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


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3776
By: Luna, Vilma
County Affairs
4/18/1999
Introduced



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. Under current law, hospital districts such as
the Nueces County Hospital District are obligated to provide medical care
to the indigent, however, there is little specific guidance on how their
funds may be spent. H.B. 3776 authorizes the district to use funds from
sources other than a tax levy, in order to fund indigent health care,
public health services, and mental health and mental retardation services,
and other health related purposes. 

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
281.0518, as follows: 

Sec. 281.0518. USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS BY NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT.
Authorizes the Nueces County Hospital District, with the approval of the
county commissioners court, to use funds from sources other than a tax
levy, excluding funds otherwise restricted, to fund indigent health care,
public health services, and mental health and mental retardation services,
and other health related purposes.  

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