals and students primarily in the areas of substance
abuse and mental illness.  Funding for peer assistance programs, including
the program operated through the State Board of Dental Examiners, is
primarily generated by a maximum $5 fee levied on new licenses and license
renewals. 

PURPOSE

S.B. 770 authorizes the State Board of Dental Examiners to add a surcharge
of not more than $10 to its license or license renewal fee to fund an
approved peer assistance program. 

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 467.004(a), Health and Safety Code, to authorize
a licensing or disciplinary authority, except as provided by Section
467.0041(b), to add a surcharge of not more than $5 to its  license or
license renewal fee to fund an approved peer assistance program. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 467.0041(b), Health and Safety Code, to
authorize the State Board of Dental Examiners to add a surcharge of not
more than $10, rather than $5, to its license or license renewal fee to
fund an approved peer assistance program. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.