H.B. 759 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 759
By: Wilson
Border and International Affairs
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

An alternative method of purchasing medications could involve visiting the
United Mexican States (Mexico) and buying medications there. HB 759 would
establish a transportation service to assist elderly individuals and other
residents of this state in the purchase of medication in Mexico. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution.  


ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  House Bill 759 amends the Human Resources Code to require the
Texas State Department on Aging (department) to provide a low-cost
transportation service to assist elderly individuals and other residents
of this state in traveling to Mexico to purchase medications.  The bill
requires the department to provide these services by operating buses or
other appropriate vehicles between areas in this state, which must include
both urban and rural areas selected by the Texas Board on Aging, and areas
in Mexico near the border.  HB 759 requires the department to charge a fee
to recover the cost of operating the service and authorizes the department
to contract with a commercial bus company to operate the service. 

SECTION 2. Effective date.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003.