SRC-MWN, TBR S.B. 424 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 424
By: Shapleigh
Business & Commerce
6/27/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Coordinating Council prepares and reviews a proposed state health
plan every six years and updates the plan biennially.  This plan focuses on
the status of the health care workforce and does not address other
significant public health issues resulting from the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA).  S.B. 424 directs the Texas Department of Health
and other health related agencies and institutions to develop a state
strategic health plan and to recommend action that is necessary to address
the public health concerns resulting from increased trade due to NAFTA. 

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.  (a)  Requires the Texas Department of Health (department), with
assistance from the Health and Human Services Commission (commission), the
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), and the University
of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, to study the health of the
residents of this state and develop a strategic health plan for this state. 

(b)  Requires the department, in developing the strategic health plan, to
examine certain criteria. 

(c)  Requires the strategic health plan to outline the steps the state
should take to address the health needs of the residents of this state. 

(d)  Requires the department, not later than December 15, 2002, to develop
the strategic health plan required by this Act and file a written report of
the plan with the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the
house of representatives.  Authorizes the department to combine the plan or
the report required by this Act with any other plan or report the
department is required to develop or file under other law. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that this Act expires February 1, 2003.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.