84R12056 AJA-D
 
  By: Lozano H.B. No. 3453
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to participation in and rates for coverage provided under
  the uniform group coverage program for active 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, 2015 [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, 2015, 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 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  are repealed.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, 2015.