Texas House Bill HB515

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/11/09

Caption

Relating to the expansion of the boundaries of the Dallas County Hospital District.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would modify existing legislation within the Health and Safety Code to create a streamlined process for the inclusion of territories into the Dallas and Tarrant County Hospital Districts. This legislative change could significantly impact healthcare access for residents living near the counties who are not currently covered by these districts. By facilitating the expansion of the districts, it is anticipated that a broader range of healthcare services will be made available to the newly annexed populations, thereby enhancing public health outcomes in the region.

Summary

House Bill 515 seeks to expand the boundaries of the Dallas County and Tarrant County Hospital Districts by allowing registered voters in adjacent counties the opportunity to petition for inclusion in these districts. The process involves gathering signatures from a minimum of 50 registered voters or a majority of the voters in the defined territory. In addition to allowing for citizen-led initiatives, the Commissioners Courts of both counties are granted the authority to independently pursue the annexation of new territories regardless of petitions submitted by voters.

Contention

While the bill presents a framework for expansion that could yield positive public health implications, potential points of contention include issues related to taxation and financial burdens. Residents of the annexed districts could be required to assume a share of existing debts or taxes associated with the hospital districts, raising concerns about fairness and representation. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the adequacy of voter representation in such matters and whether the process sufficiently addresses the needs of the communities being added.