Texas House Bill HB1884

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/17/09
• Voted on by House: 4/29/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to authorizing the conveyance of certain state real property from the Department of State Health Services to Hidalgo County for the provision of outpatient health care services or another public purpose.

Impact

The impact of HB 1884 on state laws includes a provision for real property transfer that does not impose any debt on Hidalgo County related to the property prior to the transfer. The bill stipulates that the property must primarily be utilized for a public purpose, thereby reinforcing commitments to public health objectives. Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions for reverting ownership of the property back to the state if it is not used in compliance with its stipulated purpose for over 180 days, ensuring accountability in the property's use.

Summary

House Bill 1884 focuses on authorizing the transfer of specific state real property from the Department of State Health Services to Hidalgo County. The intended use for this property is to provide outpatient healthcare services, particularly a primary care and substance abuse treatment facility. The bill highlights the importance of addressing public health needs in the region, particularly in areas struggling with access to healthcare services and substance abuse treatment capabilities.

Contention

While the bill seems to serve a significant public health interest, potential points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of state resources and the dependencies on county management for the appropriate use of the property. Concerns may surface about the efficacy of using transferred state property for county-run facilities, especially in terms of ensuring that the facilities are well-maintained and accessible to the community. Additionally, discussions about state versus local control over healthcare resources may emerge, especially considering the need for varied healthcare strategies across different regions.