BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 53

By: Fierro

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Approximately 50,000 Texans have Parkinson's disease and, unfortunately, that number continues to increase each year. Advocates across the state have been working tirelessly to increase general awareness about the disease and to encourage Texans to learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for the disease. H.B. 53 seeks to bolster these awareness efforts by designating April as Parkinson's Disease 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. 53 amends the Government Code to designate April as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month for the following purposes:

· increasing awareness of Parkinson's disease; and

· encouraging people to learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for the disease.

The bill authorizes the month to be regularly observed through appropriate programs and activities to increase such awareness.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.