BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 3426
79R15457 UM-F By: Chavez (Shapleigh)
International Relations & Trade
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The problem of underage and binge drinking in Mexico is a unique issue for communities along the southwest United States border. For many generations, border cities in Mexico have been destinations for youth for the purpose of tourism and evening entertainment. Differences in alcohol policies, the legal drinking age (18 years of age in Mexico and 21 years of age in the United States), and the standards and limitations of enforcement of United States and Mexico laws on alcohol consumption and public intoxication have contributed to significant public health and public safety problems on both sides of the international border.
H.B. 3426 requires the Department of State Health Services to establish a binational substance abuse task force to study various issues related to the abuse of substances and alcohol and submit a report to the governor and the legislature.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter F, Chapter 12, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 12.072, as follows:
Sec. 12.072. BINATIONAL ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TASK FORCE. (a) Sets forth purposes of the binational alcohol and substance abuse task force (task force).
(b) Sets forth composition of the task force.
(c) Authorizes the task force to invite individuals from any state in the United Mexican States that borders Texas, with qualifications similar to those of members of the task force, to participate as members of the task force in task force activities.
(d) Authorizes the task force to invite federal agencies with jurisdiction over alcohol and illegal drug laws to participate as members of the task force in task force activities.
(e) Provides that the task force has a chairperson and vice chairperson as presiding officers. Provides that the chairperson and vice chairperson alternate each year between the two membership groups appointed by the lieutenant governor and the speaker. Prohibits the chairperson and vice chairperson from being from the same membership group. Requires the lieutenant governor to designate a presiding officer from the appointed senate membership group and the speaker to designate the other presiding officer from the appointed house of representatives membership group. Requires the speaker of the house of representatives to appoint the first chairperson, who will serve until January 1, 2007.
(f) Requires the chairperson and vice chairperson to nominate the members of the task force in Subsections (b)(6) through (9). Provides that those members of the task force are appointed if a majority of the other members of the task force approve their appointment.
(g) Requires the task force to submit a report, not later than November 1 of each even-numbered year, to the governor and the legislature regarding any recommendations or findings related to the duties of the task force.
(h) Provides that this section expires and the task force is abolished January 1, 2009.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2005.