C.S.H.B. 3264 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


C.S.H.B. 3264
By: Hunter
Public Health
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Approximately one million American children may have levels of lead in
their blood in excess of 10 micrograms per deciliter.  Without prevention
or treatment, elevated blood lead levels in egregious cases may result in
an impaired ability to think, concentrate, or learn.  By educating
property owners on how to make their property lead-free or lead-safe and
educating tenants, the state can protect its children and reduce the high
costs of treating lead poisoning. 

CSHB 3264, titled the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, aims to
meet these goals. 

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

This bill is the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act.

Amends Chapter 88, Health and Safety Code, by defining "Board" to mean the
Texas Board of Health. 

Amends Chapter 88, Health and Safety Code, by adding Sec. 88.0025:
The Board may implement policies and procedures to help eliminate lead
poisoning in the state.  The Board may adopt measures to:  (1)
significantly reduce lead poisoning in the state; (2) improve public
awareness of lead poisoning and educate property owners and tenants of
ways to reduce lead poisoning; and (3) encourage the testing of children
likely to suffer from lead poisoning. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

The substitute only changes language under Section 4 of the Act.  Under
Section 4, subsection (a) is amended to strike the word "shall" and
replace it with the word "may."  

Under Section 4 of the Act, subsections (2), (4), and (6) have been struck
and the remaining subsections have been appropriately renumbered.