BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1513
79R4627 PB-D By: Averitt
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, the state appropriates funds for four insurance programs that are located at the Employees Retirement System, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, The University of Texas System, and Texas A&M University System. Each insurance program is developed and administered separately by each state agency. As proposed, S.B. 1513 creates a new division of health insurance at the Texas Department of Insurance to be responsible for administering the state-funded insurance programs.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the commissioner of insurance in SECTION 2.001 (Section 524.002, Insurance Code), SECTION 3.105 (Section 1575.052, Insurance Code), SECTION 3.139 (Section 1576.006, Insurance Code), SECTION 3.203 (Section 1579.052, Insurance Code), SECTION 3.303 (Section 1601.052, Insurance Code), SECTION 3.325 (Section 1625.003, Insurance Code), SECTION 4.001, and SECTION 4.002 of this bill.
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas is transferred to the commissioner of insurance in SECTION 3.002 (Section 1551.009, Insurance Code), SECTION 3.005 (Section 1551.052, Insurance Code), SECTION 3.026 (Section 1551.201, Insurance Code), SECTION 3.030 (Section 1551.206, Insurance Code), and SECTION 3.051 (Section 1552.006, Insurance Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas is modified in SECTION 3.005 (Section 1551.052, Insurance Code) and SECTION 3.325 (Section 1625.003, Insurance Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas is transferred to the health insurance division of the Texas Department of Insurance in SECTION 3.025 (Section 1551.159, Insurance Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas is modified in SECTION 3.105. (Section 1575.052, Insurance Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas is transferred to the commissioner of insurance in SECTION 3.207 (Section 1579.101, Insurance Code) and SECTION 3.208. (Section 1579.102, Insurance Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the governing boards of institutions of higher education is modified in SECTION 3.325 (Section 1625.003, Insurance Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas in SECTION 4.002 of this bill.
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the board of trustees of the Teachers Retirement System of Texas in SECTION 4.002 of this bill.
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the board of regents of The University of Texas System and the Texas A&M University System in SECTION 4.002 of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
ARTICLE 1. HEALTH INSURANCE DIVISION
SECTION 1.001. Amends Chapter 31, Insurance Code, by adding Subchapter D, as follows:
SUBCHAPTER D. HEALTH INSURANCE DIVISION
Sec. 31.101. DEFINITION. Defines "division."
Sec. 32.102. DIVISION. (A) Requires the commissioner of insurance (commissioner) to establish and maintain a health insurance division (division) at the Texas Department of Insurance (department).
(b) Provides that the division is under the direction of a deputy commissioner appointed by the commissioner.
Sec. 31.103. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIVISION. Requires the division to ensure compliance with this code, other insurance laws, and commissioner rules relating to certain benefits and coverage, certain entities pertaining to health insurance, and certain insurance requirements adopted under this code.
Sec. 31.104. REFERENCE TO DEPARTMENT. Provides that to the extent consistent with Section 31.003 (Composition of Department), a reference to the department means the division in Subtitle C, Title 6 (Life, Health and Accident Insurers and Related Entities) and Title 8 (Health Insurance and Other Health Coverages).
SECTION 1.002. Amends Section 31.007, Insurance Code, as follows:
Sec. 31.007. New heading: REFERENCES TO BOARD; DEPARTMENT. (a) Creates this subsection from existing text.
(b) Provides that to the extent consistent with Section 31.103, a reference in this code or other law to the State Board of Insurance, the Board of Insurance Commissioners, an individual commissioner, the commissioner, or the department in relation to health insurance or other health coverage or benefits means the commissioner or the health insurance division of the department as consistent with the respective duties of the commissioner and the division under this code and other insurance laws.
ARTICLE 2. DATA COLLECTION ON UNINSURED TEXANS
SECTION 2.001. Amends Subtitle B, Title 5, Insurance Code by adding Chapter 524, as follows:
Sec. 524.001. DEFINITIONS. Defines "division," "health benefit plan," "program," and "uninsured individual."
