The House Committee on State Affairs met on July 19 to take up and discuss HB 1 relating to continuation of certain state agencies, including the Texas Medical Board. The report below details the discussion on this bill.
HB 1 (Gonzales, Larry) Relating to avoiding the abolishment of certain agencies subject to the Texas Sunset Act on September 1, 2017.
- Rep. Giddings – is this bill what needs to happen?
- Yes. Funding goes with HB 2 however
- Rep. Rodriguez – this is just for the interim?
- Yes. Five agency extensions so the people of Texas can be safe
- Rep. Cook – not passing HB 1 would put the people of Texas in danger?
- Yes.
- Rep. Giddings – had we not come back to deal with this issue, what would’ve happened? How immediate would results be?
- The law allows for a one year turndown
Stephanie Kneedler, Texas Association of School Psychologists – for HB 1
- TASP believes the board should reflect every category of licensed psychology
- Would like seat on board representing school psychologists
Jason Vaughn, TX Young Republican Confederation – on HB 1
- Need to review powers of Texas Medical Board
- Medical decisions (dosage amount, cannabis, etc.) should be made by board of doctors, not legislators
David Nalle, Republican Liberty Caucus – for HB 1
- Concern regarding inclusion of Compassionate Care Act
- If cannabis is legalized, medical decisions should be made by doctors, not legislators
Rep. Gonzales closes
- Reminds committee the bill is simply about extending agencies
- Caption and bill has been crafted very carefully
Reported favorably to House with 10 ayes & 3 absent