By: Shapleigh S.B. No. 861

(In the Senate - Filed February 23, 2007; March 7, 2007, read first time and referred to Committee on Government Organization; April 16, 2007, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; April 16, 2007, sent to printer.)

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 861 By: Hegar

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the creation of employee wellness programs by state agencies.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 664, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 664.007 to read as follows:

Sec. 664.007. EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM. (a) Each state agency shall designate an individual as the wellness coordinator for the agency. The wellness coordinator may collaborate with other agencies and sources to provide information and resources to employees through bulletin boards and e-mail. The employee wellness program may include:

(1) an agency wellness center staffed by a nurse practitioner who provides employees with services such as blood pressure monitoring and annual health assessments;

(2) ergonomic office equipment;

(3) nutrition education;

(4) smoking cessation programs; and

(5) contracts with fitness centers for reduced membership fees for state employees.

(b) A state agency with fewer than 100 employees may join with a state agency with 100 employees or more to create a program under this section and to share resources under the program.

(c) A state agency may consult with the Department of State Health Services on wellness issues.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

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