SRC-AMY S.B. 1237 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 1237
By: Estes
Veteran Affairs & Military Installations
7/14/2003
Enrolled
DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The Veterans Land Board (VLB) owns four State Veterans Homes (TSVH)
licensed under Chapter 242 (Convalescent and Nursing Homes and Related
Institutions), Health & Safety Code. Section 242.096 (Nursing and
Convalescent Home Trust Fund and Emergency Assistance Funds), Health &
Safety Code, establishes an emergency assistance fund to be used to meet
the basic needs of residents should a licensed home go into receivership.
The Department of Human Services is authorized to  assess a fee against
all licensed convalescent or nursing homes if this fund drops below a
certain level.  Although TSVH has to pay into the fund, it would never
benefit from the fund.  Should a veterans home lose its license or close,
VLB would resume control of the home and appoint  a new operator.  S.B.
1237 exempts a veterans home from Section 242.097 (Additional License Fee
- Nursing and Convalescent Homes), Health & Safety Code. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 242.095, Health and Safety Code, by adding
Subsection (d), to provide that if the Texas Department of Human Services
appoints a trustee under this subchapter for a veterans home as defined by
Section 164.002 (Definitions), Natural Resources Code, the Veterans' Land
Board is responsible for the trustee's fee under this section. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 242.097, Health and Safety Code, by adding
Subsection (d) to provide that this section does not apply to a veterans
home as defined by Section 164.002 (Definitions), Natural Resources Code. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.