Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 1280
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning public health district authority as it relates to gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property.
Sponsors: Representatives Springer, Rodne, Takko and Smith.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/26/11
Staff: Miranda Leskinen (786-7291) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
Public hospital districts, also known as public health care service districts, are community-created, publicly-owned governmental entities authorized by the state to deliver health services appropriate to the public, provided services include acute, outpatient, rehabilitative, and nursing home care, as well as ambulance services.
There are 56 public hospital districts in Washington. Nearly half of the hospitals in the state are Public Hospital Districts, most of which are in rural areas. Public hospital districts may carry out their powers in contracts with federal, state, or local government entities.
Public hospital districts generate revenue from the following sources:
private and public insurance;
property taxes;
a tax levy in excess of its regular property tax revenue; and
bonds, warrants, or other revenue obligations.
Currently, a county hospital is authorized, through its board of trustees, to accept gifts of property.
Summary of Bill:
Public health districts are expressly authorized to solicit, accept, and divest gifts. Gifts, including personal and/or real property, may be accepted in trust or otherwise. Public hospital districts are also expressly authorized to contract with organizations, both for-profit and nonprofit, to support fundraising efforts.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.