HB 812 -- PUBLIC HOSPITALS (Berkowitz)

This bill increases the maximum allowable tax levy for county
and district hospitals from 50 cents to $1 on the hundred
dollars of assessed valuation.  Any ballot proposal in which the
maximum levy exceeds 50 cents must be published in a newspaper
of general circulation or the hospital board must make made
available a summary description of its plans for using the money
for ongoing hospital operations.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 812 -- PUBLIC HOSPITALS

CO-SPONSORS:  Berkowitz, Summers, Koller, Klindt, Wiggins,
Merideth

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Local Government and Related Matters by a vote of 17 to 0.

This bill increases the maximum allowable tax levy for county
and district hospitals from 50 cents to $1 on the hundred
dollars of assessed valuation.  Any ballot proposal in which the
maximum levy exceeds 50 cents must be published in a newspaper
of general circulation or the hospital board must make made
available a summary description of its plans for using the money
for ongoing hospital operations.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that many rural hospitals need
additional revenue, especially as Medicare payments are being
reduced.  Eight rural hospitals have revenue problems.  The
voters will have to approve any increase in taxes.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Berkowitz and
Summers; Sullivan County Municipal Hospital; Missouri Hospital
Association; and Putnam County Hospital.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

HB 812 -- Public Hospitals

Co-Sponsors:  Berkowitz, Summers, Koller, Klindt, Wiggins,
Merideth

This bill increases the maximum allowable tax levy for county
and district hospitals from 50 cents to $1 on the hundred
dollars of assessed valuation.  Any ballot proposal in which the
maximum levy exceeds 50 cents must be published in a newspaper
of general circulation or must be made available a summary
description of the hospital boards plans for using the money for
ongoing hospital operations.