Texas House Bill HB2614

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09

Caption

Relating to a county's general revenue levy for indigent health care.

Impact

The passage of HB 2614 is poised to have significant implications for the provision of health care services to indigent populations within Texas. By allowing counties to adjust their general revenue levies to support health care for those in need, the bill opens up potential funding avenues that could enhance local health care initiatives. This change could result in improved access and care for underserved communities, which has long been a challenge in many areas across the state.

Summary

House Bill 2614 seeks to amend the provisions related to the county general revenue levy specifically for indigent health care in Texas. This legislative move is designed to clarify and potentially broaden the uses of property taxes collected by counties that are not allocated to infrastructure projects, such as road construction and maintenance, or to pay for county debt. By refining these definitions, the bill aims to provide counties with more flexibility in resource allocation toward indigent health care services.

Contention

The bill may face opposition based on concerns of fiscal responsibility and the potential for increased property tax levies. Critics may argue that expanding the ability of counties to utilize general revenue for health care purposes could lead to higher taxes for residents, which may not be well-received, particularly in areas with existing economic constraints. Moreover, there could be debates regarding the verification of indigency and how the funds are allocated, raising questions about accountability and oversight in the use of public funds.