Sec. 524.002. INFORMATION ON UNINSURED TEXANS; DATA COLLECTION PROGRAM; RULES. (a) Requires the division to develop and maintain a program to collect certain information and data pertaining to health benefit coverage in this state.
(b) Requires the program to include appropriate demographic information regarding uninsured individuals.
(c) Requires the commissioner to adopt certain rules necessary to implement this chapter.
(d) Authorizes the division to obtain information from employers and health benefit plan issuers as necessary to implement this chapter.
Sec. 524.003. REPORT. Requires the division to prepare at least annually a written report of the information collected under the program. Sets forth certain requirements pertaining to submission and availability of the report.
ARTICLE 3. ADMINISTRATION OF CERTAIN STATE
HEALTH BENEFIT PROGRAMS
PART 1. STATE EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
SECTION 3.001. Amends Section 1551.003, Insurance Code, by amending Subdivisions (1) and (3) to redefine "administering firm" and "basic coverage," and adding Subdivision (5-a) to define "division."
SECTION 3.002. Amends Section 1551.009, Insurance Code, as follows:
Sec. 1551.009. New heading: OTHER DEFINITIONS. Authorizes the commissioner, rather than the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas (board), to define by rule a word in terms necessary in the administration of this chapter.
SECTION 3.003. Section 1551.010, Insurance Code, is amended, as follow as follows:
Sec. 1551.010. New heading: APPROVAL FOR PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS OR REDUCTIONS. Prohibits a state agency from establishing, continuing, or authorizing payroll deductions or reductions for any benefit or coverage as provided by this chapter without the express approval of the board and the commissioner.
SECTION 3.004. Amends Section 1551.051, Insurance Code, as follows:
Sec. 1551.051. New heading: ADMINISTRATION. Requires the division to administer the group benefits program as provided by this chapter. Deletes exiting text vesting the administration and implementation of this chapter to the board.
SECTION 3.005. Amends Section 1551.052, Insurance Code, to authorize the board to adopt rules consistent with this chapter as it considers necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter administered by the board, including rules that provide standards for determining eligibility for participation in the group benefits program, including standards for determining disability. Authorizes the commissioner, rather than the board, to adopt rules, plans, procedures, or orders reasonably necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter administered by the division.
SECTION 3.006. Amends Section 1551.053, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.007. Amends Section 1551.055, Insurance Code, as follows:
Sec. 1551.055. New heading: GENERAL POWERS OF DIVISION AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGARDING COVERAGE PLANS. (a) Creates this subsection from existing text. Transfers certain authorizations of the board to the division. Makes modifications to these authorizations. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
(b) Sets forth certain actions the board is authorized to take.
SECTION 3.008. Amends Section 1551.056, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.009. Amends Section 1551.057, Insurance Code, as follows:
Sec. 1551.057. New heading: COMPENSATION OF PERSON EMPLOYED BY DIVISION. Makes conforming changes.
SECTION 3.010. Amends Section 1551.059, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.011. Amends Section 1551.060(a), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.012. Amends Section 1551.061, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.013. Amends Section 1551.062, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.014. Amends Sections 1551.063(a) and (c), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.015. Amends Sections 1551.064(a) and (b), Insurance Code, to provide that this section applies only to a group policy or contract described by Subchapter G, Chapter 1251 (Continuation of Group Coverage for Certain Family Members and Dependents), rather than Section 3B(a), Article 3.51-6. Makes modifications to requirements for a policy or contract executed under this chapter. Makes conforming changes.
SECTION 3.016. Amends Section 1551.065, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.017. Amends Section 1551.066(a), Insurance Code, to make modifications to the list of entities to which this section applies.
