By:  Ellis                                                        S.B. No. 739


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to aggregate or statistical information about the 
screening program for hearing loss in newborns.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 47.008, Health and Safety Code, is 
amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
	(d)  Statistical or aggregated information that is about 
activities conducted under this chapter and that could not be used 
to individually identify a newborn, infant, or patient or a parent 
or guardian of a newborn, infant, or patient is not confidential.
	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.