BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 479

By: Bell

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The regional emergency medical dispatch resource centers program was established to provide life-saving and other emergency medical instructions to persons who need guidance while awaiting the arrival of emergency medical personnel. Concerned parties indicate that there is a need to clarify the program's source of funding. H.B. 479 transfers the administration of the program in an effort to achieve that purpose.

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. 479 amends the Health and Safety Code to transfer the administration of the regional emergency medical dispatch resource centers program from the area health education center at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston to the Commission on State Emergency Communications. The bill transfers to the commission all unspent and unobligated funds appropriated by the legislature to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston on behalf of the center to fund the program and authorizes the commission, with the agreement of the center, to accept the transfer of any records, employees, or real or personal property of the center relating to the operation of the program.

H.B. 479 repeals Sections 771.101 and 771.102(b), Health and Safety Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.