HBA-EDN C.S.H.B. 3154 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisC.S.H.B. 3154
By: Capelo
State Affairs
5/2/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Asthma is a serious, chronic lung disease characterized by airway
inflammation and swelling, bronchial constriction, airway mucus production,
and airway hypersensitivity to stimuli.  An allergy is the hypersensitive
reaction by the body to foreign substances that in similar amounts and
circumstances would be harmless in other people's bodies.  Texas has little
state-specific data on these two diseases and no state plan for research,
diagnosis, treatment, and management.  It may be beneficial for Texas to
compile data related to asthma and allergies and to generate such a plan.
C.S.H.B. 3154 establishes an asthma and allergy research advisory committee
to address these needs. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 3154 requires the commissioner of public health (commissioner) to
establish an asthma and allergy research advisory committee (advisory
committee) composed of nine members appointed by the governor, in
consultation with the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of
representatives.   

C.S.H.B. 3154 sets forth provisions relating to the selection,
compensation, and meetings of advisory committee members and requires the
commissioner to select a member of the advisory committee to serve as
presiding officer.  The bill prohibits the presiding officer from being an
officer or employee of the state. The bill requires the advisory committee
to: 

_develop a plan to research asthma, allergy and associated medical
conditions in this state; 

_assess the resources and talent of institutions in this state as possible
sites for research opportunities; 

_analyze the impact of asthma and allergy on the economy of this state and
on the health of the residents of this state; and 

_make recommendations to the legislature and governor concerning research
programs in asthma and allergy and funding alternatives for the programs. 

C.S.H.B. 3154 requires the commissioner to submit a report, by December 1,
2002, prepared by the advisory committee to the governor, lieutenant
governor, and speaker of the house of representatives regarding asthma and
allergy that comprehensively addresses the issues listed above. 

C.S.H.B. 3154 provides that the advisory committee is abolished January 1,
2003 and that the Act expires September 1, 2003.   
 
 C.S.H.B. 3154 requires the governor to appoint members to the advisory
committee not later than the 90th day after the effective date of the Act. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.   
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 3154 modifies the original by requiring the commissioner of public
health to establish an asthma and allergy research advisory committee to
examine issues related to asthma and allergy, whereas the original created
the Texas Asthma and Allergy Council, a state agency responsible for the
development and implementation of the Texas Asthma and Allergy plans and
subject to the Texas Sunset Act.  The substitute modifies the effective
date of the Act.