HBA-DMH H.B. 1284 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1284
By: Kitchen
Public Health
3/1/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas Healthy Kids Corporation (THKC), a nonprofit
corporation created by the 75th Legislature, provides health benefits for
children's primary and preventive health care.  The Children's Health
Insurance Program (CHIP) is now successfully providing health insurance to
children living at up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.  Because
a majority of THKC's current enrollees are eligible for the CHIP program,
it has become a bridge for CHIP eligible enrollees, and its caseload has
been dramatically reduced.  As a result of these changes, the board of
directors of THKC has begun making plans for dissolution.  House Bill 1284
dissolves THKC and repeals law relating to its functions. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 1284 amends the Health and Safety Code to repeal provisions
relating to the Texas Healthy Kids Corporation (THKC).  The bill sets forth
requirements and deadlines for the transfer of funds and the dissolution of
THKC.   

The bill amends the Family Code to remove references to THKC.  The bill
amends the Tax Code by repealing law that authorizes nonprofit hospitals to
satisfy a requirement to provide charity care and community benefits
through donating money to THKC. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.  The repeal of provisions relating to donations by
nonprofit hospitals takes effect January 1, 2002, and applies only to a tax
report originally due on or after that date.