SECTION 3.018. Amends Section 1551.106, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.019. Amends Section 1551.108, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.020. Amends Section 1551.109(a), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.021. Amends Section 1551.110(a), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.022. Amends Sections 1551.114(d), (f), and (g), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.023. Amends Section 1551.151, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.024. Amends Section 1551.157, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.025. Amends Sections 1551.159(a)-(f), Insurance Code, as follows:
(a) and (b) Make conforming changes.
(c) Requires an employee seeking to obtain dependent child coverage to apply to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), rather than the Texas Department of Human Services, or other agency designated by HHSC to perform eligibility screening under this section. Makes a conforming change.
(d)-(f) Make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.026. Amends Section 1551.201, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.027. Amends Sections 1551.202(a) and (b), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.028. Amends Section 1551.203, Insurance Code, to make conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 3.029. Amends Section 1551.205, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.030. Amends Section 1551.206, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.031. Amends Section 1551.208, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.032. Amends Section 1551.210, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.033. Amends Sections 1551.211(a)-(d), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.034. Amends Section 1551.212, Insurance Code, to make conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 3.035. Amends Section 1551.213, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.036. Amends Section 1551.214, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.037. Amends Sections 1551.215(a) and (b), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.038. Amends Sections 1551.216(c) and (d), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.039. Amends Section 1551.218(c), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.040. Amends Section 1551.219, Insurance Code, as added by Chapter 213, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.041. Renumbers and amends Section 1551.219, Insurance Code, as added by Chapter 589, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, as Section 1551.220, Insurance Code, to redefine "disease management services," and to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.042. Amends Section 1551.301, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.043. Amends Section 1551.3015, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes
SECTION 3.044. Amends Sections 1551.302(a) and (b), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.045. Amends Section 1551.306(b), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.046. Amends Section 1551.308, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.047. Amends Sections 1551.309(a) and (c), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.048. Amends Section 1552.001, Insurance Code, to include the definition to "division."
SECTION 3.049. Amends Section 1552.002, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.050. Amends Section 1552.003, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.051. Amends Section 1552.006, Insurance Code, to make conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
PART 2. PUBLIC SCHOOL RETIRED EMPLOYEES PROGRAM
SECTION 3.101. Amends Section 1575.002, Insurance Code, by adding Subdivision (2-a) to define "division."
SECTION 3.102. Amends Section 1575.005, Insurance Code, to require at the time and in the circumstances specified by the division, rather than the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (trustee), a carrier to issue to each retiree, surviving spouse, or surviving dependent child covered under this chapter a certificate of coverage providing certain information.
SECTION 3.103. Section 1575.006(b), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.104. Amends Section 1575.051, Insurance Code, to require the division and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (trustee) to take the actions the division and the trustee consider necessary to devise, implement, and administer the provisions of this chapter relating to the respective duties of those entities regarding the group program.
SECTION 3.105. Amends Section 1575.052, Insurance Code, to require the commissioner and the trustee, rather than authorize only the trustee, as appropriate, to adopt rules, plans, procedures, and orders as reasonably necessary to implement this chapter. Transfers certain authorizations from the trustee to the division.
SECTION 3.106. Amends Section 1575.053, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.107. Amends Section 1575.054, Insurance Code, to require expenses incurred in developing and administering the group program to be paid as provided by a budget adopted by the commissioner for the division, rather than the trustee.
SECTION 3.108. Amends Section 1575.055, Insurance Code, as follows:
Sec. 1575.055. New heading: TRUSTEE ASSISTANCE. Requires the trustee, rather than the department, to, as requested by the division, rather than trustee, assist the division, rather than trustee, in implementing and administering this chapter.
SECTION 3.109. Amends Section 1575.102, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.110. Amends Section 1575.103, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.111. Amends Section 1575.104, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.112. Amends Section 1575.106, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.113. Amends Section 1575.107, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes and to delete existing text referring to fully justifying the reason [for awarding a contract] for the deviation in the minutes of the next meeting of the trustee.
