BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2318
86R8656 SRA-F	By: Darby (Perry)
	Intergovernmental Relations
	5/11/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Reagan County Hospital District (district) has a local trust fund that they would like to use to construct a new fire/EMS station. The current station is dated and needs to be replaced; it is no longer adequate for the needs of the county.

The district's charter currently limits the district's services to medical and hospital care; and because fire services are considered a public safety issue, the charter may not allow the district to construct a fire/EMS station, regardless of if private funds are used or not.

H.B. 2318 amends the district's charter to allow the district to construct a facility for public safety and health if the facility is constructed using private money and is either used by the district or leased to another governmental entity for public safety and health purposes.

Background of the Trust Fund

A donor had willed their current assets and future earnings to the district to be spent on capital projects. It is overseen by three people who have prioritized its use for constructing a new fire/EMS station.

H.B. 2318 amends current law relating to facilities of the hospital system of the Reagan Hospital District of Reagan County, Texas.

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 1088.104, Special District Local Laws Code, by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (d), as follows:

(c) Authorizes the hospital system established by the Reagan Hospital District of Reagan County, Texas (district) to include:

(1)�(9) makes no changes to these subdivisions; and

(10) any other facilities the board considers necessary for medical care, hospital care, and public safety and health.

(d) Authorizes a facility for public safety and health described by Subsection (c)(10) to only be constructed by the district using private money and used by the district, or any governmental entity to which the district leases the facility, for public safety and health purposes.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.