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.