SRC-CTC S.B. 338 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 338 77R2968 DLF-DBy: Madla Health & Human Services 2/5/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, it is estimated that four million Americans, or 1.8 percent of the population, are infected with Hepatitis C. It is also estimated that 350,000 Texans are infected with the virus. H.B. 1652 was passed last session and directed the Texas Department of Health to conduct studies, develop education and training materials, and establish testing sites for Hepatitis C. However, a more comprehensive approach allows Texas to address this public health issue in the long term. As proposed, S.B. 338 directs the Texas Department of Health to develop a State Plan for Hepatitis C in order to respond comprehensively to Hepatitis C in this state. 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. Redesignates and amends Chapter 93, Health and Safety Code, as added by Chapter 823, Acts of the 76th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999, as Chapter 94, Health and Safety Code, as follows: CHAPTER 94. New Heading: STATE PLAN FOR HEPATITIS C; EDUCATION AND PREVENTION PROGRAM Sec. 94.001. STATE PLAN FOR HEPATITIS C. Requires the Texas Department of Health (department) to develop a state plan for the prevention and treatment of Hepatitis C. Requires that the plan include strategies for prevention and treatment of specific groups of people. Requires the department to seek input from certain people and groups in formulating the plan. Requires the department to update the plan biennially and file the plan, not later than October 1 of each even-numbered year, with the governor, lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives. Redesignates Sections 93.001 - 93.003 as Sections 94.002 - 94.004, respectively. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.