TX
Texas Senate Bill SB79

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB79

Filed
11/10/08  
Out of Senate Committee
3/26/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/9/09  
Out of House Committee
5/2/09  
Voted on by House
5/19/09  
Governor Action
6/19/09  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Enrolled
5/20/09  

Caption

Relating to specialty certification for insurance agents serving certain employer groups.

Impact

The bill impacts the Texas Insurance Code by adding a new subchapter that outlines the certification and training required. It emphasizes the importance of knowledgeable agents in the market for small employer health benefits, which could lead to improved service and better-informed decisions for smaller businesses. Additionally, the Texas Department of Insurance will maintain a list of certified agents, enhancing transparency for employers seeking assistance with health plans.

Summary

SB79 establishes a voluntary specialty certification program for insurance agents who market health benefit plans specifically to small employers in Texas. This program aims to ensure that agents have the necessary training to understand and communicate the complexities of small employer health benefit plans, as defined under existing Texas laws. To become certified, agents must hold a general insurance license, complete specific training, and pass an examination proving their knowledge in this area, which is tailored to the needs of small employers.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB79 include concerns over the additional regulatory burden it may impose on agents and potential barriers for those who wish to serve small employers. While advocates argue that the certification will enhance professional standards and ultimately benefit small businesses, some critics may view this process as an unnecessary hurdle that could limit competition in the insurance market. Furthermore, the specifics of the required continuing education and training courses could also lead to debates regarding the adequacy and relevance of such training in real-world scenarios.

Latest SB79 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1996

Relating to the regulation of group family leave insurance issued through an employer to pay for certain losses of income.

TX SB1618

Relating to the regulation of group family leave insurance issued through an employer to pay for certain losses of income.

TX SB1849

Relating to an interagency reportable conduct search engine, standards for a person's removal from the employee misconduct registry and eligibility for certification as certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department officers and employees, and the use of certain information by certain state agencies to conduct background checks.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB3251

Relating to an alternate board certification to signify accreditation within a given specialty in this state and medical care provided at certain health care facilities by physicians with an alternate board certification.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB1080

Relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification requirements for certain food service employees.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

Similar Bills

TX HB1297

Relating to a specialty certification for insurance agents who have completed certain training regarding self-insured health benefit plans.

TX SB770

Relating to a specialty certification for insurance agents who have completed certain training regarding self-insured health benefit plans.

TX HB5244

Relating to the development and implementation of the Texas Plan demonstration program to fund the purchase by and provision to certain eligible individuals of health care services.

TX SB1118

Relating to access to specialist physicians under managed care health benefit plans.

AR HB1852

To Establish A Right To Repair For Certain Agricultural Equipment.

PA HB2407

In general provisions relating to emergency management services, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies, for State Fire Commissioner and for curriculum, training and education certification management system; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for establishment, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, further providing for allocation of appropriated funds, repealing provisions relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for special provisions and for annual reports; and making transfers.

TX SB881

Relating to a specialty insurance agent license for certain vendors of portable electronic devices.

TX HB2569

Relating to a specialty insurance agent license for certain vendors of portable electronic devices.