BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2083

By: Solomons

Appropriations

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, included in the 2008-2009 budget funding for the higher education employees group insurance contribution for health insurance premiums of community college employees whose salaries were eligible to be paid from state money, regardless of the source of funds for their salaries.  However, such funds included in the budget were vetoed by Governor Perry.  H.B. 2083 ensures that funds for healthcare premiums for junior college employees eligible to be paid from state funds are included in the state budget.

H.B. 2083 requires the board of trustees established to administer the Employees Retirement System of Texas to include eligible public junior college employees in determining the amount necessary to pay the state's contributions for the coverage under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act.

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

H.B. 2083 amends the Insurance Code to require the board of trustees established to administer the Employees Retirement System of Texas to include eligible public junior college employees in determining the amount necessary to pay the state's contribution for the coverages under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act.  The bill provides that, for purposes of its provisions, a public junior college employee is eligible if the employee is otherwise eligible to participate in the group benefits program and is an instructional or administrative employee whose salary may be fully paid from funds appropriated under the General Appropriations Act, regardless of whether the salary is actually paid from appropriated funds.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.