BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 344 By: Ratliff (Ramsay) 4-19-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND During the 72nd Legislature, HB 124 was passed setting out a plan to dissolve the Morris County Hospital District. The dissolution election carried and the board of directors has paid all lawfully incurred debt of the district, but there is still some remaining tax money to disburse. The implementing legislation requires that this money be returned to the taxpayers on a prorata basis. However, the remaining tax money amounts to $42,000. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 344 requires the board of directors of Morris County Hospital District to transfer surplus tax money of the hospital district to Morris County. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 9.09, Chapter 719, Acts of the 71st Legislature, 1989, by amending Subsections (d) and (e) and adding Subsection (g), as follows: (d) Requires the board of directors of Morris County Hospital District to transfer all surplus tax money, after all debts are paid, to Morris County for use by the county in providing health care services and assistance to indigent residents of the county under Chapter 61, Subchapter B, Health and Safety Code. Deletes provisions requiring a return of unused tax money to each person who paid the tax imposed under this section. (e) Makes conforming changes. (g) Authorizes Morris County on behalf of the board, to collect any delinquent taxes imposed by the board under this section, after the commissioners court of the county enters an order affirming the dissolution of the district. Requires Morris County to use the money to provide health care services and assistance to indigent residents of the county under Chapter 61B, Health and Safety Code. SECTION 2: Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION SB 344 was considered by the County Affairs Committee in a public hearing on 4/19/95. Representative Ramsay opened and closed. SB 344 was reported favorably with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 4 absent.