78R6864 DLF-D

By:  Coleman                                                      H.B. No. 1560



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study of toxic 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 TOXIC MOLD.  (a) The department shall 
conduct a study of toxic mold that addresses:
		(1)  the types of molds 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 level of a mold in 
an indoor environment that is clearly dangerous to the health of 
humans; and
			(C)  identify a safe exposure level, if any, for 
mold in an indoor environment.
	(b)  In conducting the study, the commission may:                              
		(1)  survey existing scientific literature relating to 
toxic mold; and      
		(2)  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.
	SECTION 4.  EXPIRATION.  This Act expires January 1, 2005.                     
	SECTION 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect September 
1, 2003.