CHAPTER 1013. CASTRO COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT

SPECIAL DISTRICT LOCAL LAWS CODE

TITLE 3. HEALTH

SUBTITLE A. HOSPITAL DISTRICTS

CHAPTER 1013. CASTRO COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 1013.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Board" means the board of directors of the district.

(2) "Director" means a member of the board.

(3) "District" means the Castro County Hospital District.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.002. AUTHORITY FOR OPERATION. The district operates

under the authority of and has the powers and responsibilities

provided by Section 11, Article IX, Texas Constitution.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.003. ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FUNCTION; POLITICAL SUBDIVISION.

The district is:

(1) a public entity performing an essential public function; and

(2) a political subdivision of this state.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.004. DISTRICT TERRITORY. The boundaries of the

district are coextensive with the boundaries of Castro County.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.005. CORRECTION OF INVALID PROCEDURES. If a court

holds that any procedure under this chapter violates the

constitution of this state or of the United States, the district

by resolution may provide an alternative procedure that conforms

with the constitution.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER B. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 1013.051. BOARD ELECTION; TERM. (a) The board consists of

five directors elected from the district at large.

(b) Directors serve staggered three-year terms.

(c) An election shall be held on the uniform election date in

May of each year to elect the appropriate number of directors.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.052. NOTICE OF ELECTION. Not earlier than the 30th

day or later than the 10th day before the date of an election of

directors, notice of the election shall be published one time in

a newspaper of general circulation in Castro County.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.053. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE. (a) A person may not

be elected or appointed as a director unless the person is:

(1) a district resident; and

(2) at least 21 years of age.

(b) An employee or medical staff member of the district may not

serve as a director.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.054. BOND; RECORD OF BOND AND OATH OR AFFIRMATION OF

OFFICE. (a) Each director shall qualify for office by executing

a good and sufficient bond for $1,000 that is:

(1) payable to the district; and

(2) conditioned on the faithful performance of the director's

duties.

(b) The district may pay for the directors' bonds with district

money.

(c) Each director's bond and constitutional oath or affirmation

of office shall be deposited with the district's depository bank

for safekeeping.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

87, Sec. 21.001, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.055. BOARD VACANCY. (a) If a vacancy occurs in the

office of director, the remaining directors shall appoint a

director for the unexpired term.

(b) If the number of directors is reduced to fewer than three

for any reason, the remaining directors shall immediately call a

special election to fill the vacancies. If the remaining

directors do not call the election, a district court, on

application of a district voter or taxpayer, may order the

directors to hold the election.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.056. OFFICERS. The board shall elect from among its

members a president, vice president, and secretary.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.057. COMPENSATION; EXPENSES. A director serves

without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual expenses

incurred in the performance of official duties on approval of the

expenses by the entire board.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.058. VOTING REQUIREMENT. A concurrence of three

directors is sufficient in any matter relating to district

business.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.059. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR. (a) The board may

appoint a qualified person as district administrator.

(b) The district administrator serves at the will of the board

and receives the compensation determined by the board.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.060. GENERAL DUTIES OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR.

Subject to the limitations prescribed by the board, the district

administrator shall:

(1) supervise the work and activities of the district; and

(2) direct the general affairs of the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.061. EMPLOYEES. (a) The board may employ a general

manager, attorney, bookkeeper, and architect.

(b) The board may employ technicians, nurses, fiscal agents,

accountants, and other necessary employees.

(c) The board may delegate to the district administrator the

authority to hire employees under Subsection (b).

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.062. RECRUITMENT OF MEDICAL STAFF AND EMPLOYEES. The

board may spend district money, enter into agreements, and take

other necessary action to recruit physicians and other persons to

serve as medical staff members or district employees, including:

(1) advertising and marketing;

(2) paying travel, recruitment, and relocation expenses;

(3) providing a loan or scholarship to a physician or a person

who:

(A) is currently enrolled in health care education courses at an

institution of higher education; and

(B) contractually agrees to become a district employee or

medical staff member; and

(4) providing on a rent-free basis or subsidizing the cost of

office space or other facilities for a health care professional,

including a physician.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.063. APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF MEDICAL STAFF. (a)

The board may appoint to or remove from the medical staff any

doctors as necessary for the efficient operation of the district

and may make temporary appointments as necessary.

