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.