BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 369

By: Villalba

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more people in the United States die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer, regardless of gender, and that in 2011, the most recent year for which numbers are available, over 200,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with lung cancer. According to the CDC, roughly 75 percent of those people have died. Many Texans have been affected by lung cancer and finding a cure for this cancer, as well as for all other cancers, is an issue that resonates deeply in the hearts of many Texans.  
H.B. 369 aims to bring an increased awareness to the fight against lung cancer.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 369 amends the Government Code to designate May 24 as Lung Cancer Awareness Day to encourage Texas residents to learn about the prevalence of lung cancer; the statistical risks of developing the disease, including behaviors that increase the risk of developing the disease; ways to increase early diagnosis and treatment of the disease; and ways to reduce the prevalence of the disease. The bill requires Lung Cancer Awareness Day to be regularly observed by appropriate programs and activities.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.