Bill: SB 984, 87(R) - 2021

Committee

Senate Health and Human Services

2nd Chamber Committee

House Public Health

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Charles Schwertner
Donna Campbell
Nathan Johnson
Judith Zaffirini

Co-Author(s)

César J Blanco
Beverly Powell

Sponsor(s)

Stephanie Klick

Bill Caption

Relating to public health disaster and public health emergency preparedness and response, including the operation of the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. 

Fiscal Notes

The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time due to the inability to quantify the level of personal protective equipment reserve required. 

The Department of State Health Services is required to implement the provisions of the bill related to personal protective equipment reserves only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that purpose, the department may, but is not required to, implement the provisions using other appropriations available for that purpose. 

Bill Analysis

SB 984 would require each trauma service area regional advisory council to collect from each hospital within their area the de-identified health care data necessary for this state and the area to effectively plan for and respond to public health disasters in this state. This data would be required to be provided to the Department of State Health Services and made publicly available via the council's website or providing the data in writing on request. All data collected or maintained would be deemed confidential and exempt from disclosure. 

SB 984 would further require the task force on infectious disease preparedness and response to include at least one epidemiologist. The task force would further be required to meet at least once each year, and other times determined by the task force director. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 984 expands transparency and communication between local entities and the state. Texas Action supports SB 984 which is consistent with our limited government principle. 


Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 06:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/87r/sb984?print_view=true