Texas House Bill HB473

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 12/29/08
• Out of House Committee: 4/17/09
• Voted on by House: 4/29/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/18/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/20/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/23/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to procurement methods of the Ector County Hospital District for the construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of certain projects.

Impact

The enactment of HB473 would primarily impact the statutory framework governing local districts and their procurement practices. By defining clear methods for purchasing and accounting within the Ector County Hospital District, the bill aims to standardize practices that may have previously varied. It also establishes a legal basis for the district to pursue more flexible procurement methods, potentially leading to cost savings and more effective project management in future endeavors.

Summary

House Bill 473 addresses the procurement methods utilized by the Ector County Hospital District for various projects, including construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair. The bill allows the governing board of the district to prescribe specific purchasing and accounting procedures to enhance efficiency in managing expenditures. Furthermore, HB473 empowers the district to act as a governmental entity, thus enabling it to utilize procurement procedures that align with the standards set out in the Local Government Code. This is particularly important for ensuring compliance with state regulations while optimizing the district's operational capabilities.

Contention

While the bill primarily serves to streamline operations within the Ector County Hospital District, its provisions could lead to discussions regarding the balance of power between local and state regulations. Critics may express concerns over the centralization of procurement authority, which could limit the ability of local entities to tailor procedures to their specific needs and conditions. This bill's passage thus reflects a broader dialogue on local governance and the extent to which state frameworks can or should dictate local administrative processes.