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.