Texas Senate Bill SB1139

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the allocation of certain fees on the sale of cigarettes and cigarette tobacco products manufactured by certain companies to the permanent health fund for higher education and to the use of money in that fund.

Impact

The bill specifies that the funds generated from these cigarette sales taxes will be deposited into the permanent health fund, which is designated to support various health-related institutions of higher education. This could lead to increased funding for research and treatment programs at prominent Texas universities and health centers, positively influencing health outcomes and medical practices in the state. Additionally, the new financial pathways could potentially enhance the availability of services and resources in areas plagued by health disparities.

Summary

SB1139 is a legislative proposal that addresses the allocation of certain fees related to the sale of cigarettes and cigarette tobacco products manufactured by specific companies. The bill proposes to direct these fees into the permanent health fund for higher education, which plays a significant role in supporting medical research and health education programs across Texas. By altering the way these fees are utilized, SB1139 aims to bolster resources available for healthcare education, thereby impacting public health outcomes in the state.

Contention

While the bill has support for its goal of enhancing funding for medical education and health programs, there might be opposition based on concerns about the implications of increasing tobacco regulations and taxes. Some stakeholders could argue that raising fees associated with tobacco products might disproportionately affect consumers, particularly lower-income populations. Others may contend that the focus should be on comprehensive anti-smoking campaigns rather than relying on tobacco taxes for funding.

Notable_points

A significant aspect of SB1139 is its strategic alignment of public health initiatives with funding mechanisms derived from tobacco sales, aiming to create a sustainable financial model for health education. This approach reflects a broader trend in public policy where health funding is increasingly linked to tobacco control efforts. Furthermore, the bill contains provisions for how funds should be appropriated and used, mandating transparency and accountability in the distribution of these resources.