BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1606

By: Guillen

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law regarding the supplemental optional benefits program for state employees does not include a qualified transportation benefit.  H.B. 1606 makes it possible for state employees to benefit, if they choose, from a transportation program by adding a qualified transportation benefit to the optional benefits program provided to state employees.

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. 1606 amends the Government Code to require the supplemental optional benefits program designated by the Employees Retirement System of Texas, for which a state agency employee may authorize a salary or wage deduction, to include a qualified transportation benefit. The bill makes a conforming change.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.