(b) The board may adopt policies relating to the appointment and

removal of medical staff members.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.064. HEALTH CARE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. The board may

spend district money, enter into an agreement, or take other

necessary action to conduct, participate in, or assist in

providing health care educational programs for current or

prospective medical staff members or employees of the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.065. RETIREMENT BENEFITS. The board may provide

retirement benefits for district employees by:

(1) establishing or administering a retirement program; or

(2) participating in:

(A) the Texas County and District Retirement System; or

(B) another statewide retirement system in which the district is

eligible to participate.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.066. LIABILITY INSURANCE; INDEMNIFICATION. (a) The

board may defend or indemnify an officer, director, board

appointee, medical staff member, or district employee against or

from a claim, expense, or liability arising from duties performed

in that capacity.

(b) The board may purchase liability insurance coverage or

establish a self-insurance program to fund an indemnity

obligation under this section.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.067. MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS; PUBLIC INSPECTION.

Except as provided by Section 1013.054, all district records,

including books, accounts, notices, minutes, and all other

matters of the district and the operation of its facilities,

shall be:

(1) maintained at the district office; and

(2) open to public inspection at the district office at all

reasonable hours.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.068. SEAL. The board may adopt a seal for the

district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES

Sec. 1013.101. DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITY. The district has full

responsibility for providing medical and hospital care for the

district's needy and indigent residents.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.102. RESTRICTION ON COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY TAXATION.

Castro County or a municipality in Castro County may not impose a

tax for hospital purposes.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.103. MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL. The management and

control of the district is vested in the board.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.104. HOSPITAL SYSTEM. (a) The district may provide

for the establishment of a hospital or hospital system to provide

medical and hospital care to the district's needy residents.

(b) The hospital system may include:

(1) facilities and equipment for domiliciary care and treatment

of sick, injured, or geriatric patients;

(2) outpatient clinics;

(3) convalescent home facilities;

(4) physicians' offices; and

(5) any other facilities or equipment the board considers

necessary for hospital purposes.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.105. RULES. (a) The board may adopt rules governing

the operation of the district, including district facilities.

(b) On approval by the board, the rules may be published in

booklet form at district expense and made available to any

taxpayer on request.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.106. PURCHASING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES. (a) The

board may prescribe the method and manner of making purchases and

expenditures by and for the district.

(b) The board shall prescribe:

(1) all accounting and control procedures; and

(2) the method of purchasing necessary supplies, materials, and

equipment.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.107. MOBILE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE. The district

may operate or provide for the operation of a mobile emergency

medical service as part of the hospital system.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.108. DISTRICT PROPERTY, FACILITIES, AND EQUIPMENT.

(a) The board shall determine:

(1) the type, number, and location of facilities required to

maintain an adequate hospital system; and

(2) the type of equipment necessary for hospital care.

(b) The board may:

(1) acquire, construct, repair, or renovate property, including

facilities or equipment, for the district for use in the hospital

system; and

(2) mortgage or pledge the property as security for the payment

of the purchase price.

(c) The board may lease hospital facilities for the district.

(d) The board may sell or otherwise dispose of property,

including facilities or equipment, for the district.

(e) The district may operate any facility covered by this

section or contract with any person to operate the facility.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.109. EMINENT DOMAIN. (a) The district may exercise

the power of eminent domain to acquire a fee simple or other

interest in any type of property, real, personal, or mixed,

located in district territory, if the interest is necessary or

convenient for the district to exercise a right, power,

privilege, or function conferred on the district by this chapter.

(b) The district must exercise the power of eminent domain in

the manner provided by Chapter 21, Property Code, except the

district is not required to deposit in the trial court money or a

bond as provided by Section 21.021(a), Property Code.

(c) In a condemnation proceeding brought by the district, the

district is not required to:

(1) pay in advance or provide a bond or other security for costs

in the trial court;

(2) provide a bond for the issuance of a temporary restraining

order or a temporary injunction; or

(3) provide a bond for costs or a supersedeas bond on an appeal

or writ of error.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.110. GIFTS AND ENDOWMENTS. The board may accept for

the district a gift or endowment to be held in trust and

administered by the board for the purposes and under the

directions, limitations, or provisions prescribed in writing by

the donor that are not inconsistent with the proper management

and objectives of the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.111. CONTRACTS FOR CARE AND TREATMENT. (a) The board

may contract with a hospital, hospital authority, or political

subdivision of this state located outside the district's

boundaries to reimburse the district for the care and treatment

of a sick or injured person of that entity.

