78R1365 YDB-D

By:  Turner of Harris                                             H.B. No. 49 



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Health 
regarding sanitation and privacy in public school restrooms.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.   Section 341.065, Health and Safety Code, is 
amended by adding Subsections (f)-(h) to read as follows:
	(f)  The department shall adopt reasonable rules regarding 
sanitation and privacy in public school restrooms.  The rules must 
require at a minimum that:
		(1)  students have access to:                                          
			(A)  hand cleaner;                                                    
			(B)  a sanitary method to dry hands; and                              
			(C)  running water; and                                               
		(2)  students' privacy is protected by the use of stall 
doors or partitions where appropriate.
	(g)  The department shall send any rules proposed under 
Subsection (f) to the Texas Education Agency for review and 
comment.
	(h)  The department or local health department shall inspect 
each public school for compliance with the rules adopted under 
Subsection (f) at least once every three years.
	SECTION 2.   The Texas Department of Health shall allow 
school districts reasonable time to comply with the rules adopted 
under Section 341.065, Health and Safety Code, as amended by this 
Act.
	SECTION 3.   This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.