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.