78R8265 DLF-D


By:  Coleman, Naishtat                                            H.B. No. 1560

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 1560:                                   

By:  McReynolds                                               C.S.H.B. No. 1560



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study of indoor molds conducted by the Texas 
Department of Health.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS.  In this Act:                                         
		(1)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Health.                       
		(2)  "Mold" means any living or dead fungi or related 
products or parts, including spores, hyphae, and mycotoxins.
	SECTION 2.  STUDY OF INDOOR MOLD.  (a)  The department shall 
conduct a review of scientific information related to indoor mold 
that addresses:
		(1)  the types of mold that may be harmful to the health 
of humans in indoor environments; and
		(2)  the mechanisms available to:                                             
			(A)  measure the concentration level of a mold in 
an indoor environment;   
			(B)  identify the concentration levels of mold in 
an indoor environment that have been associated with health effects 
in humans;
			(C)  identify correlations between exposure 
levels and negative health effects;
			(D)  identify a human occupancy exposure range, 
based on the best available science, for mold in an indoor 
environment;
			(E)  recommend a system for removing toxic mold; 
and                       
			(F)  determine time frames for reevaluating 
"clean" sites.                 
	(b)  In conducting the study, the department may:                              
		(1)  survey existing scientific literature relating to 
indoor mold;         
		(2)  statistically analyze existing data; and                                 
		(3)  consult with appropriate state and federal 
agencies and appropriate scientific and medical experts.
	(c)  The Texas Board of Health may appoint an advisory 
committee in accordance with Chapter 2110, Government Code, to 
assist the department to conduct the study required by this 
section.
	SECTION 3.  REPORT.  Not later than December 1, 2004, the 
department shall report the results of the study conducted under 
this Act to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the speaker of 
the house of representatives.  The report must identify areas in 
which future research is needed.
	SECTION 4.  EXPIRATION.  This Act expires January 1, 2005.                     
	SECTION 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect September 
1, 2003.