Enrolled Bill Summary

            Under federal law, dependent children of state employees are ineligible for participation in the federally funded Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Senate Bill 1351 amends the Texas Employees Uniform Group Insurance Benefits Act to require the Employees Retirement System of Texas, subject to the General Appropriations Act and beginning on September 1, 2000, to fund 80 percent of the cost of basic coverage for dependent children of state employees who would otherwise be eligible for CHIP coverage. The act requires covered state employers to notify employees of their potential eligibility and establishes application, eligibility screening, and enrollment requirements for the program. The act also authorizes the state to contribute more than 80 percent of the cost of dependent coverage if funds are available.