| TO: | Honorable Kenny Marchant, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs |
| FROM: | John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | SB525 by Shapleigh (Relating to the creation of employee wellness programs by state agencies.), As Engrossed |
The bill relates to the creation of employee wellness programs by state agencies and would require each state agency to designate a wellness coordinator to provide information and resources to employees through bulletin boards and e-mails. Under the provisions of the bill, a state agency with fewer than 100 employees may join with a state agency with 100 employees or more to create a program and to share resources under the program. The bill removes the provision that would allow the state to pay a portion of employee membership fees to wellness centers.
The bill would allow employee wellness programs to include various items specified in the bill such as the item that allows state agencies to contract with fitness centers for reduced membership fees for state employees.
The bill also allows state agencies to consult with the Texas Department of Health (TDH) on wellness issues. According to the agency, TDH may need to develop a website to provide links to all available wellness resources. The agency may also need to develop wellness brochures and educational presentations to assist other agencies with the development of wellness centers. TDH indicates that existing resources could be used to fund these items.
The Office of the Comptrollers of Public Accounts indicates that the bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or units of local government. The Office of the Comptrollers of Public Accounts also indicates that although the bill would not make an appropriation, it would establish the basis for an appropriation.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) indicates that TxDOT has already started the process to establish a TDH approved Employee Wellness Program for all TxDOT personnel. TxDOT indicates the bill would have no fiscal impact on the department.
The Board of Plumbing Examiners, Structure Pest Control Board, and Department of Criminal Justice indicate that the bill would have no fiscal impact or no significant fiscal impact on these agencies.
| Source Agencies: | 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 456 Board of Plumbing Examiners, 472 Structural Pest Control Board, 501 Department of Health, 601 Department of Transportation, 696 Department of Criminal Justice
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