SRC-TNM H.B. 1700 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1700
By: Rangel (sponsor)
Education
5-15-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law provides that health insurance programs offered to
employees by local school districts must be comparable to the state
employees' health insurance program.  The Teacher Retirement System (TRS)
is responsible for registering the comparability of local district plans
through a written confirmation by each school district superintendent.
There is concern that current law and TRS procedures do not adequately
establish a genuine standard of comparability of factors such as health
coverage benefits, copayments, deductibles, and premiums.  H.B. 1700 would
establish a process by which TRS will review and report the substantial
similarities of local school district health insurance plans to the basic
state employees health insurance program. 
 
PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1700 outlines provisions regarding group health coverage
for school district employees. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
under SECTION 1 (Section 22.004(a), Education Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 22.004, Education Code, to redefine "major
medical treatment."  Sets forth requirements regarding rules required to
be adopted by the board of trustees of the Teacher Retirement System of
Texas.  Sets forth requirements regarding reporting a school district's
compliance with this subsection.  Sets forth requirements regarding the
comparability of group health coverage to health coverage provided under
Article 3.50-2, V.T.C.S. (Texas Employees Uniform Group Insurance Benefits
Act).  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1998-1999
school year. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.