SRC-TJG S.B. 525 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 525 78R3663 MTB-DBy: Shapleigh Health & Human Services 3/7/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE In 1983, the 65th Texas Legislature authorized all state agencies to allocate funding for employee wellness programs. However, eighty state agencies have submitted wellness plans to the Texas Department of Health (TDH). As proposed, S.B. 525 requires each state agency to designate an individual to be the wellness coordinator for the agency. The wellness coordinator is authorized to collaborate with other agencies and sources to provide information and resources to employees. A state agency with fewer than 100 employees is authorized to partner with a larger agency, such as TDH, to provide programs, and attain access to resources. 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 664, Government Code, by adding Section 664.007, as follows: Sec. 664.007. EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM. (a) Requires each state agency to designate an individual as the wellness coordinator for the agency. Authorizes the wellness coordinator to collaborate with other agencies and sources to provide information and resources to employees through bulletin boards and e-mail. Authorizes the employee wellness program to include certain items and programs. (b) Authorizes a state agency with fewer than 100 employees to join with a state agency with 100 employees or more to create a program under this section and to share resources under the program. (c) Authorizes a state agency to consult with the Texas Department of Health on wellness issues. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2003.