Amend CSSB 1370 as follows:                                                  
	(1) In ARTICLE 2 of the bill, insert the following new 
SECTION, appropriately numbered:
	SECTION 2._____. Section 1551.006, Insurance Code, as 
effective June 1, 2003, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read 
as follows:
	(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), The Texas A&M University 
System, including the Texas Veterinary Medical Laboratory, 
participates in the group benefits program if, not later than 
November 1, 2004, the system notifies the board of trustees of the 
system's election to participate.  If notice is provided as 
required by this subsection, the employees and annuitants of the 
system, including the veterinary medical laboratory, and the 
dependents of those employees and annuitants, participate in the 
group benefits program effective not later than September 1, 2005.  
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, the Texas 
A&M University System may elect to participate in the group 
benefits program under this subsection only if the Employees 
Retirement System determines pursuant to the actuarial study 
required by HB 1, Acts of the 78th Legislature, 2003, that 
participation under this subsection will not result in additional 
cost to the state.
	(2) In ARTICLE 4 of the bill, insert the following new 
SECTION, appropriately numbered:
	SECTION 4._____.  Subchapter A, Chapter 1601, Insurance Code, 
as effective June 1, 2003, is amended by adding Section 1601.011, 
Insurance Code, to read as follows:
	Sec. 1601.011.  PARTICIPATION OF THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY 
SYSTEM.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if 
The Texas A&M University System elects to participate in the group 
benefits program under Section 1551.006(c), that system, including 
the Texas Veterinary Medical Laboratory, does not participate in a 
uniform program established under this chapter, effective on the 
date participation in the group benefits program under Chapter 1551 
begins.
	(3) Renumber SECTIONS of the bill appropriately.