LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

February 16, 2005

TO:	Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB261 by Williams (Relating to the creation of a program to educate the public on the value of health coverage and to increase public awareness of health coverage options.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Insurance Code and require the Department of Insurance to develop and implement a health coverage awareness and education program to increase public awareness of health coverage options and educate the public on the value of health coverage.  It would require the development of public service announcements and an Internet website designed to educate the public.  The Department of Insurance indicates that any additional work resulting from the passage of the bill could be reasonably absorbed within current resources.

The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in each house.  If the bill does not receive a two-thirds vote in each house, the bill would take effect September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

359 Office of Public Insurance Counsel, 454 Department of Insurance, 529 Health and Human Services Commission

LBB Staff:

JOB, SR, MW, NV