SECTION 3.114. Amends Section 1575.108, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.115. Amends Section 1575.109, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.116. Amends Section 1575.151, Insurance Code, as follows:
(a) Creates this subsection from existing text. Makes modifications to authorized coverage to be included in a health benefit plan. Makes conforming changes.
(b) Authorizes the trustee to include in a plan for coverage other than health coverage certain coverage it considers advisable in addition to the health benefit plan described by Subsection (a).
SECTION 3.117. Amends Section 1575.153, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.118. Amends Section 1575.155(a), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.119. Amends Section 1575.158(a), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.120. Amends Section 1575.163, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.121. Amends Section 1575.170(c), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.122. Amends Section 1575.303(a), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.123. Amends Sections 1575.351(1) and (3), Insurance Code, to redefine "credentialing committee" and "network."
SECTION 3.124. Amends Section 1575.352, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.125. Amends Section 1575.353, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.126. Amends Section 1575.354, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.127. Amends Section 1575.355(a), Insurance Code, to make modifications to the list of entities that are not liable for damages arising from an act or omission of a health care provider participating in the network.
SECTION 3.128. Amends Section 1575.356, Insurance Code, to make modifications to the list of entities that are not liable for damages arising from an act, including a statement, determination, report of an act, or recommendation, committed without malice in the course of the evaluation of the qualifications of a health care provider or of the patient care provided by a health care provider participating in the network.
SECTION 3.129. Amends Section 1575.363(a), Insurance Code, to make modifications to the list of entities authorized to use otherwise confidential information obtained for legitimate internal business and professional purposes if named as a defendant in any civil action filed as a result of participation in the credentialing process.
SECTION 3.130. Amends Section 1575.406, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.131. Amends Sections 1575.451(b), (c), and (d), Insurance Code, as follows:
(b) Requires group coverage other than health coverage purchased under this chapter to provide for an accounting to the trustee by each carrier providing the coverage. Makes a conforming change.
(c) and (d) Make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.132. Amends Section 1575.452, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.133. Section 1575.453, Insurance Code, as follows:
Sec. 1575.453. New heading: STUDY AND REPORT. (a) Makes a conforming change.
(b) Requires the trustee and the division to submit a joint report to the legislature at each regular session on the operation and administration of this chapter
SECTION 3.134. Amends Section 1575.454, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.135. Repealer: Section 1575.056 (Transfer of Records Relating to Active Employee Program), Insurance Code.
SECTION 3.136. Amends Section 1576.001, Insurance Code, by adding Subdivision (1-a) to define "division."
SECTION 3.137. Amends Section 1576.002, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.138. Amends Section 1576.003, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.139. Amends Section 1576.006, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
PART 3. ACTIVE SCHOOL EMPLOYEES PROGRAMS
SECTION 3.201. Amends Section 1579.002, Insurance Code, by amending Subdivision (1) to redefine "administering firm" and adding Subdivision (3-a) to define "division."
SECTION 3.202. Amends Section 1579.051, Insurance Code, to require the division to implement and administer each health coverage plan described by this chapter. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 3.203. Amends Section 1579.052, Insurance Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e) to require the commissioner to adopt rules relating to health coverage plans offered under the program and administered by the division notwithstanding Subsections (a)-(d). Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 3.204. Amends Section 1579.053, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.205. Amends Section 1579.054, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.206. Amends Section 1579.055, Insurance Code, to require the division to record the deviation and fully justify the reason for the deviation if the division awards a contract to a bidder whose bid deviates from that advertised. Makes a conforming change.
SECTION 3.207. Amends Section 1579.101, Insurance Code, as follows:
Sec. 1579.101. New heading: PLANS OF GROUP HEALTH COVERAGES. Makes conforming changes.
