By Nelson S.B. No. 94 77R1004 ATP-D A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to local government plans to respond to bioterrorism. 1-3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-4 SECTION 1. Section 418.106, Government Code, is amended by 1-5 adding Subsection (d) to read as follows: 1-6 (d) A local or interjurisdictional agency shall specifically 1-7 provide in its emergency management plan for disaster mitigation, 1-8 preparedness, response, and recovery in the event of an intentional 1-9 release of a harmful bacterium or virus. In developing these plans, 1-10 the local or interjurisdictional agency may consult with the Texas 1-11 Department of Health. 1-12 SECTION 2. Subchapter E, Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code, 1-13 is amended by adding Section 81.096 to read as follows: 1-14 Sec. 81.096. EXPERTISE OF DEPARTMENT IN ADDRESSING 1-15 BIOTERRORISM; ADVICE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. The department shall 1-16 develop expertise on responding to the intentional release of a 1-17 harmful virus or bacterium and provide advice to municipalities and 1-18 counties in their development and implementation of emergency 1-19 management plans. 1-20 SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 1-21 a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 1-22 provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this 1-23 Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 1-24 Act takes effect September 1, 2001.