FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1131

C 76 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying the powers of public hospital districts.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mulliken, Dunshee, Edwards, G. Chandler, DeBolt, Dunn and Hatfield.

House Committee on Local Government & Housing

Senate Committee on State & Local Government

Background:

Public hospital districts are created to own and operate hospitals and other health care facilities for the residents of the district.  There are approximately 50 public hospital districts in 29 counties.  Of those districts, 42 have actual hospitals, while eight operate other types of health care facilities.

Public hospital districts are required to prepare a proposed budget for the ensuing year and file that budget with the hospital district commission on or before the first Monday in September of each year.  Notice of the filing and a hearing date must be published for at least two consecutive weeks in a newspaper within the county.  On the first Monday in October the commission shall hold a public hearing on the budget, and by resolution adopt the budget and fix the final expenditures for the ensuing year.

Summary:

The date districts are required to submit their budgets is changed from the first Monday in September to the first Monday in November.  Publication requirements are clarified to state that notice of filing and hearing date must be published at least one time each week, for two consecutive weeks.  The October hearing date is also changed to on or before November 15.

Votes on Final Passage:

House940

Senate490

Effective:  July 22, 2001