BWH C.S.H.B. 3566 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS COUNTY AFFAIRS C.S.H.B. 3566 By: Rhodes 4-23-97 Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND The Gonzales County Hospital District was created by the 64th Legislature (Section 1, Chapter 191). Since its inception in 1975, the responsibilities of the district have grown to respond to community needs. As a result, the name to Gonzales Healthcare Systems, more accurately reflects their current activities which include a home health service, durable medical care, etc. In addition, the enabling legislation of the district requires that any person desiring to have their name on the ballot must file a petition with the secretary at least 30 days prior to the date of the election. This is not enough time to allow for the printing of ballots, and is less than the 45 days allowed in the state election code. PURPOSE This bill changes the name of the Gonzales County Hospital District to Gonzales Healthcare Systems. In addition, House Bill 3566 would stipulate that candidates must file a petition with the secretary 45 days prior to the election and that the district must publish a notice of election 45 days prior to the election. 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. Changes the district's name to Gonzales Healthcare Systems. SECTION 2. Amends Section 1, Chapter 191, Acts of the 64th Legislature, Regular Session, 1975 changes the district's name to Gonzales Healthcare Systems. SECTION 3. Amends Section 4(c), Chapter 191, Acts of the 64th Legislature, Regular Session, by increasing the number of days required to publish notice of election from 30 to 45. Also amends this section by requiring candidates who wish to have their names printed on the ballot to file a petition 45 days prior to the election. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE