HB 1256, Hse 2nd Rdg, Amnd #1

Amend HB 1256 (house committee printing) by striking all below the enacting clause and substituting the following:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 161.00708 to read as follows:

Sec. 161.00708. ACCESS TO FIRST RESPONDER IMMUNIZATION HISTORY. (a) The department shall establish a process to provide an employer of a first responder with direct access to the first responder's immunization information in the immunization registry for verification of the first responder's immunization history. The process must require a first responder to provide electronic or written consent before the employer is granted direct access to the first responder's immunization information in the immunization registry. A first responder may withdraw consent at any time.

(b) The department may establish a process to provide a first responder with access to the first responder's immunization information in the immunization registry.

SECTION 2. Section 161.008(d), Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

(d) The department may release the data constituting an immunization record for the individual to:

(1) any entity that is described by Subsection (c);

(2) a school or child care facility in which the individual is enrolled; [or]

(3) a state agency having legal custody of the individual; or

(4) an employer of a first responder or a first responder in accordance with Section 161.00708.

SECTION 3. Not later than January 1, 2020, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall adopt rules as necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act.