Texas Senate Bill SB753

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the waiting period for eligibility for benefits under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act.

Impact

This change is significant as it offers more immediate access to benefits for returning state employees, which could enhance retention and morale among state workers. The bill is poised to affect those who previously served in state roles and are re-entering the workforce, potentially improving their financial security by reducing the waiting time associated with their benefits. However, this could also have budgetary implications for the state, depending on the number of employees who choose to return and claim benefits sooner than they would under the previous law.

Summary

SB753 seeks to amend the eligibility criteria for benefits under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act. Specifically, the bill modifies the waiting period for employees who return to state service. Under the current law, employees must wait until the first day of the calendar month following a 90-day period of service before becoming eligible for benefits. However, the proposed amendment allows employees who have had at least 90 days of state service credit to become eligible for benefits immediately upon their return to state service.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding SB753 will likely revolve around its long-term fiscal impact and the balance between providing quicker benefits to workers and the sustainability of benefit programs. While supporters may argue that the bill promotes better workforce stability and encourages skilled professionals to return to public service, opponents could raise concerns about the foreseeable costs associated with increasing the number of employees eligible for state benefits sooner than expected.