87R3839 MCF-D

By: Rodriguez H.B. No. 2902

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the creation of a task force to study factors contributing to disproportionate COVID-19 outcomes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:

(1) "COVID-19" means the 2019 novel coronavirus disease.

(2) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.

(3) "Task force" means the task force established under Section 2 of this Act.

SECTION 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF TASK FORCE. The executive commissioner shall establish a task force to:

(1) identify and evaluate factors that contribute to the disproportionate development of severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 infection among racial and ethnic minorities;

(2) assess this state's data collection practices related to COVID-19 testing and vaccination and the rates of hospitalization and death for people infected with COVID-19;

(3) identify and determine the manner in which the factors identified in Subdivision (1) of this section affect population health; and

(4) make recommendations for state pandemic response strategies and public health policy, including recommendations for improvements for this state's data collection, virus testing, and immunization strategies.

SECTION 3. COMPOSITION OF TASK FORCE. (a) The task force is composed of 21 members as follows:

(1) one member with relevant expertise, appointed by the governor;

(2) two members with relevant expertise, appointed by the lieutenant governor;

(3) two members with relevant expertise, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(4) the chair of the Texas Hospital Association or the chair's designee;

(5) the president of the Texas Medical Association or the president's designee;

(6) the president of the Texas Nurses Association or the president's designee; and

(7) 13 members appointed by the executive commissioner, including:

(A) one member who is a licensed physician specializing in cardiology;

(B) one member who is a licensed physician specializing in pulmonology;

(C) one member who represents a hospital located in a rural area of this state;

(D) one member who represents a hospital located in a county with a population of at least four million;

(E) one member who represents a hospital located in an urban county with a population of less than four million;

(F) one member who represents a public hospital;

(G) one member who represents a private hospital;

(H) two members who represent unaffiliated nonprofit community health organizations focused on reducing racial and ethnic health disparities;

(I) one member who represents a community health center;

(J) one member who is an epidemiologist;

(K) one member who is a statistician; and

(L) one member who is a public health expert.

(b) The executive commissioner shall appoint a presiding officer of the task force from among the members of the task force.

(c) The executive commissioner may fill any vacancy that occurs on the task force and may appoint additional members as needed.

SECTION 4. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS. Not later than November 1, 2021, the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and executive commissioner shall appoint members to the task force.

SECTION 5. REPORT. Not later than September 1, 2022, the task force shall prepare and submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the members of the legislature a written report on its findings and recommendations, including legislative recommendations.

SECTION 6. ABOLISHMENT AND EXPIRATION. The task force is abolished and this Act expires September 1, 2023.

SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.