SRC-HRD S.B. 770 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 770
By: Moncrief
Finance
3-13-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

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.  S.B. 770
would allow the board to increase its peer assistance fee to $10 per new
license or license renewal.  In addition, this bill would have no effect
on the maximum fee that could be charged by other state agencies. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, 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

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

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.