HBA-MPM S.B. 1857 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1857 By: Shapleigh Public Health 5/2/1999 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, efforts to exchange health information between Texas and Mexico are not delivering their full potential. Increased efforts to remove barriers to exchange information and expand institutionalized binational health programs could help improve the health of residents of the TexasMexico border region. Improving disease detection and surveillance in Mexico could help U.S. health officials by providing early warning of disease outbreaks. S.B. 1857 requires the Texas Department of Health to study the state laws inhibiting the exchange of health-related information and equipment between Texas and Mexico. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to study state laws inhibiting the exchange of information on disease and epidemiological reporting between Texas and the United Mexican States, and cross-border exchange of equipment and personnel to provide technical assistance and to enhance the capacity of Texas and the United Mexican States to obtain and exchange the information. Authorizes TDH to appoint an advisory committee under Chapter 2110 (Administrative Procedures), Government Code, to assist it to perform its duties under this Act. Requires TDH to issue a report describing its recommendations to the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives, no later than January 15, 2001. Provides that this section expires September 1, 2001. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.