Governor Abbott vetoes HB 651 (86R)
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto House Bill No. 651 as passed by the Eighty-Sixth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
I have signed House Bill 4289, which grants counties, cities, and hospital districts the authority to establish a health care provider participation program. In light of House Bill 4289, House Bill 651 is unnecessary because it sought to achieve the same purpose and similarly would grant authority to establish these programs, but only for certain counties. I am grateful to Representative Springer and Senator Kolkhorst for working to address this important issue.
Since the Eighty-Sixth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this 15th day of June, 2019.