Bill Caption

Relating to the protection of public health in this state, including through the establishment of the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. 

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-­year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB 1780, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a negative impact of ($59,100,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

The bill specifies that The University of Texas Board of Regents would only be required to implement the provisions of the bill if the legislature appropriates money specifically for the purposes specified in the legislation. However, if no funding is appropriated, The University of Texas Board of Regents may use other funding sources available to UTHSC Houston.

Bill Analysis

SB 1780 would establish and maintain the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to establish and maintain a public health reserve network of public health professionals, community health workers, state and local public health agencies, health care organizations, universities throughout the state, and other relevant entities and persons for the purpose of coordinating efforts to protect public health in this state and support pandemic and epidemic disaster preparedness and response components of the state emergency management plan.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action is neutral on SB 1780. We recognize the duty of the state in mitigating the impacts of future pandemics and have seen through this past year the need for a coordinated effort across the state to better respond to state-wide health concerns that may arise. Whether this bill is the most effective approach for the hefty price tag attached is unknown. We remain neutral on SB 1780.