Bill Caption

Relating to the repeal of certain provisions related to health and human services. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 970 would repeal defunct programs, unfunded programs, and outdated reporting requirements within the Department of State Health Services and the Health and Human Services Commission. The repealed programs, sections, and mandates are:

• The Children's Outreach Heart Program
• Definition for Oath Benefit, Provider, and Support within the Oral Health Improvement Program. 
• The Oral Health Improvement Services Program, Except for the Department's Requirement to Consist of Treatment Services, Program of Oral Diseases, Education Promotion, and Facilitation of Access; 
• Oral Health Improvement Service Provider Section;
• Oral Health Improvement Individual Referral Application for Services; 
• Oral Health Improvement Eligibility Requirements;
• Oral Health Improvement Denial, Modification, Suspension, or Termination of Services;
• Oral Health Improvement Financial Eligibility; Other Benefits; 
• Oral Health Improvement Recovery Costs; 
• Oral Health Improvement Fees;
• Oral Health Improvement Funds;
• Oral Health Improvement Contracts;
• Device Registration for the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
• Injury Prevention and Control Reporting Requirements;
• Coordination with Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services; 
• State Plan for Hepatitis C; Education and Prevention Program training of counselors;
• The Diabetes Mellitus Registry; 
• Arthritis Control and Prevention; 
• The Healthcare Information Technology Advisory Committee for the Statewide Health Coordinating Council and State Health Plan;
• The Clearinghouse for Health Professions Resource Center; 
• Employment of Tattooists and Body Piercers; Registration Required for Tattoo and Certain Body Piercing Studios;
• Emergency orders for Tattoo and Certain Body Piercing Studios; 
• Registration required for Tattooists and Body Piercers at Tattoo and Certain Body Piercing Studios; 
• Registration Application requirements for Tattoo and Certain Body Piercing Studios; 
• Registration Term and Renewal Periods for Tattoo and Certain Body Piercing Studios;
• The Course of Instruction for Tattooists and Body Piercers, Rules and Fees for Tattoo and Certain Body Piercing Studios;
• Nicotine Yield Rates for the Disclosure of Ingredients in Cigarettes and Tobacco Products; 
• The Diabetes Intervention Pilot Program for School Districts located on the Texas-Mexico Border; 
• The Bonds related to the Wholesale Distributors of Prescription Drugs; 
• The Prescription Drug Donation Pilot Program; 
• The Designation of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as Primary Cause of Death; and
• The Health and Human Services Office of Community Transportation Services in the Human Resources Code. 

SB 970 would also remove a requirement for certain registration and registration fees, and a requirement of the HHSC to maintain a population database of persons with Alzheimer's disease. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 970 would eliminate programs and sections of code that are effectively defunct or unnecessary. The bill represents a net benefit to the principle of limited government. Texas Action supports SB 970.