By: Powell S.B. No. 239

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the provision of educational materials regarding disease prevention during a disaster.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 418.1861 to read as follows:

Sec. 418.1861. DISEASE PREVENTION INFORMATION SYSTEM. (a) The Department of State Health Services, using existing resources, shall develop and implement a disease prevention information system for dissemination of immunization information during a declared state of disaster or local state of disaster.

(b) During a declared state of disaster or local state of disaster, the Department of State Health Services shall ensure that educational materials regarding immunizations are available to local health authorities in this state for distribution to:

(1) public and private schools;

(2) child-care facilities as defined by Section 42.002, Human Resources Code;

(3) community centers offering youth services and programs;

(4) community centers offering services and programs to vulnerable populations, including communities of color, low-income individuals, and elderly individuals;

(5) local health care providers; and

(6) veterans homes as defined by Section 164.002, Natural Resources Code.

(c) The educational materials must include:

(1) the most recent immunization schedules by age as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and

(2) locations, if any, of local health care providers that offer immunizations.

SECTION 2. As soon as practicable, but not later than August 31, 2022, the Department of State Health Services shall implement the disease prevention information system as required by Section 418.1861, Government Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.