Texas Senate Bill SB490

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/14/11
• Introduced: 2/1/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/24/11
• Refer: 2/14/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/29/11
• Report Pass: 3/14/11
• Voted on by House: 5/19/11
• Engrossed: 3/24/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Enrolled: 5/20/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the Hamilton County Hospital District.

Impact

The bill's provisions may significantly impact state laws governing special districts. By allowing the district to expand its boundaries to cover the entire county, it centralizes governance and potentially increases the board's administrative powers. Additionally, establishing a process for the district's dissolution that includes voter approval ensures that community voices are heard should the need for dissolution arise. This could fundamentally reshape the operational standards of hospital districts across Texas, particularly in terms of financial oversight and local governance.

Summary

SB490 aims to amend the Special District Local Laws Code related to the Hamilton County Hospital District. This legislation modifies how the district manages its governance structure, financial responsibilities, and the potential processes surrounding its dissolution. A significant feature of this bill provides the board with explicit authority to borrow money under specific conditions, enhancing financial flexibility while ensuring accountability through the requirement to adhere to designated borrowing limits. Furthermore, it introduces clear guidelines for the election of directors, ensuring representation from distinct precincts within the county.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the power granted to the board to borrow money, specifically in relation to how this might affect taxpayer obligations and district transparency. Critics could argue that this increase in borrowing capability might lead to fiscal irresponsibility if not monitored effectively. Moreover, while the transparency around elections for board directors is improved, concerns about the balance of power between the board and community sentiments regarding local healthcare directives may arise. As the bill seeks to enhance the governance framework while providing mechanisms for financial maneuverability, stakeholder opinions may vary on the appropriateness of these changes.