BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1544

By: Burkett

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that the ability of a client who is involved in a complaint against a hearing instrument fitter and dispenser to access the client's records would be just and beneficial. H.B. 1544 seeks to ensure such access.

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. 1544 amends the Occupations Code to require the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) on request to provide a copy of a hearing instrument fitter and dispenser license holder's confidential records obtained by TDLR in connection with a complaint and investigation to a person who is or was a client of the license holder if the records pertain to that person and the person is or was involved in a complaint against the license holder.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.