SRC-MAX H.B. 707 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 707 By: Hamric (Galloway) Intergovernmental Relations 4-18-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, Texas law requires county employees' request for payroll deductions for the payment of insurance premiums to be in writing, and prohibits payroll deductions for the purpose of paying insurance premiums from exceeding the amount stated in the request. Generally, the amount deducted usually varies each year due to insurance rate increases, which causes county employees to annually submit written requests for payroll deductions. This bill allows counties to notify employees about insurance premium rate increases in the county's benefit plan without requiring the employee to annually file individual paperwork. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 707 sets forth provisions regarding payroll deductions for insurance premiums paid by certain employees. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 155.062, Local Government Code, to delete provisions requiring a request for an insurance deduction to be in writing. Provides that the request remains in effect until the county officer authorized to administer the insurance deductions (officer) receives a notice of change, rather than a written notice of revocation signed by the official or employee. Prohibits an insurance deduction from exceeding the amount stated in the request plus the amount of any change in applicable insurance premiums imposed after the date the request for deduction is submitted. Requires the officer to provide written notice of the change to each affected employee in certain circumstances. Requires the notice to be provided before the change takes place. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.