Bill Caption

Relating to legislative oversight during a public health disaster or public health emergency, including the establishment of a legislative public health oversight board.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 966 would establish a legislative public health oversight board. This board would provide oversight for declarations of public health disasters or public health emergencies. This board would consist of the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house who will serve as joint chairs, the chair of the senate and house committees with primary jurisdiction over public health, a member of the senate appointed by the lieutenant governor, and a member of the house appointed by the speaker of the house. This board would meet as often as necessary to perform the board's duties and may meet via telecommunication devices and must be open to the public. 

SB 966 would limit a public health disaster or public health emergency declaration by the commissioner of State Health Services to 30 days and stipulate that the declaration is only renewable by the legislative public health oversight board or the state legislature in 30 day increments. If either of those bodies are unable to meet to consider the issue, the order would remain in effect.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 966 represents an attempt to control government overreach. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that government can implement drastic and overreaching restrictions on personal freedom without the necessary oversight of the people's elected representatives. Therefore, an oversight board, consisting of elected officials responsible to the public, benefits our principles of individual liberty and limited government. Texas Action supports SB 966.