BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1256

By: Phelan

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are concerns that some first responders may be unaware of their vaccination status and lack access to their immunization information, which could delay their ability to quickly and effectively render aid during a declared disaster. H.B. 1256 seeks to address these concerns by providing for a process that allows first responders direct access to their immunization information in the event of a disaster.

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 rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 1 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1256 amends the Health and Safety Code to require the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to establish by rule a process to allow, during a disaster declared by the president of the United States or by the governor of Texas or another state, direct access to the immunization registry for verification of a first responder's immunization history by the first responder and, during the preparation for or response to the disaster and with the first responder's electronic or written consent, by the first responder's employer or another person who is acting as the first responder's supervisor for the disaster. The bill requires the executive commissioner to adopt rules to implement the bill's provisions not later than January 1, 2020.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.