By: Oliverson H.B. No. 3924
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the operation of and coverage by a nonprofit
  agricultural organization.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Title 8, Insurance Code, is amended by adding
  Subtitle N to read as follows:
  SUBTITLE N. NONPROFIT AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION COVERAGE
  CHAPTER 1699. NONPROFIT AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION COVERAGE
         Sec. 1699.001.  DEFINITION OF NONPROFIT AGRICULTURAL
  ORGANIZATION. As used in this chapter, "nonprofit agricultural
  organization" means an organization:
               (1)  that is tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code
  under Section 501(c) (5)
               (2)  that is domiciled in Texas;
               (3)  that was in existence before 1940;
               (4)  the members of which include residents of at least
  98% of the counties in Texas;
               (5)  that collects annual dues from its members; and
               (6)  that was created to promote and develop the most
  profitable and desirable system of agriculture and the most
  wholesome and satisfactory conditions of rural life in accordance
  with its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
         Sec. 1699.002  NONPROFIT AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION
  COVERAGE. As used in this chapter, "nonprofit agricultural
  organization coverage" means health benefit coverage provided
  under this chapter that is: (1) sponsored by: (a) a nonprofit
  agricultural organization; or (b) an affiliate of a nonprofit
  agricultural organization (2) offered only to: (a) members of the
  nonprofit agricultural organization; and (b) families of the
  members of the nonprofit agricultural organization; (3) deemed by
  the nonprofit agricultural organization to be important in
  assisting its members to live long and productive lives (4) not
  considered insurance under this title or any other provision of
  Texas law; and (5) not subject to the regulatory authority of the
  department of insurance under this title or any other provision of
  Texas law.
         1699.003 ACKNOWLDEGEMENT.
         (a)  An individual applying for nonprofit agricultural
  organization coverage under this chapter shall be notified by the
  nonprofit agricultural organization and must acknowledge that the
  nonprofit agricultural organization coverage:(1) is not considered
  insurance; and (2) is not subject to the administrative rules of the
  Texas Department of Insurance.
         (b)  The acknowledgement required by subsection (a) must be
  in writing and signed by the individual. The nonprofit agricultural
  organization shall: (1) keep a copy of the written acknowledgement
  for the duration of the contract under which the individual is
  provided coverage under this chapter; and (2) provide a copy of the
  acknowledgment to the individual at the individual's request.
         Sec. 1681.004.  EXEMPTION. Notwithstanding any other
  provision of this code, a nonprofit agricultural organization that
  acts in accordance with this chapter is not considered to be
  engaging in the business of insurance.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2022.