SRC-ARR S.B. 602 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 602 By: Moncrief Health Services 8/5/1999 Enrolled DIGEST The last Sunset Advisory Commission report on the Texas Department of Health (TDH) concluded that it has not maximized input from stakeholders and other experts during the development and evaluation of rules. TDH did not involve pediatricians or the Interagency Council for Genetic Services during the development of a change to newborn screening rules adopted in February 1998. S.B. 602 sets forth the guidelines for the membership of the Texas Board of Health and the membership and powers of the Interagency Council for Genetic Services. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 602 sets forth the membership and powers of the Interagency Council for Genetic Services. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Interagency Council for Genetic Services in SECTION 3 (Section 134.002(a), Chapter 134, Human Resource Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 134.001(b) and (c), Human Resources Code, to provide that the Interagency Council for Genetic Services (council) consists of a representative of the Texas Department of Insurance, rather than Human Services, appointed by the commissioner of insurance, rather than human services. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 134, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 134.002, as follows: Sec. 134.002. RULES. Requires a state agency that is a member of the council to work in coordination with the council when initiating, considering, or proposing a rule relating to human genetics or human genetic services. SECTION 3. Amends Section 134.003(b), Human Resources Code, to make a conforming change. SECTION 4. Amends Section 134.004, Human Resources Code, to set forth requirements for the council, including surveying current resources for human genetic services, and working in coordination with the state agencies named in Sections 134.001(b)(1), (2), and (3) when the agency initiates, considers, or proposes a rule relating to human genetics or human genetic services.Makes conforming changes. SECTION 5. Amends Section 134.005(b), Human Resources Code, to make a conforming change. SECTION 6. Amends Section 134.006, Human Resources Code, to require the council to annually submit a progress report to the boards of the Texas Department of Health and to the commissioner of the Texas Department of Insurance. SECTION 7. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 8. Emergency clause.