SRC-VRA S.B. 1284 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1284
78R5217 YDB-DBy: Gallegos
Health & Human Services
4/30/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The March of Dimes recommends every state screen newborns for 10 disorders
that have no immediate visible effects on a baby, but unless detected and
treated early, can cause physical problems, mental retardation and even
death.  Texas currently screens for six of these disorders. As proposed,
S.B. 1284 requires the Texas Department of Health to purchase equipment
and hire employees for the newborn screening program. 

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 Subchapter A, Chapter 33, Health and Safety Code, by
adding Section 33.004, as follows: 

Sec.  33.004.  EQUIPMENT AND EMPLOYEES.  Requires the Texas Department of
Health (TDH) to purchase equipment, including tandem mass spectrometers,
and to hire employees necessary to administer this chapter. 

SECTION 2.  Requires TDH, not later than March 1, 2004, to purchase 10
tandem mass spectrometers and employ 18 full-time employees for the
newborn screening program under Chapter 33, Health and Safety Code, as
amended by this Act. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.