(b) The board may contract with this state or a federal agency

for the state or agency to reimburse the district for the

treatment of a sick or injured person.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.112. CONTRACTS WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES FOR

INVESTIGATORY OR OTHER SERVICES. The board may contract with a

political subdivision or governmental agency to provide

investigatory or other services related to facilities for the

medical care, hospital, or welfare needs of district inhabitants.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.113. PROVISION OF SERVICES OUTSIDE DISTRICT. Subject

to board approval the district may provide primary care,

emergency services, preventative medical services, and other

health-related services outside the district, provided that the

services serve the purpose of the district as established by this

chapter.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.114. JOINT ADMINISTRATION OR DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE

SERVICES. (a) To provide joint administration or delivery of

health care services, the district may contract with, affiliate

with, or enter into another arrangement with:

(1) a managed care system;

(2) a preferred provider organization;

(3) a health maintenance organization;

(4) another provider of an alternative health care or delivery

system; or

(5) a private hospital.

(b) The district may spend district money to establish and

maintain a partnership, corporation, or other entity involved in

the delivery of health care services.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.115. PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT; PROCEDURES. (a) When a

patient who resides in Castro County is admitted to a district

facility, the board shall have an inquiry made into the

circumstances of:

(1) the patient; and

(2) the patient's relatives who are legally liable for the

patient's support.

(b) If an agent designated by the district to handle the inquiry

determines that the patient or those relatives cannot pay all or

part of the costs of the patient's care and treatment in the

hospital, the amount of the costs that cannot be paid becomes a

charge against the district.

(c) If it is determined that the patient or those relatives are

liable to pay for all or part of the costs of the patient's care

and treatment, the patient or those relatives shall be ordered to

pay to the district's treasurer a specified amount each week for

the patient's support. The amount ordered must be proportionate

to the person's financial ability and may not exceed the actual

per capita cost of maintenance.

(d) The district may collect the amount from the patient's

estate, or from any relative who is legally liable for the

patient's support, in the manner provided by law for the

collection of expenses of the last illness of a deceased person.

(e) If there is a dispute as to the ability to pay, or doubt in

the mind of the district's designated agent, the board shall hold

a hearing and, after calling witnesses, shall:

(1) resolve the dispute or doubt; and

(2) issue an appropriate order.

(f) Either party to the dispute may appeal the order to the

district court.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.116. REIMBURSEMENT FOR SERVICES. (a) The board shall

require a county, municipality, or public hospital located

outside the district to reimburse the district for the district's

care and treatment of a sick or injured person for whom that

county, municipality, or public hospital has an obligation to

provide care, as provided by Chapter 61, Health and Safety Code.

(b) The board shall seek reimbursement under Article 104.002,

Code of Criminal Procedure, for the district's care and treatment

of a person who is confined in a Castro County jail facility and

is not a district resident.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

For expiration of Subsections (a-1) and (e), see Subsection (e).

Sec. 1013.117. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. (a) The district may

create and sponsor a nonprofit corporation under the Business

Organizations Code and may contribute money to or solicit money

for the corporation.

(a-1) On or before December 31, 2009, the district may create

and sponsor a nonprofit corporation under the Texas Non-Profit

Corporation Act (Article 1396-1.01 et seq., Vernon's Texas Civil

Statutes) or the Business Organizations Code, as applicable, and

may contribute money to or solicit money for the corporation.

(b) The corporation may use money, other than money the

corporation pays to the district, only to provide health care or

other services the district is authorized to provide under this

chapter.

(c) The corporation may invest the corporation's money in any

manner in which the district may invest the district's money,

including investing money as authorized by Chapter 2256,

Government Code.

(d) The board shall establish controls to ensure that the

corporation uses its money as required by this section.

(e) This subsection and Subsection (a-1) expire December 31,

2009.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.118. AUTHORITY TO SUE AND BE SUED. As a governmental

agency, the district may sue and be sued in its own name in any

court of this state.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 1013.151. BUDGET. The board annually shall require a

budget to be prepared for the next fiscal year that includes:

(1) proposed expenditures and disbursements;

(2) estimated receipts and collections; and

(3) the amount of taxes required to be imposed for the year.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.152. PROPOSED BUDGET: NOTICE AND HEARING. (a) The

board shall hold a public hearing on the proposed budget.

(b) Notice of the hearing must be published at least once in a

newspaper of general circulation in Castro County not later than

the 10th day before the date of the hearing.

(c) Any district taxpayer is entitled to:

(1) appear at the time and place designated in the notice; and

(2) be heard regarding any item included in the proposed budget.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.153. FISCAL YEAR. The district operates on a fiscal

year established by the board.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.154. ANNUAL AUDIT. (a) The board annually shall have

an independent audit made of the district's books and records for

the fiscal year.

