86R13471 LED-D
By: Bonnen of Galveston H.B. No. 3544
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to participation in and rates for coverage provided under
the uniform group coverage program for active school employees.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 1579, Insurance Code, is
amended by adding Section 1579.056 to read as follows:
Sec. 1579.056. REGIONAL RATING AUTHORIZED.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the trustee by
rule may establish a regional rating method for determining
premiums charged in different regions of the state for the benefits
provided under a plan of group coverage established under the
program.
SECTION 2. Section 1579.152, Insurance Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 1579.152. PARTICIPATION OF [OTHER] SCHOOL DISTRICTS
AND CERTAIN RISK POOLS. Effective September 1, 2019 [2005], a
school district or a risk pool established under Chapter 172, Local
Government Code, as provided by Section 22.004, Education Code,
that is in existence on January 1, 2019, and whose members are
school districts [with more than 500 employees] may elect to
participate in the program. A school district or risk pool that
elects to participate under this section shall apply for
participation in the manner prescribed by the trustee by rule.
SECTION 3. Subchapter D, Chapter 1579, Insurance Code, is
amended by adding Section 1579.155 to read as follows:
Sec. 1579.155. ELECTION NOT TO PARTICIPATE. A school
district or risk pool established under Chapter 172, Local
Government Code, as provided by Section 22.004, Education Code, may
elect not to participate in the program, notwithstanding any
previous election or requirement to participate.
SECTION 4. Sections 1579.151 and 1579.153, Insurance Code,
are repealed.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.