Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1409

Caption

Relating to the distribution of emergency health resources by the state.

Impact

The bill is significant in establishing a clear method for distributing vaccines and essential health resources during a declared public health disaster. By requiring the state to consider demographic factors in resource allocation, it aims to ensure that vulnerable populations in high-need areas receive timely and adequate access to health resources. This approach seeks to enhance the preparedness and response capability of local health authorities and help mitigate the impact of public health emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 1409 aims to enhance the state's ability to distribute emergency health resources during public health crises, such as pandemics, epidemics, or other health disasters. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code by establishing a framework for the proportional distribution of vaccines and other immunizing agents to designated providers in each county. The distribution will be based on several factors, including county population size and rates of infection and mortality related to the health crisis. This allows a data-driven approach ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most.

Contention

However, there are concerns regarding the implementation of such a distribution model, particularly about the prioritization criteria and its potential impact on local autonomy. Stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of a centralized distribution strategy versus local decision-making capabilities. Some may argue that relying solely on state-level guidance may not adequately address the unique health challenges faced by individual communities, potentially leading to inequities in access to resources.

Companion Bills

TX SB1788

Same As Relating to the distribution of emergency health resources by the state.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1785

Relating to the Center for Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities renamed as the office for health equity and the duties of that office.

TX HB4440

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

TX HB1105

Relating to preventative health care and public health, including prohibited immunization and face-covering requirements, private business or school closures, and the ordering and administration of immunizations by a pharmacist.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX HB3

Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.

TX SB1024

Relating to preventative health care and public health, including prohibited immunization and face-covering requirements and private business or school closures.

TX HB15

Relating to the creation of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas.

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 SB121

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, delivery, sale, and research of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with certain medical conditions and the licensing of medical cannabis organizations; authorizing fees.

TX HB4730

Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information to certain persons; providing a civil penalty.

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