H.B. 1959 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 1959
By: Smithee
County Affairs
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 78th Legislature, Texas law did not make specific reference
to the authority of the Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District to build
and maintain an assisted living center.  H.B. 1959 clarifies that the
Hospital District has the authority to construct and maintain an assisted
living facility and a related facility that is necessary to operate and
maintain an assisted living facility. 
The bill also clarifies that the Hospital District has the authority to
acquire property by an option to purchase. 


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. 

ANALYSIS

HB 1959 amends Section 8, Chapter 128, Acts of the 66th Legislature,
Regular Session 1979, as follows: 
 
The board may construct and maintain an assisted living facility and a
related facility that is necessary to operate and maintain an assisted
living facility. 

The board may acquire facilities, property, supplies, equipment by option
to purchase. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of
all the members elected to each house.  If this Act does not receive the
vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1,
2003.