Texas House Bill HB1875

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/9/11
• Introduced: 2/25/11
• Refer: 3/7/11
• Refer: 4/18/11
• Report Pass: 5/3/11

Caption

Relating to the repeal of certain health programs, task forces, and councils, to the review of certain health programs, councils, centers, and divisions under the Texas Sunset Act, and to the transfer of certain functions to the Department of State Health Services; providing penalties.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1875 will have significant implications on Texas health laws. By repealing inactive or redundant health programs, the bill aims to streamline operations within the health services sector, potentially leading to cost savings for the state. Moreover, the application of the Sunset Act to existing health programs creates a structured approach toward the ongoing evaluation of these programs, ensuring that they remain functional and relevant to current health challenges. As programs face sunset reviews, only those that prove their effectiveness will continue to operate.

Summary

House Bill 1875 aims to repeal certain health programs, task forces, and councils as part of a broader review and realignment of state health services under the Texas Sunset Act. The bill's intent focuses on optimizing the operations and functions of health-related programs by ensuring that only the necessary and effective programs are retained. Specifically, the bill envisions transferring certain functions to the Department of State Health Services and aims at consolidating existing health initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication of resources.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB 1875, particularly among advocates for specific health programs aimed at vulnerable populations. Critics of the bill argue that its sweeping nature could lead to the dissolution of essential services that benefit children and individuals with special health needs. The concern is that while the intent of the bill is to enhance efficiency, it may also inadvertently cut programs that play critical roles in public health. Legislators may have a challenging task ahead in balancing the goals of efficiency with the necessity of maintaining essential health services within the community.