SECTION 3.208. Amends Section 1579.102, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.209. Amends Section 1579.103, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.210. Amends Section 1579.154, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.211. Amends Section 1579.202(b), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.212. Amends Sections 1579.203(a) and (b), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.213. Amends Section 1579.303, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
PART 4. PROGRAMS FOR CERTAIN HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYEES
SECTION 3.301. Amends Section 1601.003, Insurance Code, by amending Subdivision (1) to redefine "administering carrier" and adding Subdivision (3-a) to define division."
SECTION 3.302. Amends Section 1601.051, Insurance Code, to require the division, notwithstanding Subsection (a), to administer a health benefit plan offered under the uniform program.
SECTION 3.303. Amends Section 1601.052, Insurance Code, to require the commissioner to adopt rules as necessary to implement a health benefit plan administered by the division under this chapter.
SECTION 3.304. Amends Section 1601.053, Insurance Code, to set out certain joint requirements for the division and The University of Texas and Texas A&M University Systems (system).
SECTION 3.305. Amends Section 1601.054, Insurance Code, to make conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 3.306. Amends Section 1601.055, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.307. Amends Section 1601.057, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.308. Amends Section 1601.058, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.309. Amends Section 1601.059, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.310. Amends Sections 1601.060(a) and (b), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.311. Amends Section 1601.061(b), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.312. Amends Section 1601.062, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.313. Amends Section 1601.104(a), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.314. Amends Section 1601.107, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.315. Amends Section 1601.109(b), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.316. Amends Section 1601.110(a) and (b), Insurance Code, to redefine "disease management services" and to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.317. Amends Section 1601.151(a), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.318. Amends Section 1601.152, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.319. Amends Section 1601.153, Insurance Code, as follows:
Sec. 1601.153. New heading: GROUP CONTRACTS. Makes conforming changes.
SECTION 3.320. Amends Section 1601.154(a), Insurance Code, to authorize a system join with a board of trustees that administers optional or voluntary coverages under the uniform program established under Chapter 1551 Texas Employees Groups Benefits Act or optional or voluntary coverages under the group program
SECTION 3.321. Amends Section 1601.155, Insurance Code, to authorize the division to arrange with an administering carrier issuing a health insurance policy under this chapter for the reinsurance of portions of the total amount of insurance under the policy with other carriers that elect to participate in the reinsurance. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 3.322. Amends Section 1601.204(b), Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.323. Amends Section 1601.210, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.324. Amends Sections 1601.307(a) and (b), Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3.325. Amends Section 1625.003, Insurance Code, to require, rather than authorize, the board of trustees, the governing boards of institutions of higher education, and the commissioner, as appropriate, to adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter.
SECTION 3.326. Amends Section 1625.004, Insurance Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 3.327. Amends Section 1625.005, Insurance Code, to make conforming changes.
ARTICLE 4. TRANSITION
SECTION 4.001. Requires the commissioner to adopt rules and issue orders as necessary to establish the health insurance division of the Texas Department of Insurance not later than November 1, 2005.
SECTION 4.002. (a) Requires the commissioner, in consultation with the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas, to adopt rules as necessary to administer Chapters 1551 and 1552, Insurance Code, as amended by this Act, not later than January 1, 2006.
(b) Requires the commissioner, in consultation with the board of trustees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, to adopt rules as necessary to administer Chapters 1575, 1576, and 1579, Insurance Code, as amended by this Act, not later than January 1, 2006.
(c) Requires the commissioner, in consultation with the board of regents of The University of Texas System and the board of regents of The Texas A&M University System, to adopt rules as necessary to administer Chapters 1601 and 1625, Insurance Code, as amended by this Act, not later than January 1, 2006.
SECTION 4.003. Provides that effective September 1, 2006, the changes in law made by this Act apply to coverage offered under Chapter 1551, 1552, 1575, 1576, 1579, 1601, or 1625.
SECTION 4.004. Provides that to the extent of any conflict, this Act prevails over another Act of the 79th Legislature, Regular Session, 2005, relating to nonsubstantive additions to and corrections in enacted codes (the General Code Update bill).
SECTION 4.005. Effective date September 1, 2005