HBA-JRA H.B. 2218 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2218
By: Hilbert
Public Health
4/28/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas counties have no statutory authority to require training
of food management personnel in the safe preparation of food to prevent the
transmission of food borne diseases.  H.B. 2218 authorizes certain populous
counties to require a trained food manager to be on duty during the
operating hours of a food establishment. 

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. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 437.0123(a), Health and Safety Code, to
authorize a county with a population of at least 2.8 million to require a
trained food manager to be on duty during the operating hours of a food
establishment.  Prohibits the training required of food managers from being
more extensive than that specified under Subchapter D (Food Service
Programs), Chapter 438 (Public Health Measures Relating to Food).  Exempts
a food establishment that handles only prepackaged food and does not
prepare or package food from this requirement. 

SECTION 2.  Emergency clause.
Effective date:  90 days after adjournment.