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.