By:  Shapleigh                                                    S.B. No. 525
	(In the Senate - Filed February 17, 2003; February 19, 2003, 
read first time and referred to Committee on Health and Human 
Services; April 14, 2003, reported favorably by the following 
vote:  Yeas 7, Nays 1; April 14, 2003, sent to printer.)


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT


relating to the creation of employee wellness programs by state 
agencies. 
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 664, Government Code, is amended by 
adding  Section 664.007 to read as follows:
	Sec. 664.007.  EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM.  (a)  Each state 
agency shall designate an individual as the wellness coordinator 
for the agency.  The wellness coordinator may collaborate with 
other agencies and sources to provide information and resources to 
employees through bulletin boards and e-mail.  The employee 
wellness program may include:
		(1)  an agency wellness center staffed by a nurse 
practitioner who provides employees with services such as blood 
pressure monitoring and annual health assessments;
		(2)  ergonomic office equipment;                                       
		(3)  nutrition education;                                              
		(4)  smoking cessation programs; and                                   
		(5)  contracts with fitness centers for reduced 
membership fees for state employees with a portion of the fees paid 
by the state.
	(b)  A state agency with fewer than 100 employees may join 
with a state agency with 100 employees or more to create a program 
under this section and to share resources under the program.
	(c)  A state agency may consult with the Texas Department of 
Health on wellness issues.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.                           



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