BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1508

By: Oliverson

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are concerns that the high cost of medications for bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease, is a barrier to accessible care for those who suffer from these disorders and that raising awareness may lead to solutions to the difficulties faced by those affected. H.B. 1508 designates March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month.

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. 1508 amends the Government Code to designate March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month to increase awareness of genetic disorders that prevent a person's blood from clotting properly and to encourage research for treatments and cures of bleeding disorders and advocacy on behalf of persons with bleeding disorders. The bill authorizes Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month to be regularly observed through appropriate activities in communities to increase awareness of bleeding disorders.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.