SRC-TNM S.B. 14 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 14 By: Harris State Affairs 4-23-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, long-term care insurance is becoming increasingly important as the population ages. In general, purchasing insurance by a large pool of individuals allows for low-cost coverage for all those in the pool. S.B. 14 would create the Public Employees Long-Term Care Board and allow all public employees to purchase long-term care insurance through the pool. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 14 outlines provisions regarding long-term care for public 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 Chapter 3E, Insurance Code, by adding Article 3.50-2A, as follows: Art. 3.50-2A. LONG-TERM CARE FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES Sec. 1. LONG-TERM CARE BOARD. Sets forth requirements and provisions regarding the establishment of the Public Employees Long-Term Care Board (board). Sec. 2. EMPLOYEES AND CONSULTANTS. Authorizes the board to employ and contract with persons to assist it in performing its powers and duties under this article and to determine their duties and compensation. Sec. 3. LONG-TERM CARE COVERAGE. Sets forth requirements and outlines provisions regarding long-term health coverage. Sec. 4. ENROLLMENT. Sets forth requirements and outlines provisions regarding enrollment in the long-term care program. Sec. 5. PUBLIC EMPLOYEES LONG-TERM CARE FUND. Sets forth requirements and outlines provisions regarding the establishment of the public employees long-term care fund. Sec. 6. INVESTMENT OF FUND. Sets forth provisions regarding the investment of the assets of the long-term care fund. Sec. 7. IMPLEMENTATION. Requires the board to implement the long-term care program developed under this article when the board determines that it is feasible to do so. SECTION 2. Provides that if the board does not implement the long-term care program under Article 3.50-2A, Insurance Code, as added by this Act, before January 1, 1999, the board is required to prepare and file a report with the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives before that date making its recommendations for the resources necessary to implement the program. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.