By: Powell S.B. No. 239
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the provision of educational materials regarding
disease prevention during a disaster.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 418, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 418.1861 to read as follows:
Sec. 418.1861. DISEASE PREVENTION INFORMATION SYSTEM. (a)
The Department of State Health Services, using existing resources,
shall develop and implement a disease prevention information system
for dissemination of immunization information during a declared
state of disaster or local state of disaster.
(b) During a declared state of disaster or local state of
disaster, the Department of State Health Services shall ensure that
educational materials regarding immunizations are available to
local health authorities in this state for distribution to:
(1) public and private schools;
(2) child-care facilities as defined by Section
42.002, Human Resources Code;
(3) community centers offering youth services and
programs;
(4) community centers offering services and programs
to vulnerable populations, including communities of color,
low-income individuals, and elderly individuals;
(5) local health care providers; and
(6) veterans homes as defined by Section 164.002,
Natural Resources Code.
(c) The educational materials must include:
(1) the most recent immunization schedules by age as
recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
(2) locations, if any, of local health care providers
that offer immunizations.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable, but not later than August
31, 2022, the Department of State Health Services shall implement
the disease prevention information system as required by Section
418.1861, Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.