By: Klick, et al. H.B. No. 2950

(Senate Sponsor - Taylor of Collin)

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 14, 2015; May 14, 2015, read first time and referred to Committee on Health and Human Services; May 22, 2015, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; May 22, 2015, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 2950 By: Taylor of Collin

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code, as amended by S.B. No. 219, Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015, is amended by adding Subchapter J to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER J. TASK FORCE ON INFECTIOUS DISEASE PREPAREDNESS AND

RESPONSE

Sec. 81.401. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "task force" means the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response.

Sec. 81.402. PURPOSE AND FINDINGS. The legislature finds that:

(1) infectious diseases are responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other single cause;

(2) the State of Texas has a responsibility to safeguard and protect the health and well-being of its citizens from the spread of infectious diseases;

(3) on September 30, 2014, the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the United States occurred in Dallas, Texas;

(4) addressing infectious diseases requires the coordination and cooperation of multiple governmental entities at the local, state, and federal levels;

(5) public health and medical preparedness and response guidelines are crucial to protect the safety and welfare of our citizens; and

(6) Texas has nationally recognized infectious disease experts and other highly trained professionals across the state with the experience needed to minimize any potential risk to the people of Texas.

Sec. 81.403. TASK FORCE; DUTIES. (a) The Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response is created as an advisory panel to the governor.

(b) The task force shall:

(1) provide expert, evidence-based assessments, protocols, and recommendations related to state responses to infectious diseases, including Ebola; and

(2) serve as a reliable and transparent source of information and education for Texas leadership and citizens.

Sec. 81.404. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS; TERMS. (a) The governor may appoint members of the task force as necessary, including members from relevant state agencies, members with expertise in infectious diseases and other issues involved in the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases, and members from institutions of higher education in this state. The governor shall appoint to the task force:

(1) at least one member who is a representative of a local health authority serving a rural area;

(2) at least one member who is a representative of a local health authority serving an urban area;

(3) at least one member who is a licensed nurse; and

(4) at least one member who is emergency medical services personnel, as defined by Section 773.003.

(b) The governor shall appoint a director of the task force from among the members of the task force.

(c) The governor may fill any vacancy that occurs on the task force and may appoint additional members as needed.

(d) Members of the task force serve at the pleasure of the governor.

(e) A state or local employee appointed to the task force shall perform any duties required by the task force in addition to the regular duties of the employee.

Sec. 81.405. REPORTS. The task force may make written reports on its findings and recommendations, including legislative recommendations, to the governor and legislature.

Sec. 81.406. MEETINGS. (a) The task force shall meet at times and locations as determined by the director of the task force.

(b) The task force may meet telephonically in accordance with Section 551.125(b)(3), Government Code.

(c) The task force may hold public hearings to gather information. The task force shall endeavor to meet in various parts of the state to encourage local input.

(d) Notwithstanding Section 551.144, Government Code, or any other law, the task force may hold a closed meeting to discuss matters that are confidential by state or federal law or to ensure public security or law enforcement needs. A closed meeting held as provided by this subsection must be held as otherwise provided by Chapter 551, Government Code.

Sec. 81.407. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force.

Sec. 81.408. REIMBURSEMENT. Task force members serve without compensation and are not entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses.

SECTION 2. (a) On the effective date of this Act, a member serving on the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response created by executive order of the governor continues to serve on the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response under Subchapter J, Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.

(b) As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the governor shall make any appointments to the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response required under Subchapter J, Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.

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