By:  Zaffirini                                                    S.B. No. 1218


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to voluntary donations collected through the Blindness, 
Education, Screening and Treatment program.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 91.027, Human Resource Code, is amended 
by amending subsection (a) and amending subsection (b) to read as 
follow:
	(a)  To the extent that funds are available under 
Transportation Code, Section 521.421(f) and Section 521.422(b), 
the [The] commission shall [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 for young blind Texans 
eligible for vocational rehabilitation services under Section 
91.052, Human Resources Code,
	(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.                                              
	(c)  The commission by rule shall prescribe eligibility 
requirements for the program.
	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.