TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1313

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1313

Caption

Relating to the right to choose and refuse medical treatment and control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

Impact

The bill seeks to balance public health measures with individual rights, especially during outbreaks of communicable diseases. It mandates that health authorities must use the least restrictive methods for controlling the spread of disease and allows individuals to isolate or quarantine at their homes or with friends and family when possible. This could significantly shift how health authorities approach their regulations and enforcement during public health emergencies.

Summary

SB1313 focuses on the rights of individuals to choose or refuse medical treatment and control measures related to quarantine and isolation. The bill amends several sections of the Health and Safety Code to clarify that individuals retain their rights to make decisions regarding their own medical treatment, including the right to refuse treatment. It also stipulates that individuals who are subjected to isolation or quarantine are entitled to notification of the measures being enacted against them and can contest these measures if they believe they are unnecessary.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1313 appears mixed. Proponents argue that it reinforces individual liberties and prevents government overreach during health crises, while opponents may raise concerns about potential risks to public health if individuals are allowed to refuse essential medical interventions. The bill represents a response to growing demands for personal freedoms amid increasing governmental scrutiny during health emergencies.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the interpretation of 'reasonable cause' for imposing quarantine measures and the definitions of 'least restrictive means.' The bill reinforces individual rights, potentially leading to conflicts with public health objectives, particularly during severe outbreaks where swift action may be necessary to protect broader community health.

Companion Bills

TX HB2760

Same As Relating to the right to choose and refuse medical treatment and control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

Previously Filed As

TX SB306

Relating to the right to choose medical treatments and certain control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

TX HB1593

Relating to infection prevention and control programs and other measures for communicable diseases at certain long-term care facilities; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX HB2927

Relating to quarantine leave for certain public safety employees.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX HB4979

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to certain student records and conduct.

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 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.

TX HB37

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

CA SB1325

Peaceful and Natural Dignity Act: the right of self-quarantine.

SC S0054

Medical Informed Consent

TX SB306

Relating to the right to choose medical treatments and certain control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

TX SB121

Relating to the right to choose medical treatments and certain control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

CT SB00037

An Act Concerning The Accreditation Of The Office Of The Chief Medical Examiner.

TX HB2760

Relating to the right to choose and refuse medical treatment and control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

CT SB00514

An Act Concerning The Health Emergency Response Operations Act.

SC S0002

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities