SRC-JBJ H.B. 1459 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1459 76R1725 SKT-DBy: Dunnam (Sibley) Human Services 5/10/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, small counties and cities in the state use local hospital authorities if they lack other facilities to handle the daily needs of the elderly. The special hospital authorities may only operate in areas with certain population limits. H.B. 1459 would authorize a rural hospital authority that owns or operates certain hospitals in a county with a population of 225,000 or less, rather than 35,000 or less, to provide services or personnel care facilities for the elderly. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1459 authorizes certain rural hospitals to provide services or personnel care facilities for the elderly. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 262.034(e), Health and Safety Code, to apply this section only to an authority that owns or operates a hospital licensed under Chapter 241 and that is located in a county with a population of 225,000 or less, rather than 35,000 or less. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.