(b) Not later than December 31 each year, the audit shall be

filed:

(1) with the comptroller; and

(2) at the district office.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.155. DEPOSITORY OR TREASURER. (a) The board by

resolution shall designate a bank or banks in Castro County as

the district's depository or treasurer. A designated bank serves

for three years and until a successor is designated.

(b) All district money shall be secured in the manner provided

for securing county funds.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.156. AUTHORITY TO BORROW MONEY; SECURITY. (a) The

board may borrow money for district purposes on district credit

or secured by district revenue. The rate may not exceed the

maximum annual percentage rate allowed by law for district

obligations at the time the loan is made.

(b) To secure a loan, the board may pledge:

(1) district revenue that is not pledged to pay the district's

bonded indebtedness;

(2) a district tax to be imposed by the district in the next

12-month period that is not pledged to pay the principal of or

interest on district bonds; or

(3) district bonds that have been authorized but not sold.

(c) A loan for which taxes or bonds are pledged must mature not

later than the first anniversary of the date the loan is made. A

loan for which district revenue is pledged must mature not later

than the fifth anniversary of the date the loan is made.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER E. BONDS

Sec. 1013.201. GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. The board may issue

and sell general obligation bonds in the name and on the faith

and credit of the district for any purpose relating to:

(1) the purchase, construction, acquisition, repair, or

renovation of buildings or improvements; and

(2) equipping buildings or improvements for hospital purposes.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.202. TAX TO PAY GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. (a) At the

time general obligation bonds are issued by the district under

Section 1013.201, the board shall impose an ad valorem tax at a

rate sufficient to create an interest and sinking fund to pay the

principal of and interest on the bonds as the bonds mature.

(b) The tax required by this section together with any other ad

valorem tax the district imposes may not in any year exceed 75

cents on each $100 valuation of all taxable property in the

district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.203. GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ELECTION. (a) The

district may issue general obligation bonds only if the bonds are

authorized by a majority of the district voters voting at an

election held for that purpose.

(b) The board may order the election on its own motion.

(c) The order calling the election must specify:

(1) the location of the polling places;

(2) the presiding election officers;

(3) the purpose of the bond issuance;

(4) the amount of the bonds to be authorized;

(5) the maximum interest rate of the bonds; and

(6) the maximum maturity of the bonds.

(d) Notice of a bond election shall be given by publishing a

substantial copy of the order calling the election in a newspaper

of general circulation in Castro County once a week for two

consecutive weeks before the date of the election. The first

publication must occur at least 14 days before the date of the

election.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.204. MATURITY OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. District

general obligation bonds must mature not later than 40 years

after the date of issuance.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.205. EXECUTION OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. (a) The

board president shall execute the general obligation bonds in the

district's name.

(b) The board secretary shall countersign the bonds.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.206. REVENUE BONDS. (a) The board may issue revenue

bonds in the name and on the faith and credit of the district to:

(1) purchase, construct, acquire, repair, or renovate buildings

or improvements;

(2) equip buildings or improvements for hospital purposes; or

(3) acquire real property for hospital purposes.

(b) The bonds must be payable from and secured by a pledge of

all or part of the revenue derived from the operation of the

district's hospital system.

(c) The bonds may be additionally secured by a mortgage or deed

of trust on all or part of district property.

(d) The bonds must be issued in the manner provided by Sections

264.042, 264.043, and 264.046-264.049, Health and Safety Code,

for issuance of revenue bonds by a county hospital authority.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.207. REFUNDING BONDS. (a) The board may, without an

election, issue refunding bonds to refund outstanding bonds

issued or assumed by the district.

(b) A refunding bond may be:

(1) sold, with the proceeds of the refunding bonds applied to

the payment of the bonds to be refunded; or

(2) exchanged wholly or partly for not less than a similar

amount of outstanding bonds and the unpaid matured interest on

the bonds.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.208. BONDS EXEMPT FROM TAXATION. The following are

exempt from taxation by this state or a political subdivision of

this state:

(1) bonds issued by the district;

(2) any transaction relating to the bonds; and

(3) profits made in the sale of the bonds.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER F. TAXES

Sec. 1013.251. IMPOSITION OF AD VALOREM TAX. (a) On final

approval of the annual budget, the board may impose a tax on all

property in the district subject to district taxation.

(b) The tax may be used to pay:

(1) indebtedness issued or assumed by the district; and

(2) the maintenance and operating expenses of the district.

(c) The district may not impose a tax to pay the principal of or

interest on revenue bonds issued by the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.252. TAX RATE. (a) The board may impose the tax at a

rate not to exceed the limit approved by the voters at the

election authorizing the imposition of the tax.

