HBA-BSM H.B. 2008 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2008
By: Naishtat
Public Health
7/25/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

State law prohibits smoking in public buildings, but other air pollutants
such as radon gas, lead, pesticides, molds, asbestos, formaldehyde, carbon
dioxide, and carbon monoxide endanger the public as well.  Indoor air
pollution can cause "Sick Building Syndrome" symptoms, including headaches,
fatigue, eye and respiratory tract infections, dizziness, and nausea.
While in 1995 the legislature directed the Texas Board of Health to develop
voluntary indoor air quality guidelines for public schools, guidelines were
not extended to other government buildings.  House Bill 2008 requires the
board to establish voluntary air quality guidelines for all buildings owned
or leased by a governmental entity that are occupied or regularly open to
the public.  
 
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 2008 amends the Health and Safety Code to require the Texas
Board of Health (board) to establish voluntary guidelines for indoor air
quality in government buildings rather than only in public school
buildings.  H.B. 2008 authorizes the board to set different air quality
guidelines for buildings that are regularly occupied or visited by
children.  The bill provides that neither current law nor the provisions of
this bill create liability for a governmental entity for an injury caused
by a failure to comply with the established voluntary guidelines. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.