Texas House Bill HB3689

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/6/23

Caption

Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide certain information regarding certain women's health programs to students.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3689 will extend the responsibilities of public institutions of higher education regarding student health information. The law aims to ensure that students are well-informed about available women's health programs, which could potentially increase enrollment and access to essential health services for female students. By legally mandating this communication, the state reinforces the importance of health awareness and engagement among university populations.

Summary

House Bill 3689 focuses on enhancing the dissemination of information regarding women's health programs to students at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill mandates that these institutions must provide information via email about eligibility requirements and enrollment procedures for health programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission. This communication is required to occur during the fall semester of each academic year, starting from the 2023 fall semester.

Sentiment

The general sentiment towards HB 3689 can be seen as supportive, especially from advocates of women's health and educational institutions. By emphasizing the need for information dissemination, proponents likely view this bill as a positive step towards enhancing health literacy among students. However, some may raise concerns regarding the effectiveness of electronic communications and whether this method sufficiently reaches all students, especially those who might not regularly check their emails.

Contention

While the bill represents a proactive approach to women's health awareness, debates may arise regarding its practical implementation and the sufficiency of the information provided. Critics could question whether the email communications will adequately cover all necessary details of the health programs or if they risk overwhelming students with too much information. Furthermore, there is potential concern around institutional resources and whether colleges and universities will have the capacity to fulfill this new mandate without compromising other responsibilities.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
  • Section: New Section