BWH H.B. 901 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS COUNTY AFFAIRS H.B. 901 By: Patterson, L.P. "Pete" 3-5-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Since the creation of the Hopkins County Hospital District, some issues have arisen, which necessitate legislative action. In the past, the board of directors have been mostly Sulphur Springs residents. By increasing the number of directors, the board anticipates more community representation. Increasing the current two year term to three years will give members extra time to get acquainted with the workings of the hospital. Three year terms also will coordinate with the terms of office of other elected public officials in the area. The petition requirement to run for office is cumbersome and is not required for any other public entity in the county. PURPOSE To increase the number of the directors from five to seven, to increase the term of office of a director from two to three years, and to eliminate the petition requirement to run for the office of director. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 43, Section 3, Acts of the 57th Legislature, 1st Called Session, 1961, by: 1) changing the number of the directors from five to seven; 2) changing the term of office of a director from two to three years; and 3) eliminating the petition requirement. SECTION 2. Application of the Act. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.