Texas House Bill HB1517

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/16/09
• Voted on by House: 4/28/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the Montgomery County Hospital District.

Impact

Should HB1517 become law, it would bolster the Montgomery County Hospital District's ability to manage public health responsibilities effectively. The added powers from this legislation may enhance the district's operational efficiency and provide them with the necessary tools to implement health and safety standards that meet the community's needs. This change could be significant in ensuring that the district has the authority to act swiftly in public health emergencies or to enforce health regulations.

Summary

House Bill 1517 pertains to the Montgomery County Hospital District, specifically focusing on expanding the powers and duties of the district as outlined in Texas state law. This bill amends existing legislation to grant the Montgomery County Hospital District additional authorities that align with the powers granted to other county and public hospitals. It allows the district to enforce compliance from individuals regarding specific health and safety duties as specified in the Health and Safety Code.

Contention

There appears to be limited public contention specifically regarding HB1517 as per the voting history, where it passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. However, in a broader context, discussions around local government authority and healthcare district powers often elicit debate over the extent of governmental control versus community autonomy. While supporters would argue that strengthening the powers of the hospital district is crucial for effective public health management, there may be underlying concerns about potential overreach and the impact on local governance.