HBA-MPM S.B. 55 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 55
By: Zaffirini
Human Services
4/4/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (PRS) and the
Children's Trust Fund of Texas Council (council) are currently in the
process of developing a training program to address the issues of shaken
baby syndrome/abusive head trauma and sudden infant death syndrome.  There
are many other causes of infant mortality not being addressed through the
program.  Senate Bill 55 requires PRS and the council to jointly develop
and implement an infant mortality education program throughout the state. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the board of the Texas Department of
Protective and Regulatory Services and the Children's Trust Fund of Texas
Council in SECTION 1 (Section 40.0523, Human Resources Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 55 amends the Human Resources Code to require the Texas
Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (PRS) and the Children's
Trust Fund of Texas Council (council) to jointly develop and implement a
statewide education program on or before June 1, 2001 that is designed to
prevent infant mortality.  The bill requires PRS and the council to develop
and mutually agree to a memorandum of understanding to clearly define their
respective responsibilities.  PRS and the council are required to request
the assistance of individuals, governmental entities, private
organizations, and other entities with specific knowledge of infant
mortality prevention.  The bill requires the PRS board and the council to
adopt rules to implement the program.  The council is only authorized to
transfer money  from the children's trust fund to the operating fund
regarding money originally collected for the issuance of a marriage license
or declaration of informal marriage and credited to the children's trust
fund in order to provide for the infant mortality prevention education
program as well as child abuse and neglect prevention programs.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.