BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 405
86R3692 SRA-D	By: Minjarez et al. (Kolkhorst)
	Administration
	4/29/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Opioids have become one of the most commonly abused substances in Texas. The increased use of opioids among pregnant women has led to a subsequent increase in the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome in Texas.

H.B. 405 seeks to raise awareness of the syndrome by designating June as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Awareness Month.

H.B. 405 amends current law relating to designating June as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Awareness Month.

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 Subchapter D, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.112, as follows:

Sec. 662.112. NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH. Provides that June is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Awareness Month to increase awareness of neonatal abstinence syndrome and to encourage:

(1) awareness of the dangers of opioid and substance abuse during pregnancy to prevent neonatal abstinence syndrome;

(2) the creation and update of lists of recommended materials to address neonatal abstinence syndrome available through the Department of State Health Services and the Health and Human Services Commission;

(3) electronic circulation of and posting on state and local agency websites of recommended treatment and recovery resources;

(4) the availability of resources for mothers-to-be and new mothers with substance abuse disorders, including health care services and recovery support services; and

(5) collaboration between state and federal governmental agencies, hospitals, private health care practices, health insurance providers, Medicaid providers, and mental health agencies to increase awareness.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.