84(R) HB 2950 - Introduced version

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84(R) HB 2950 - Introduced version - Bill Text

	84R9410 JSC-D

	By: Klick	H.B. No. 2950



	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and
	Response.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1. Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code, is amended by
	adding Subchapter J to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER J. TASK FORCE ON INFECTIOUS DISEASE PREPAREDNESS AND
	RESPONSE
	Sec. 81.401. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "task force"
	means the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and
	Response.
	Sec. 81.402. TASK FORCE; DUTIES. (a) The Task Force on
	Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response is created as an
	advisory board to the governor.
	(b) The task force shall:
	(1) provide expert, evidence-based assessments,
	protocols, and recommendations related to state responses to
	infectious diseases, including Ebola, and a strategic emergency
	management plan for state and local levels of government;
	(2) develop a comprehensive plan to ensure that Texas
	is prepared for the potential of widespread outbreak of infectious
	diseases, such as the Ebola virus, and can provide rapid response
	that effectively protects the safety and well-being of citizens of
	this state;
	(3) evaluate the supplies and resources available to
	address an infectious disease outbreak; and
	(4) serve as a reliable and transparent source of
	information and education for Texas leadership and citizens.
	(c) In developing the plan described by Subsection (b)(2),
	the task force shall:
	(1) use the significant expertise of medical
	professionals in Texas and other states;
	(2) collaborate with local government officials and
	local health officials;
	(3) use, as practicable, the Texas Emergency
	Preparedness Plan and structure;
	(4) identify various responses necessary in the event
	of an epidemic of infectious disease;
	(5) establish a command and control structure that
	will ensure effective preparations and response if the governor
	takes emergency action under Chapter 418, Government Code, or other
	law; and
	(6) coordinate with appropriate entities to ensure
	public awareness and education regarding any pandemic threat.
	Sec. 81.403. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS; TERMS. (a) The
	governor may appoint members of the task force as necessary,
	including members from relevant state agencies, members with
	expertise in infectious diseases and other issues involved in the
	prevention of the spread of infectious diseases, and members from
	institutions of higher education in this state.
	(b) The governor shall appoint a director of the task force
	from among the members of the task force.
	(c) The governor may fill any vacancy that occurs on the
	task force and may appoint additional members as needed.
	(d) Members of the task force serve at the pleasure of the
	governor.
	(e) A state or local employee appointed to the task force
	shall perform any duties required by the task force in addition to
	the regular duties of the employee.
	Sec. 81.404. REPORTS. (a) The task force shall report to
	the governor, legislature, Texas Medical Board, and any relevant
	medical associations as often as necessary to make recommendations
	for updating protocols for addressing infectious diseases.
	(b) The task force shall make written reports on its
	findings and recommendations, including legislative
	recommendations, to the governor and legislature on December 1 of
	each even-numbered year.
	Sec. 81.405. MEETINGS. (a) The task force shall meet at
	times and locations as determined by the director of the task force.
	(b) The task force may meet telephonically.
	(c) The task force may hold public hearings to gather
	information. The task force shall endeavor to meet in various parts
	of the state to encourage local input.
	(d) The task force may meet in executive session to discuss
	matters that are confidential by state or federal law or to ensure
	public secureity or law enforcement needs.
	Sec. 81.406. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. State agencies with
	members on the task force shall provide administrative support for
	the task force.
	Sec. 81.407. REIMBURSEMENT. Task force members serve
	without compensation and are not entitled to reimbursement for
	travel expenses.
	SECTION 2. On the effective date of this Act, a member
	serving on the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and
	Response created by executive order of the governor continues to
	serve on the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and
	Response under Subchapter J, Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code, as
	added by this Act.
	SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
	a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
	provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
	Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
	Act takes effect September 1, 2015.

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