SB 132

relating to limitations on public health directives issued during a
state of disaster or outbreak of a communicable disease.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 418, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 418.0165 to read as follows:
Sec. 418.0165.  PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTIVES.  During a state of
disaster declared by the governor, the governor may issue a public
health directive as the governor determines necessary to address
the disaster only if the directive is not more stringent than any
public health directive for undocumented immigrants issued by
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
SECTION 2.  Subchapter A, Chapter 81, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 81.018 to read as follows:
Sec. 81.018.  PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTIVES.  The department or a
health authority may issue a public health directive under this
chapter as the department or health authority determines necessary
to address an outbreak of a communicable disease or a public health
disaster or emergency only if the directive is not more stringent
than any public health directive for undocumented immigrants issued
by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
SECTION 3.  The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
a public health directive issued under Section 418.0165, Government
Code, or Section 81.018, Health and Safety Code, as added by this
Act, on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.