BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.C.R. 42
By: Van de Putte
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Dr. Robert Bernstein, former commissioner of health for the Texas Department of Health (TDH) and a board member and executive committee member of the Texas Health Institute, passed away on July 23, 2007, after a life of outstanding public service. A staunch advocate for the improvement of public health in Texas, Dr. Bernstein was named commissioner of health in January of 1980 and served with distinction in that capacity until his retirement in June of 1991; with a tenure of 11 and one-half years, he was the longest-serving commissioner of health in Texas. As head of TDH, Dr. Bernstein adeptly addressed the major health problems faced by our state and developed an expansive health program that dealt with education, planning, surveillance, epidemiological study, laboratory analysis, environmental protection, regulation, licensure, and complaint investigation. Dr. Bernstein's legacy was a program of broad scope that is still in place and through which today's Department of State Health Services (DSHS) can effectively address the needs of our state's citizens and present-day health issues. Section 2165.005 (Naming of State Buildings), Government Code, establishes a procedure for the naming of a state building by requiring that the proposed designation be submitted to the Texas Facilities Commission and that a concurrent resolution authorizing the designation be passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. Dr. Bernstein was an esteemed public servant and a highly effective administrator who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his community, state, and country in both his professional and personal life. The renaming of Building G of the DSHS Central Complex in Austin in his honor would be an opportunity for all Texans to pay tribute to his life and to express appreciation for his many contributions to our state.
RESOLVED
That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas hereby approves and authorizes the renaming of Building G at the DSHS Central Complex in Austin as the Dr. Robert Bernstein Building.
That the secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the executive director of the Texas Facilities Commission.