S.B. 40 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 40 By: Zaffirini Public Health Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND 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. As proposed, S.B. 40 would direct 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 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 Requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to establish a continuous statewide education program to educate the public about the importance of fully immunizing children. The proposed bill also requires TDH to increase coordination among public and private local, regional, and statewide entities that have an interest in immunizations. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003