HBA-MPM H.B. 796 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 796
By: Najera
Public Education
4/12/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

An increasing number of children and adolescents are developing type II
diabetes, or non-insulin dependent diabetes.  Type II diabetes commonly
occurs in children who are overweight.  A recent study conducted at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicates that a national
epidemic of type II diabetes likely will follow the current epidemic of
obesity in U.S. children.  Long-term complications of diabetes can lead to
limb amputation, cardiac arrest, stroke, and blindness.  Children may avoid
developing type II diabetes if they learn how to choose healthy foods and
exercise regularly in their younger years.  House Bill 796 requires school
districts to educate students about diabetes and to offer a breakfast or
lunch program for students that serves foods consistent with nutritional
guidelines adopted by the Texas Diabetes Council.  

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 796 amends the Education Code to require a school district to
use the diabetes education program developed by the State Board of
Education in its health curriculum.  The bill requires the Texas Education
Agency (TEA) on request to assist a resident of a school district in
determining whether the district is in compliance with curriculum
requirements, including the requirement that the district offer health and
physical education classes.   

The bill requires a school district offering a breakfast or lunch program
for students in kindergarten through eighth grade to serve foods consistent
with nutritional requirements applicable to the national school lunch
program as well as nutritional guidelines adopted by the Texas Diabetes
Council.  The bill requires TEA on request to assist a resident of a school
district in determining whether or not the district is in compliance with
nutritional requirements. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.  The Act applies beginning with the 2002-2003 school
year.