BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1395

By: King, Susan

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that though dental labs are regulated by the federal government, Texas is currently the only state that requires dental labs to obtain additional licensing from a state agency. The entities subject to that process claim that this requirement gives an unfair advantage to out-of-state labs that are not subject to the additional inspection and associated fees. H.B. 1395 seeks to eliminate what many consider to be a redundant regulation.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1395 amends the Health and Safety Code to exempt a person from licensing as a device distributor and manufacturer under the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act if the person holds a registration certificate issued under statutory provisions regulating dental laboratories and engages only in conduct within the scope of that registration.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.