SRC-AMY S.B. 309 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 309 78R3736 KLA-DBy: Gallegos International Relations and Trade 4/5/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) prohibits local governments from providing discounted preventive health care services to individuals without lawful residency status unless the state legislature affirmatively enacts legislation explicitly allowing local governments to do so. It is unclear whether the Texas legislature has passed such legislation. As proposed, S.B. 309 authorizes certain entities to use state or local money to provide health care services and assistance to a person regardless of the person's immigration status. 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 Chapter 64, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 64.002, as follows: Sec. 64.002. HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR CERTAIN IMMIGRANTS. Authorizes certain entities to use state or local money to provide health care services and assistance to a person regardless of the person's immigration status. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 285, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subchapter M, as follows: SUBCHAPTER M. PROVISION OF SERVICES TO CERTAIN IMMIGRANTS Sec. 285.201. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO CERTAIN IMMIGRANTS. Authorizes a hospital district to use state or local money to provide hospital care to a person regardless of the person's immigration status. SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.