Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

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BORDER AFFAIRS
77 th Texas Legislature
of Public Health at Houston, to study the health of Texas residents and develop a strategic health plan for
the state, addressing concerns relating to the potential effects of NAFTA on Texas, as well.
Specifies that TDH examine the potential impact of increased contact and commerce between Texas and
Mexico and adds health problems associated with environmental contamination in communities containing
or in close proximity to state and federal industrial clean-up sites.
A Study of Bi-National Health Benefit Plan Coverage - S.B. 496
by Senator Shapleigh
House Sponsor: Representative Wise
Employment along the Texas-Mexico border includes many middle-class Mexican residents who may work
on either side of the border, but are not covered by any health benefit plan. Mexican health insurance
policies do not generally cover medicine and medical services rendered in the United States.
Authorizes the commissioner of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the Texas Board of Health to
jointly appoint an advisory committee to assist in conducting a study to examine the legal and practical
impediments to providing bi-national health plan coverage.
Environmental Projects in the United Mexican States - S.B. 749
by Senators Shapleigh and Lucio
House Sponsor: Representative Haggerty
Attempts to address certain environmental issues along the borders of Texas and the United Mexican
States. Currently, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) does not have the
authority to participate in environmental projects in order to yield certain environmental benefits to Texas.
Authorizes TNRCC, in cooperation with governmental authorities in the United Mexican States, to take and
finance certain actions that the agency deems necessary and legal to benefit the environment.
Border Health Institute - S.B. 837
by Senator Shapleigh
House Sponsor: Representative Chavez
When the Border Health Institute was created by the 76th Legislature in 1999 to facilitate and assist the
activities of international, national, regional, and local health-related institutions working in the Texas-
Mexico border region, no provision was made requiring its governing board to develop and implement a
strategic plan.
Requires the governing board of the Border Health Institute to develop a 10-year strategic plan, update the
plan every two years, present the plan to the legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board.
Senate Research Center 24