SRC-JEC, TBR S.B. 94 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 94 77R1004 ATP-DBy: Nelson Intergovernmental Relations 1/29/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Current Texas law concerning disaster management does not make any mention of bioterrorism. As proposed, S.B. 94 requires local governments to create a bioterrorism response plan as part of their emergency management plan. It also requires the Texas Department of Health to develop expertise in bioterrorism prevention and provide advice to local governments. 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 Section 418.106, Government Code, by adding Subsection (d) to require a local or interjurisdictional agency to specifically provide on its emergency management plan for disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery in the event of an intentional release of a harmful bacterium or virus. Authorizes the local or interjurisdictional agency to consult with the Texas Department of Health (department), in developing these plans. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 81E, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 81.096 as follows: Sec. 81.096. EXPERTISE OF DEPARTMENT IN ADDRESSING BIOTERRORISM; ADVICE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. Requires the department to develop expertise on responding to the intentional release of a harmful virus or bacterium and provide advice to municipalities and counties in their development and implementation of emergency management plans. SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.