The Senate Committee on State Affairs met on March 30 to take up bills relating to disclosure of state contracting information for health benefit plans and review of ballot language by a panel of judges, among other issues. This report covers only SB 1346 and SB 1296 from the hearing.
SB 1346 (Watson) Relating to disclosure of state agency contract information regarding administrator services for group health benefit plans.
- Came out of Senate Finance Workgroup on Health Care Cost
- Would allow state agencies to share contract and pricing information for group health benefits plans
SB 1346 left pending
SB 1296 (Huffman) Relating to the review of ballot proposition language for certain political subdivision elections.
- Provides process for judicial oversight for ballot language to ensure clarity
- Requires panel of AJR judges to review ballot language for clarity, if it is not clear it cannot be used in an election; can be revised by the AJR panel or resubmitted
- Counties of >120k population, largest 37 counties in the State
- CS – Requires submission not later than the 109th day before the election
Bill Longley, Texas Municipal League – Against
- We don’t disagree with having a 3rd party review language, but there are concerns
- Bill has no timetable for the appointment of the panel, could cause issues with having ballot ready before uniform election date
- Inaction by the panel should mean language is approved rather than disapproved; cities shouldn’t be prevented from holding an election if the 3rd party drops the ball
- Nelson – Have you spoken with Sen. Huffman on these concerns?
- Personally have not, but would be happy to
SB 1296 left pending