Texas Senate Bill SB870

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/2/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the duties of the interagency obesity council and the Department of Agriculture relating to health, wellness, and prevention of obesity and to the establishment of an obesity prevention pilot program.

Impact

The potential impact of S.B. No. 870 is significant, as it seeks to address the public health crisis of obesity in Texas. By focusing on evidence-based strategies and measurable goals, the legislation aims not only to enhance the health outcomes for vulnerable populations but also to reduce healthcare costs in the long term. Reports will be generated periodically to inform the legislature about the program's effectiveness, showcasing progress and areas for improvement, thereby allowing for informed decisions regarding future states of the program.

Summary

S.B. No. 870 aims to combat obesity through the establishment of an interagency obesity council and a pilot program designed to reduce obesity rates specifically among child health plan enrollees and Medicaid recipients in Texas. The bill mandates that the Department of State Health Services and the interagency council coordinate their efforts to create effective strategies for improving nutritional choices and increasing physical activity levels among children in these programs. The pilot program is intended to last a minimum of 24 months and will focus on regions identified as having higher than average obesity risks among children and Medicaid recipients.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly in regard to the allocation of resources and the involvement of private entities in public health initiatives. Critics might express concerns over the effectiveness of pilot programs in producing widespread changes and whether sufficient measures are in place to gather reliable data. Additionally, there might be debates about the appropriateness of government intervention in health-related issues and the potential for broader implications on state health policy, especially if the pilot program suggests a statewide implementation.