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.