HBA-MPM H.B. 3599 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3599 By: Capelo Public Health 4/3/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Texas Optometry Board (board) consists of nine members, six of whom are optometrists, and three of whom are laypersons, appointed by the governor for a term of six years. As of September 1, 1993, board members were required to be trained on legislation affecting the board and its organization, role, and function, including an emphasis on rules relating to disciplinary and investigative authority, including rules regarding revoking the license of an optometrist licensed in this state. Completion of this training is necessary in order for a person to serve on the board. In the 2000 fiscal year alone, the board received 116 complaints against licensed optometrists. Yet since September 1, 1993, the board has revoked no licenses and has suspended only 22 licenses. There has been some concern that the board is not enforcing its disciplinary policies. A more thorough review of the board would help determine if the board is not properly exercising its authority to revoke licenses in cases where revocation is warranted. House Bill 3599 changes the sunset review date for the board from September 1, 2005 to September 1, 2003. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 3599 amends the Occupations Code to provide that the Texas Optometry Board is subject to Sunset Advisory Commission review, and unless continued in existence, the board is abolished and provisions relating to the board expire on September 1, 2003 rather than September 1, 2005. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.