HBA-DMD H.B. 3776 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3776
By: Luna, Vilma
County Affairs
7/27/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

On January 7, 1999, the Nueces County Hospital District (district) received
approximately $5.1 million as the initial payment from the tobacco
litigation settlement agreement. This payment represented the district's
per capita share of the $300 million payment by the tobacco defendants.
Between 2000 and 2003, the tobacco defendants will make additional annual
payments into a permanent trust account. Beginning in 2001, the district
will be entitled to a pro rata distribution from the investment earnings of
the permanent trust account. Prior to the 76th Legislature, hospital
districts such as the Nueces County Hospital District were obligated to
provide medical care to the indigent, however, there was little specific
guidance on how their funds may have been spent. H.B. 3776 authorizes the
district to use funds from certain sources to fund indigent health care,
public health services, mental health and mental retardation services,
other health related purposes, emergency medical services, and health
services provided to persons confined in jail facilities. 

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. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 281, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
281.094, as follows: 

Sec. 281.094. USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS BY THE NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT.
Authorizes the board of the Nueces County Hospital District (board), with
the approval of the county commissioners court, to use funds from sources
other than a tax levy to fund  health care services, including public
health services, mental health and mental retardation services, emergency
medical services, health services provided to persons confined in jail
facilities, and for other health related purposes. Authorizes the board to
use the funds available to the district from any source to fund indigent
health care. 

SECTION 2.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.