S.B. No. 1406 AN ACT relating to the authority of the commissioner of insurance to request a state innovation waiver for certain small group health benefit plans of certain federal actuarial value and level of coverage requirements. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 1501, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Section 1501.2561 to read as follows: Sec. 1501.2561. WAIVER OF CERTAIN FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS. The commissioner may apply to and negotiate with the United States secretary of health and human services to obtain a waiver under 42 U.S.C. Section 18052 for small employer health benefit plans of the actuarial value requirements and related levels of health plan coverage requirements imposed under 42 U.S.C. Section 18022(d)(3). SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2017. ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1406 passed the Senate on April 19, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1406 passed the House on May 10, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 142, Nays 1, one present not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: ______________________________ Date ______________________________ Governor