Governor Abbott vetoes HB 463 (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. 463 as passed by the Eighty-Sixth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
House Bill 463, by mandating that air ambulance companies enter into reciprocity agreements, would unnecessarily intrude into the operations of private businesses and could very well reduce the availability of products that protect rural Texans from expensive air ambulance bills. The author was understandably trying to help Texans, but this bill likely runs afoul of federal law and could have unintended consequences. The Legislature and the federal government should find better ways to address the high costs of air ambulance services.
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.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor