SRC-AXB H.B. 3776 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3776
76R12789  CMR-FBy: Luna, Vilma (Truan)
Finance
5/11/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, hospital districts are obligated to provide medical care to the
indigent, yet there is no specific guidance on how the funds may be spent.
The Nueces County Hospital District will be receiving multi-million dollar
tobacco litigation settlement funds until 2003.  H.B. 3776 authorizes the
board of the Nueces County Hospital District to use funds from any source
other than a tax levy to fund indigent health care. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3776 authorizes the board of the Nueces County Hospital
District to use certain funds for health care services provided to
individuals confined in jail and indigent individuals. 

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 Chapter 281E, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
281.094, as follows: 

Sec.  281.094.  USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS BY THE NUECES COUNTY HOSPITAL
DISTRICT.  Authorizes the board of the Nueces County Hospital District
(board), upon approval of the Nueces County Commissioners Court, to use
certain funds for certain health care services provided to individuals
confined in jail facilities, and for other health related purposes, under
certain conditions.  Authorizes the board to use funds from any source to
fund indigent health care. 

SECTION 2.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.