Relating to regulation of discount drug card program operators; authorizing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees; expanding a registration requirement.
Impact
The enactment of SB1142 will have a substantial impact on the state’s insurance laws, specifically targeting discount drug card operators. By mandating registration and compliance, the bill aims to prevent fraudulent practices and ensure that consumers are fully informed about the nature of the discounts they receive. The Texas Department of Insurance will be empowered to investigate complaints and investigate the business practices of operators, fostering a more transparent environment in the discount drug services industry.
Summary
SB1142 aims to enhance the regulation of discount drug card programs in Texas by introducing new requirements for program operators. The bill seeks to define and limit unfair competition and deceptive trade practices within the discount drug card sector. It significantly expands the registration requirements for operators, ensuring that only compliant entities can offer such programs. Additionally, it lays the groundwork for administrative and civil penalties against operators who fail to adhere to the new regulations, aiming to protect consumers from misleading practices.
Contention
While there is general support for measures that protect consumers from deceptive practices, there may be contention regarding the additional regulatory burden placed on discount drug card operators. Opponents may argue that the increased fees and compliance obligations could limit competition and availability of discount programs. Some stakeholders might express concerns that the requirement for registration could create barriers for new market entrants, potentially reducing options for consumers seeking affordable drug alternatives.
Identical
Relating to regulation of certain conduct by discount health care program operators, or concerning discount health care programs, that relates to prescription drugs or prescription drug benefits; authorizing administrative and civil penalties.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to health care transparency, including advertising, identification, and notice requirements for certain health facilities and health professionals; authorizing administrative and civil penalties.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the regulation and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the regulation of electric vehicle supply equipment; requiring an occupational registration; authorizing fees; authorizing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to regulation of certain conduct by discount health care program operators, or concerning discount health care programs, that relates to prescription drugs or prescription drug benefits; authorizing administrative and civil penalties.