Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1901

Filed

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to emergency response employees or volunteers and others exposed or potentially exposed to certain diseases or parasites.

Impact

This legislation significantly influences existing health and safety laws by mandating that individuals arrested and who may have exposed first responders to disease must undergo testing. It strengthens the notification process regarding potential exposure by refining the protocol that applies to emergency responders, thus improving the overall management of health risks in emergency scenarios. The incorporation of designated infection control officers in entities that employ emergency responders is a key feature of the bill, establishing a structured response to disease exposure incidents.

Summary

SB1901 seeks to enhance protections and protocols for emergency response employees and volunteers who are exposed or potentially exposed to certain communicable diseases during their work. The bill outlines procedures for testing individuals arrested for crimes who may have come into contact with emergency responders’ bodily fluids. This measure aims to facilitate timely medical evaluations for emergency service personnel while ensuring that their legal rights are respected throughout the process.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1901 may include debates on privacy concerns related to mandated testing and the implications for the rights of individuals arrested. Some advocates might argue that while the health and safety of emergency responders are paramount, such measures could risk infringing on individual rights by compelling medical procedures without sufficient consent. Others may raise questions regarding the balance between public health initiatives and personal freedoms, as well as the effectiveness of protocols in truly safeguarding emergency response personnel.

Companion Bills

TX HB2770

Identical Relating to emergency response employees or volunteers and others exposed or potentially exposed to certain diseases or parasites.

Previously Filed As

TX SB799

Relating to benefits for certain first responders and other employees related to illness and injury.

TX HB425

Relating to the prohibition of certain employment discrimination regarding an employee who is a volunteer emergency responder.

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 HB471

Relating to the entitlement to and claims for benefits for certain first responders and other employees related to illness and injury.

TX SB2471

Relating to certain claims for benefits, compensation, or assistance by certain public safety employees and survivors of certain public safety employees.

TX HB4440

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

TX HB3620

Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.

TX HB1341

Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to the cultivation, manufacture, delivery, and possession of marihuana and cannabis.

TX HB2927

Relating to quarantine leave for certain public safety employees.

TX SB1401

Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.

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