SRC-CTC S.B. 216 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 216 77R1517 MTB-DBy: Bernsen Education 2/16/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The Telecommunication Infrastructure Fund (TIF) makes grants to provide money for technology purchases to help develop the telecommunications infrastructure that connects certain public entities and the public health delivery system in Texas. Telemedicine is the use of live or taped video to examine a patient via satellite. Currently, only non-profit centers can apply for a TIF grant. As proposed, S.B. 216 expands the use of TIF grants for telemedical equipment to rural for-profit entities so that more facilities will participate in telemedicine. 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 57.042(7) and (11), Utilities Code, to define "health care facility," rather than "public not-for-profit health care facility." Redefines "telemedicine." SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.