LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 29, 2003

TO:	Honorable Jaime Capelo, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB984 by Wentworth (Relating to excepting certain governmental bodies from deliberating in an open meeting certain matters that involve the medical or psychiatric records of an individual. ), Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Texas Open Meetings Act to except from open meeting requirements a benefits appeals committee for a self-funded health plan or a governmental body that administers a public insurance, health, or retirement plan when meeting to deliberate the medical or psychiatric records of an individual applicant for a benefit from the plan or a matter that includes consideration of information in the medical or psychiatric records of an individual applicant.

The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2003.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:
LBB Staff:	JK, EB, DLBa