BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

S.J.R. 54

83R12042 CJC-D

By: Hinojosa

 

Intergovernmental Relations

 

4/15/2013

 

As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

In 1960, The Texas Legislature amended the Texas Constitution in a manner that limited the ability of Hidalgo County to form a hospital tax district.  This amendment set a maximum tax rate, for Hidalgo County only, that was 750 percent less than the rest of the counties in Texas.

 

The current cap is 10 cents per $100.  This ceiling makes creating an effective tax district very difficult.  As Hidalgo County continues to grow and indigent care costs rise, the need for a hospital district must be evaluated.  Hidalgo County is the largest county in Texas without an operating hospital tax district.  

 

S.J.R. 54 repeals the constitutional provision that limits Hidalgo County’s authority.  This change will ensure that if a hospital district were to be created in Hidalgo County, it will be done in a manner equal to every other county in Texas.

 

As proposed,  S.J.R. 54 proposes a constitutional amendment repealing the constitutional provision authorizing the creation of a hospital district in Hidalgo County.  

 

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.  Repealer: Section 7 (Hidalgo County Hospital District; Creation; Tax Rate), Article IX, Texas Constitution.

 

SECTION 2.  Requires that the proposed constitutional amendment be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 5, 2013.  Sets forth the required language of the ballot.