Honorable Stephanie Klick, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB729 by Lucio III (Relating to the establishment of a border public health response team.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to establish a border public health response team to deploy in response to public health threats declared by the commissioner of DSHS and disasters declared in counties adjacent to the international border with Mexico by December 1, 2021.
The bill would require DSHS to consult with other state agencies to develop policies, plans, and procedures to facilitate an effective response. The bill would also require DSHS to provide training, equipment, and support staff to the response team.
The bill would require DSHS to coordinate with appropriate state and federal entities for funding to support the response team's activities. The bill would also allow DSHS to accept gifts, grants, and donations to carry out the purposes of the response team.
According to DSHS, the provisions of the bill could be implemented using existing resources.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Association of Counties, no significant fiscal impact to counties is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
529 Hlth & Human Svcs Comm, 537 State Health Services