Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 463	House Author:  Springer
Effective:  Vetoed	Senate Sponsor:  Perry et al.

            House Bill 463 amends the Health and Safety Code to require an air ambulance company that operates a subscription program in order to fund and provide emergency medical services to enter into a reciprocity agreement with each other air ambulance company in Texas that operates a subscription program in the same service delivery area to ensure maximum geographic coverage for patients covered under a subscription program.

Governor's Reason for Veto: "House Bill 463, by mandating that air ambulance companies enter into reciprocity agreements, would unnecessarily intrude into the operations of private businesses and could very well reduce the availability of products that protect rural Texans from expensive air ambulance bills. The author was understandably trying to help Texans, but this bill likely runs afoul of federal law and could have unintended consequences. The Legislature and the federal government should find better ways to address the high costs of air ambulance services."