LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 9, 2005

TO:	Honorable Ray Allen, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1013 by Harris (Relating to the use of private legal counsel by certain hospital districts.), As Engrossed

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would authorize a hospital district in a county with a population of at least 190,000 to employ or contract with private legal counsel to represent the district on any legal matter. The bill would also repeal a board's authorization to employ additional legal counsel when the board determines that additional counsel is advisable. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives the required two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2005.

Under current statute, the county attorney, district attorney, or criminal district attorney, as appropriate, is required to represent the applicable hospital district in all legal matters. In addition, the district is authorized to employ additional legal counsel. 

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, DLBa