BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.J.R. 54 By: Hinojosa Intergovernmental Relations 7/23/2013 Enrolled
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.J.R. 54
By: Hinojosa
Intergovernmental Relations
7/23/2013
Enrolled
Senate Research Center
S.J.R. 54
By: Hinojosa
Intergovernmental Relations
7/23/2013
Enrolled
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT In 1960, the Texas Legislature amended the Texas Constitution in a manner that limited the ability of Hidalgo County to form a hospital tax district. This amendment set a maximum tax rate, for Hidalgo County only, that was 750 percent less than the rest of the counties in Texas. The current cap is 10 cents per $100. This ceiling makes creating an effective tax district very difficult. As Hidalgo County continues to grow and indigent care costs rise, the need for a hospital district must be evaluated. Hidalgo County is the largest county in Texas without an operating hospital tax district. S.J.R. 54 repeals the constitutional provision that limits Hidalgo Countys authority. This change will ensure that if a hospital district is created in Hidalgo County, it will be done in a manner equal to every other county in Texas. S.J.R. 54 proposes a constitutional amendment repealing the constitutional provision authorizing the creation of a hospital district in Hidalgo County. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Repealer: Section 7 (Hidalgo County Hospital District; Creation; Tax Rate), Article IX, Texas Constitution. SECTION 2. Requires that the proposed constitutional amendment be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 5, 2013. Sets forth the required language of the ballot.
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
In 1960, the Texas Legislature amended the Texas Constitution in a manner that limited the ability of Hidalgo County to form a hospital tax district. This amendment set a maximum tax rate, for Hidalgo County only, that was 750 percent less than the rest of the counties in Texas.
The current cap is 10 cents per $100. This ceiling makes creating an effective tax district very difficult. As Hidalgo County continues to grow and indigent care costs rise, the need for a hospital district must be evaluated. Hidalgo County is the largest county in Texas without an operating hospital tax district.
S.J.R. 54 repeals the constitutional provision that limits Hidalgo Countys authority. This change will ensure that if a hospital district is created in Hidalgo County, it will be done in a manner equal to every other county in Texas.
S.J.R. 54 proposes a constitutional amendment repealing the constitutional provision authorizing the creation of a hospital district in Hidalgo County.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Repealer: Section 7 (Hidalgo County Hospital District; Creation; Tax Rate), Article IX, Texas Constitution.
SECTION 2. Requires that the proposed constitutional amendment be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 5, 2013. Sets forth the required language of the ballot.