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.