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Stay up-to-date on the 85th Legislative Session
The 85th Session of the Texas Legislature officially began at noon on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 and will continue through Monday, May 29, 2017. Legislators have until March 10 (the 60th day of the session) to file most bills. Throughout the session, they will consider proposed laws and resolutions and will appropriate funds for the operation of state government.
The role of the University of Texas System and the Office of Employee Benefits is to analyze all bills which could potentially impact the group insurance and retirement programs. During the upcoming months, OEB will communicate changes to the group programs for Plan Year 2017-2018 via the OEB “A Matter of Health” newsletter and/or targeted communications so that UT employees and retirees can make informed benefits elections during the 2017-2018 Annual Enrollment period. Topics to be highlighted in the communications include possible plan design changes, premium rate information, Annual Enrollment resources (online presentations), and more.
For those who are interested in following the 85th Legislative Session online, please visit the Texas Legislature Online at www.capitol.state.tx.us. There are a number of resources to help you navigate the Texas Legislature website, including a section near the middle of the page called “How Do I…” In that section there are links to find a list of filed bills, follow the status of a bill, view the schedules for hearings, and see how legislators voted on legislation of interest to you.
As the end of the Legislative session nears, the Office of Employee Benefits will likely increase its communications and information will become more specific. It is important for employees and retirees to keep contact information up to date, especially email addresses. If you know of other employees or retirees who are not receiving this newsletter electronically, please encourage them to contact the HR or Benefits office at their institution to update their email address.
