SRC-JXG H.B. 1409 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1409 By: Junell (Bivins) Education 5/7/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, a person in Texas may not operate a school bus for transportation of students unless that person meets certain medical and physical capability requirements during an annual physical examination. The performance of the physical examination is limited to doctors; however, federal regulations allow advanced practice nurses to perform physical examinations for commercial motor vehicle drivers, including bus drivers. H.B. 1409 would authorize a physician, chiropractor, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant to conduct the required examination to determine a person's mental and physical capabilities to safely operate a school bus, and would authorize an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or therapeutic optometrist to conduct the part of the examination relating to the person's vision. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1409 sets forth provisions regarding eligibility to conduct a mental and physical examination of a school bus operator. 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 521.022(c), Transportation Code, to authorize a physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant to conduct the examination. Authorizes an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or therapeutic optometrist to conduct the part of the examination relating to the person's vision. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.