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.