S.B. 959 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 959
By: Duncan
County Affairs
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 
This bill amends Section 615.073(b) of the Government Code to allow
eligible surviving spouses, which would include peace officers, employee
of an institutional division or state jail division of the Department of
Criminal Justice, jailer of a county jail, firefighters, and aircraft
crash rescue personnel.  Current statute allows for eligible surviving
spouses to continue benefits for coverage through a self-insured plan, but
does not include a fully insured plan.  A large number of small to
mid-size cities do not self-insure employees, but use services of
insurance carriers.  This bill will enable surviving spouses and
dependents of city employees of high risk, public safety positions, to
continue to have health insurance benefits regardless of the type of plan
the municipality currently has. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS
Section 615.073(b)(1) adds (A) which includes a health insurance policy or
health benefit plan written by a health insurer and adds the title (B). 

EFFECTIVE DATE
Effective immediately if two-thirds majority approve or September 1, 2003.