SRC-AMY S.B. 413 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 413
78R4239 JTS-DBy: Madla
Subcommittee on Higher Education
3/14/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, it is difficult for rural emergency medical services (EMS)
firms to maintain a qualified workforce.  There seems to be a correlation
between providers' inability to provide continuing education and retaining
qualified personnel. Having trained EMS personnel is integral to
protecting the health and welfare of Texas' citizens.  As proposed, S.B.
413 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas
Department of Health, and the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board
to jointly study and report to the legislature on ways to improve EMS
personnel's access to educational opportunities, focusing on rural areas. 

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.  (a) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
(THECB), the Texas Department of Health (TDH), and the Telecommunications
Infrastructure Fund Board (TIF) jointly to study ways to improve emergency
medical services personnel's access to educational opportunities, with a
specific focus on rural areas. 

(b) Requires THECB, TDH, and TIF to submit a written report of the study
findings to the legislature not later than January 15, 2005. 

(c)  Provides that this section expires on September 1, 2005.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.