AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

With more frequent deployments for State, National Guard, and U.S. Military units to the border and overseas locations, individuals who are employed by state and local governments need to be reassured that their employment benefits will be restored to them immediately upon on their return to employment. Current statute is ambiguous as to when these benefits are resumed, potentially leaving many families and individuals in a coverage gap.

 

H.B. 437 amends Section 1551.1055 (Date Eligibility Begins; Waiting Period) and Section 1601.1045 (Date Eligibility Begins; Waiting Period) of the Insurance Code by adding Subsections (e). Subsections (e) codify into law that eligibility under Section 1551.101 and 1601.1045 for an employee reemployed under Chapter 613 (Reemployment Following Military Service), Government Code, begins on the first day of reemployment on which the employee performs services for a state agency.

                                   

H.B. 437 amends current law relating to eligibility to participate in health benefit programs for certain state employees reemployed after military service.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 1551.1055, Insurance Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e), as follows:

 

(a) Adds a reference to Subsection (e) and makes no further change to this subsection.

 

(e) Provides that eligibility under Section 1551.101 (Participation Eligibility: State Officers and Employees) for an employee reemployed under Chapter 613 (Reemployment Following Military Service), Government Code, begins on the first day of reemployment on which the employee performs services for a state agency.

 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 1601.1045, Insurance Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e), as follows:

 

(a) Adds a reference to Subsection (e) and makes no further change to this subsection.

 

(e) Provides that eligibility under Section 1601.101 (Participation Eligibility: Employees) for an employee reemployed under Chapter 613, Government Code, begins on the first day of reemployment on which the employee performs services for a system.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2015.