By: Nelson S.B. No. 33

(In the Senate - Filed November 13, 2006; January 23, 2007, read first time and referred to Committee on Health and Human Services; February 13, 2007, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 0; February 13, 2007, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to hepatitis B vaccination for students enrolled in certain health-related courses of study in an institution of higher education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 51.933, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:

(b-1) A rule adopted under Subsection (b) that requires a hepatitis B vaccination for students must:

(1) only apply to a student enrolled in a course of study that involves potential exposure to human or animal blood or bodily fluids; and

(2) require the student to:

(A) receive the first shot of a series of hepatitis B vaccine before the student begins the course of study; and

(B) continue the series of hepatitis B vaccine while training or working and complete the series according to safety protocols adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States Public Health Service.

SECTION 2. Not later than November 1, 2007, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall adopt rules as required by Subsection (b-1), Section 51.933, Education Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. 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, 2007.

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