79R6741 MTB-D

By:  Hopson                                                       H.B. No. 3049



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the closure or change in operation of certain local 
offices providing health services, including prohibiting the 
closure or consolidation of services of a state school or hospital 
for a term of five years.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is 
amended by adding Sections 531.078 and 531.079 to read as follows:
	Sec. 531.078.  NOTIFICATION AND PLAN.  (a)  Before the 
commission may close, downsize, privatize, or consolidate 
operations of a local eligibility or service delivery office in a 
service region, the commission shall notify the governor of:
		(1)  the proposed action;                                              
		(2)  the number of state employee positions that will 
be eliminated because of the proposed action; and
		(3)  the economic impact to the local community in the 
service region in which the proposed action is to occur.
	(b)  After the governor receives the notice required under 
Subsection (a), the governor shall prepare and fund an economic 
development plan for the local community in the service region in 
which the proposed action is to occur. The program may include 
providing:
		(1)  infrastructure development, community 
development, job training programs, financial assistance, and 
business incentives;
		(2)  business development services, including 
technical assistance, workshops, business incubators, training, 
and useful publications; or
		(3)  small business services and useful publications.                  
	Sec. 531.079.  MORATORIUM.  (a)  The commission may not close 
or consolidate services at a state school or state hospital 
operated or managed by a health and human services agency.
	(b)  This section expires September 1, 2010.                            
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.