MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

11:00 AM

4455 University Dr., Houston, TX 77204

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce was held on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 4455 University Dr., Houston, TX 77204.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Kelly Hancock, Chair		Senator Larry Taylor
Senator Brandon Creighton, Vice Chair		Senator Judith Zaffirini
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Craig Estes
Senator Robert Nichols
Senator Charles Schwertner
Senator John Whitmire

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The chair called the meeting to order at 11:00 AM. The following business was transacted:

Chairman Hancock made opening remarks, and the University of Houston Chancellor, Renu Khator welcomed everyone to the university.

The roll was called at 11:04 AM. A quorum was present.

Chairman Hancock opened invited testimony on the Texas Department of Insurance Data call. Witnesses testifying are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the invited testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out the first interim charge of the hearing: Study the factors affecting health insurance markets in Texas, particularly the individual market, including federal and state law. Make recommendations that would result in increased stability in the markets and enhance value and affordability for individual consumers and businesses. Examine what steps the state needs to take to allow out-of-state health insurance sales. In developing its recommendations, the committee should consider the flexibility afforded to states by 1332 "state innovation" waivers, which allow states to modify or eliminate tax penalties associated with individual and employer coverage mandates; modify requirements for benefits and subsidies; and find alternative ways to provide benefit plan choices, determine eligibility for subsidies, and enroll consumers.

Chairman Hancock opened invited testimony on the interim charge. Witnesses testifying are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the invited testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out the second interim charge of the hearing: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce during the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, including: the settlement of out-of-network health benefit claims involving balance billing and patient's explanation of benefits statements; and make recommendations regarding any additional legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.

There being no further business, at 1:07 PM Senator Hancock moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Kelly Hancock, Chair

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Tatum Reagan, Clerk