BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1929
85R14339 DMS-D	By: Kolkhorst
	Health & Human Services
	4/10/2017
	As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force established by S.B. 495, 83rd Legislature, is a multidisciplinary group tasked to study maternal mortality and morbidity in Texas. The task force has produced two reports since its inception, providing critical information on maternal mortality and morbidity trends and demographics in Texas. Considering the findings of the task force, much work still needs to be done to more directly address the causes of pregnancy-related deaths in Texas.

 

S.B. 1929 as proposed extends the expiration date of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force from September 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023. S.B. 1929 also directs the Health and Human Services Commission to evaluate options to address the most prevalent causes of maternal death as identified by the task force.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1929 amends current law relating to a report on maternal mortality and the continuation of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 34, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 34.0155, as follows:

 

Sec. 34.0155. REPORT ON MATERNAL MORTALITY. Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to:

 

(1) evaluate options for reducing maternal mortality, focusing on the most prevalent causes of maternal death as identified in the task force's biennial report required under Section 34.015 (Reports); and

 

(2) submit a written report that summarizes HHSC's efforts to accomplish the tasks described by Subdivision (1) to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the Legislative Budget Board, and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year.

 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 34.018, Health and Safety Code, as follows:

 

Sec. 34.018. SUNSET PROVISION. Provides that the task force is subject to Chapter 325 (Sunset Law), Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Provides that, unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the task force is abolished and this chapter expires December 31, 2023, rather than September 1, 2019.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2017.