78R9403 KKA-F


By:  Truitt                                                       H.B. No. 3125


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to certain programs provided by the Texas Commission for the Blind. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Sections 91.027(a) and (b), Human Resources Code, are amended to read as follows: (a) To the extent that funds are available under Sections 521.421(f) and 521.422(b), Transportation Code, the [The] commission shall operate [develop] a Blindness Education, Screening, and Treatment Program to provide: (1) blindness prevention education and [to provide] screening and treatment to prevent blindness for residents who are not covered under an adequate health benefit plan; and (2) transition services to blind disabled individuals eligible for vocational rehabilitation services under Section 91.052. (b) [The commission shall implement the program only to the extent that funds are available under Section 521.421(f), Transportation Code.] The program shall include: (1) public education about blindness and other eye conditions; (2) screenings and eye examinations to identify conditions that may cause blindness; [and] (3) treatment procedures necessary to prevent blindness; and (4) transition services. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003.