Texas Senate Bill SB79

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a report by a school authority of a communicable disease during a declared state of disaster.

Impact

The implications of SB79 are significant for public health monitoring and response within schools. By institutionalizing the reporting process during such critical times, the state aims to bolster health authorities' ability to track and respond to communicable disease outbreaks more effectively. This proactive approach could potentially lead to quicker containment of diseases and improved safety measures in schools, ensuring that educational environments are safeguarded for both students and staff.

Summary

SB79 introduces amendments to the Health and Safety Code by requiring school authorities to report instances of communicable diseases among students, employees, or volunteers during a declared state of disaster. Specifically, if an individual notifies the school authority of their infection with a communicable disease that falls under a disaster declaration by the governor, the school must report this information to the relevant health department and the Texas Education Agency. This requirement aims to enhance public health response measures within the educational sector during emergencies.

Contention

Although the bill's primary purpose is to promote public health during disasters, it may face criticism regarding privacy concerns related to health information. There might be apprehensions about how the reported data will be used, stored, and protected. Additionally, the requirement may place additional administrative burdens on school authorities, which could be a point of contention among educators and administrative staff. Balancing the need for public health safety with individual privacy rights will likely be a key focus in discussions surrounding this legislation.