SRC-JXG S.B. 1857 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 1857 By: Shapleigh Border Affairs - Special 6/29/1999 Enrolled DIGEST 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 would help improve the health of residents of the TexasMexico border region. Improving disease detection and surveillance in Mexico would help U.S. health officials by providing early warning of disease outbreaks. S.B. 1857 will require the Texas Department of Health to study the state laws inhibiting the exchange of health-related information and equipment between Texas and the United Mexican States. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 1857 allows the Texas Department of Health to study state laws governing the exchange of health information and equipment between Texas and the United Mexican States. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. 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, Government Code, to assist it to perform its duties under this Act. Requires TDH to issue a report describing TDH's 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.