HB 1263 - DIGEST

     Revises provisions for school employee benefits, including liability, life, health, accident, disability, and salary protection insurance coverage.

     Revises the provisions relating to the state health care authority within the executive branch to administer health care benefit programs for public employees, to analyze state-purchased health care programs, and to analyze areas of public and private health care interaction.

     Authorizes the public employees' benefits board to implement strategies to promote competition among employee health benefit plans that provide comprehensive coverage for all employees.

     Revises the provisions relating to the health care authority as the single state agent for purchasing health services.

     Revises the provisions relating to the state group purchasing association to coordinate and enhance the health care purchasing power of designated groups.

     Revises the provisions for contributions to insurance and health care plans for ferry system employees.