SRC-AMY S.B. 40 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 40
By: Zaffirini
Health & Human Services
8/15/2003
Enrolled

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

In 1994, the Texas Department of Health (TDH) initiated the "Shots Across
Texas" campaign to fully immunize children, ages birth to two-years-old.
Local coalitions in all of Texas' 254 counties participated in statewide
"Shots Across Texas" media campaigns.  Through 1996, Texas saw an increase
in immunizations rates and a decrease in disease outbreaks.  The formal
campaign ended in 1996.  Components of the campaign have since been
absorbed into the general work of the TDH immunization division and
funding for local immunizations coalitions has decreased since 1996.  S.B.
40 directs TDH to institute a continuous statewide immunization education
campaign and increase coordination between local, regional, and state
stakeholders on immunizations through a statewide coalition. 

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.  Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code, by
adding Section 161.010, as follows: 

 Sec. 161.010.  IMMUNIZATION EDUCATION; STATEWIDE COALITION.  

(a) Requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to establish a
continuous statewide education program to educate the public about the
importance of immunizing children and the risks and contraindications of
an immunization. 

(b) Requires TDH to increase coordination among public and private local,
regional, and statewide entities that have an interest in immunizations. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.