Bill Caption

Relating to the establishment of the emergency medical services assistance program. 

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated from provisions of the bill related to establishment and administration of the emergency medical services assistance program. The fiscal impact of providing financial and educational assistance to eligible emergency medical services providers cannot be determined because insufficient information is available.

The Act would only take effect is funds are appropriated specifically for this purpose in a general appropriations act by the 85th Legislature.

Bill Analysis

This bill would establish an emergency medical services assistance program to provide financial and educational assistance to eligible emergency medical services personnel. The bill would give the executive commissioner power to adopt rules necessary to implement the program including determining eligibility and establishing requirements for the educational curriculum. The program would be funded using money from the permanent fund for emergency medical services and trauma care established under Section 403.106 Government Code, and at least 60% of grants provided must be provided to emergency medical services personally providing services to a rural area. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 1407 violates our limited government and personal responsibility principles by creating a new state subsidy program to provide educational assistance to a preferred class of people. We oppose HB 1407.