BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 858

By: Gonzalez, Naomi

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

According to a recent report from an industry organization, hospitals and other health care institutions are seeing increased rates of violent crime, including assault, rape, and homicide.  In recent times, there have been several occurrences of shootings and killings in hospitals around the nation.  Interested parties contend that the authority to employ peace officers would give a hospital district the option of developing a law enforcement presence on site to maintain order and provide for public safety.  H.B. 858 seeks to establish provisions relating to the authority of the El Paso County Hospital District to employ and commission peace officers.

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

H.B. 858 amends the Health and Safety Code to include the El Paso County Hospital District among the hospital districts authorized to employ and commission peace officers for the district.

H.B. 858 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to make a conforming change.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2011.