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