S.B. 474 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 474 By: Lucio Public Health Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Under current Texas law, no entity exists for the express purpose of strengthening and improving programs aimed at promoting the nutritional health of Texas schoolchildren. S.B. 474 establishes an interim study on nutrition and health in public schools. 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 LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS. The Act sets forth legislative findings regarding childhood obesity and other child health issues. JOINT INTERIM COMMITTEE. The Act establishes a joint interim committee for the purposes of this Act and sets forth the composition of the joint interim committee. The Act requires the interim committee, to the extent that funds are available, to hold hearings throughout the state to perform certain functions. The Act authorizes the interim committee to consult with the School Health Advisory Council to carry out its duties. REPORT. The Act requires, to the extent that funds are available, the interim committee, not later than October 1, 2004, to submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives a report of the committee's findings and recommendations under this Act. EFFECTIVE DATE The Act takes effect on the 91st day after adjournment.