Texas House Bill HB878

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/09
• Voted on by House: 5/6/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/18/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the Sweeny Hospital District.

Impact

One of the significant changes introduced by HB878 is the empowerment of the district to issue bonds secured by a combination of ad valorem taxes and other revenue sources. This flexibility is crucial for securing funding for operational and capital expenditures, which can enhance healthcare services in the area serviced by the hospital district. The ability to pledge a variety of revenue streams offers the district a more robust financial footing and could lead to improvements in facilities and services offered to the community.

Summary

House Bill 878 deals with the Sweeny Hospital District, aiming to amend provisions related to the management and financial operations of the district. The bill authorizes the board of directors of the district to manage hospital services without compensation while allowing them to be reimbursed for actual expenses. This provision establishes a structure for the governance of the district's facilities and services, ensuring oversight remains with an accountable board.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the bill is the provision allowing the hospital district to establish a comprehensive program for employee benefits, specifically in terms of income and medical coverage for injured employees. The bill exempts the district from certain aspects of the Labor Code related to workers' compensation, which may raise concerns over employee protections. Critics might argue that such an exemption could lead to insufficient compensation for workers, while supporters could contend it provides the district with the flexibility to create tailored benefits that suit their operational needs.