(March 8, 2023) – Today, House Local Government Committee, chaired by Representative Emil Bergquist (R-Park City), held a hearing on Senate Bill 194. The legislation requires hospital district board members to be qualified electors of the county where the hospital is located or any adjacent county. However, the legislation still specifies the hospital board's majority to be composed of people residing in the county served and requires those serving in an adjacent county to own property inside the county in which they serve on the hospital board.

The committee heard from Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland) about the need for the legislation based on a situation in Logan, Thomas and Gove counties. Oakley, is split between two counties and creates difficulties for those wanting to serve on the hospital board. Sen. Billinger explained this issue has occurred twice in the last several years and he believes this legislation would help.

Committee members asked about the hardship in finding board members in rural areas, clarified this legislation applies to county hospitals and asked for a list of hospitals that could benefit by the legislation.