TX
Texas Senate Bill SB968

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB968

Caption

Relating to public health disaster and public health emergency preparedness and response; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts the existing legal framework surrounding public health initiatives and disaster response. By preventing the Texas Medical Board from unnecessarily prohibiting nonelective medical procedures, SB968 aims to safeguard patient care during disasters. The bill establishes a stronger foundation for effective resource management, especially regarding PPE procurement, and addresses potential health disparities by ensuring that immunization information is readily available to vulnerable populations. The proposal solidifies state-level authority in managing public health emergencies and includes provisions to promote coordination among various health entities.

Summary

SB968 focuses on enhancing public health disaster preparedness and response in Texas. It amends the Government Code to delineate limitations on medical procedures during declared states of disaster, ensuring that nonelective medical procedures are not restricted. The bill also mandates the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and establishes a disease prevention information system aimed at providing immunization information during health emergencies. Furthermore, it reinforces structural mechanisms to support wellness checks for medically fragile individuals during emergencies, allocating responsibilities for healthcare facilities and first responders.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB968 appears positive, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and responsive health systems amidst ongoing challenges such as pandemics. Stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and public health advocates, generally support the bill for its practical measures intended to protect public safety. However, some concerns exist regarding the balance of state authority over local governance in emergency responses, particularly related to the limitations placed on local jurisdictions' ability to modify health strategies as they see fit.

Contention

Notable points of contention primarily arise from concerns about civil liberties and the potential overreach of state authority during emergencies. Critics argue that the prohibition of vaccine passports and the imposition of civil penalties on healthcare facilities failing to report during disasters may infringe on individual rights and local autonomy. Detractors fear that centralized control could overlook specific local needs and considerations, while supporters maintain that these regulations are necessary for a cohesive approach to health crises.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2858

Relating to state and local government disaster preparedness.

TX HB119

Relating to judicial review of certain orders issued to address a declared state of disaster, declared public health disaster, or ordered public health emergency or to prevent the spread of a communicable disease.

TX SB401

Relating to prices charged by a medical staffing services agency during certain designated public health disaster periods; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB13

Relating to training, preparedness, and funding for school safety and emergencies in public schools.

TX HB4440

Relating to state and local government responses to a pandemic disaster, including the establishment of the Pandemic Disaster Legislative Oversight Committee.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX SB1437

Relating to the establishment of the Emergency Powers Board and its powers during a declared state of disaster or public health disaster.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB75

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB85

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

Similar Bills

TX HB1297

Relating to a specialty certification for insurance agents who have completed certain training regarding self-insured health benefit plans.

TX SB770

Relating to a specialty certification for insurance agents who have completed certain training regarding self-insured health benefit plans.

TX SB1257

Relating to the regulation of certain market conduct activities of certain life, accident, and health insurers and health benefit plan issuers; providing civil liability and administrative and criminal penalties.

TX HB2656

Relating to the authority of the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate abuse, neglect, or exploitation of individuals receiving services from certain providers.

TX SB1880

Relating to the authority of the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate abuse, neglect, or exploitation of individuals receiving services from certain providers.

TX SB1751

Relating to improvements to access to health care in this state, including increased access to and scope of coverage under health benefit plans and Medicaid, and to improvements in health outcomes; authorizing an assessment; imposing penalties.

TX SB79

Relating to specialty certification for insurance agents serving certain employer groups.

TX SB63

Relating to the creation of the individual development account program to provide savings incentives and opportunities for certain foster children to pursue home ownership, postsecondary education, and business development.