(b) The tax rate for all purposes may not exceed 75 cents on

each $100 valuation of all taxable property in the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.253. TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR. (a) The board may

provide for the appointment of a tax assessor-collector for the

district or may contract for the assessment and collection of

taxes as provided by the Tax Code.

(b) The tax assessor-collector shall assess and collect taxes

imposed by the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER G. DISSOLUTION

Sec. 1013.301. DISSOLUTION; ELECTION. (a) The district may be

dissolved only on approval of a majority of the district voters

voting in an election held for that purpose.

(b) The board may order an election on the question of

dissolving the district and disposing of the district's assets

and obligations.

(c) The board shall order an election if the board receives a

petition requesting an election that is signed by a number of

district residents equal to at least 15 percent of the registered

voters in the district.

(d) The order calling the election must state:

(1) the nature of the election, including the proposition to

appear on the ballot;

(2) the date of the election;

(3) the hours during which the polls will be open; and

(4) the location of the polling places.

(e) Section 41.001(a), Election Code, does not apply to an

election ordered under this section.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.302. NOTICE OF ELECTION. (a) The board shall give

notice of an election under this subchapter by publishing once a

week for two consecutive weeks the election order in a newspaper

with general circulation in the district.

(b) The first publication of the notice must appear not later

than the 35th day before the date set for the election.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.303. BALLOT. The ballot for an election under this

subchapter must be printed to permit voting for or against the

proposition: "The dissolution of the Castro County Hospital

District."

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.304. ELECTION RESULTS. (a) If a majority of the

votes in an election under this subchapter favor dissolution, the

board shall find that the district is dissolved.

(b) If a majority of the votes in the election do not favor

dissolution, the board shall continue to administer the district

and another election on the question of dissolution may not be

held before the first anniversary of the date of the most recent

election to dissolve the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.305. TRANSFER OR ADMINISTRATION OF ASSETS. (a) If a

majority of the votes in the election held under this subchapter

favor dissolution, the board shall:

(1) transfer the land, buildings, improvements, equipment, and

other assets that belong to the district to Castro County or

another governmental agency in Castro County; or

(2) administer the property, assets, and debts until all money

has been disposed of and all district debts have been paid or

settled.

(b) If the board makes the transfer under Subsection (a)(1), the

county or agency assumes all debts and obligations of the

district at the time of the transfer, and the district is

dissolved.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.306. SALE OR TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES. (a)

The district may not be dissolved unless the board provides for

the sale or transfer of the district's assets and liabilities to

another person.

(b) The dissolution of the district and the sale or transfer of

the district's assets or liabilities may not contravene a trust

indenture or bond resolution relating to the district's

outstanding bonds. The dissolution and sale or transfer does not

diminish or impair the rights of a holder of an outstanding bond,

warrant, or other obligation of the district.

(c) The sale or transfer of the district's assets and

liabilities must satisfy the debt and bond obligations of the

district in a manner that protects the interests of district

residents, including the residents' collective property rights in

the district's assets.

(d) The district may not transfer or dispose of the district's

assets except for due compensation unless:

(1) the transfer is made to another governmental agency that

serves the district; and

(2) the transferred assets are to be used for the benefit of the

district's residents.

(e) A grant from federal funds is an obligation to be repaid in

satisfaction.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.307. IMPOSITION OF TAX AND RETURN OF SURPLUS TAXES.

(a) After the board finds that the district is dissolved, the

board shall:

(1) determine the debt owed by the district; and

(2) impose on the property included in the district's tax rolls

a tax that is in proportion of the debt to the property value.

(b) On the payment of all outstanding debts and obligations of

the district, the board shall order the secretary to return to

each district taxpayer the taxpayer's pro rata share of all

unused tax money.

(c) A taxpayer may request that the taxpayer's share of surplus

tax money be credited to the taxpayer's county taxes. If a

taxpayer requests the credit, the board shall direct the

secretary to transmit the money to the county tax

assessor-collector.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1013.308. REPORT; DISSOLUTION ORDER. (a) After the

district has paid all its debts and has disposed of all its money

and other assets as prescribed by this subchapter, the board

shall file a written report with the Commissioners Court of

Castro County summarizing the board's actions in dissolving the

district.

(b) Not later than the 10th day after the date the Commissioners

Court of Castro County receives the report and determines that

the requirements of this subchapter have been fulfilled, the

commissioners court shall enter an order dissolving the district

and releasing the board from any further duty or obligation.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.