SRC-MWN S.B. 31 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 31
77R102 JSA-DBy: Zaffirini
Health & Human Services
2/12/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, dormitory residents face a high risk of contracting bacterial
meningitis because of crowded living environments. As proposed, S.B. 31
requires that all college and university students be provided with
information regarding the risks, symptoms, and vaccine for bacterial
meningitis and the availability of a vaccine to students through the
student health center.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding
Section 51.9191, as follows: 

Sec. 51.9191. BACTERIAL MENINGITIS INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS. Defines
"institution of higher education," "private or independent institution of
higher education," and "new student." Requires the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board (coordinating board) to prescribe procedures by which
each institution of higher education will provide information relating to
bacterial meningitis to new students of the institution. Requires that the
procedures provide for the information to be provided in a brochure or
other manner so that the information is reasonably likely to come to the
attention of each student. Requires the coordinating board to prescribe the
form and content of the information. Requires the information to cover
certain areas. Requires the coordinating board to consult with the Texas
Department of Health in prescribing the content of the information to be
provided to students under this section. Requires the coordinating board to
establish an advisory committee to assist the coordinating board in the
initial implementation of this section. Requires the advisory committee to
include at least two members who are students at public or private
institutions of higher education. Authorizes an institution of higher
education, with written consent of the coordinating board, to provide the
information required by this section to new students of the institution by
a method different from the method required by the coordinating board under
Subsection (b) if the board determines that method would be effective in
bringing the information to the attention of all new students of the
institution. Requires the coordinating board and the Texas Department of
Health to encourage private or independent institutions of higher education
to provide the information prescribed by Subsection (b) to all new students
of those institutions. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001. Requires the
coordinating board to implement Section 51.9191, Education Code, as added
by this Act, as necessary to ensure that the information required by that
section is provided to new students of institutions of higher education
entering those institutions on or after January 1, 2002.