HBA-MSH H.B. 3155 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3155
By: Capelo
Public Health
3/23/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

According to the American Diabetes Association, 15.7 million people or 5.9
percent of the population of the United States have diabetes.  One child
out of every 600 develops Type 1 diabetes.  The Texas Department of Health
estimates that, in 1998, 1.6 million adult Texans or 12 percent of the
state's population had diabetes.  It is estimated that in 1990 there were
9,320 Texans under age 18 who had Type 1 diabetes.   From 1993 to 1998, the
number of children under age 18 with type 2 diabetes tripled. Diabetes can
produce complications such as blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage,
heart disease, and stroke. Many of the components associated with the
disease are unknown and need further research. House Bill 3155 requires the
commissioner of health in consultation with the Texas Diabetes Council to
establish a Pediatric Diabetes Research-Plan Group to develop of a plan to
investigate the scientific research opportunities for pediatric diabetes. 

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 3155 creates the Texas Pediatric Diabetes Research Act of 2001.
The bill requires the commissioner of health (commissioner) in consultation
with the Texas Diabetes Council to establish a Pediatric Diabetes
Research-Plan Group (working group) of not more than 15 members. The bill
requires the working group to conduct analysis for the purpose of providing
advice to the legislature and governor on the development of a plan to
investigate the scientific research opportunities for pediatric diabetes in
the state as well as to assess resources, talent and the economic and
health related diabetes burden. The bill requires the working group to
draft a comprehensive report with research funding recommendations.  The
bill sets forth provisions relating to the composition and appointment of
members of the working group as well as the appointment of a chair by the
commissioner.  The bill provides for the termination of the group 30 days
after the date the plan is submitted to the legislature and the governor. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

The Act takes effect on the 91st day after adjournment.