BILL REQ. #:  S-2264.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/02/09.   

     AN ACT Relating to developing a strategy to reduce the cost of providing health benefits for K-12 employees; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) By the effective date of this act, the health care authority, in coordination with the office of the superintendent of public instruction, shall convene a work group to develop a strategy to reduce the cost of providing health benefits for K-12 employees.
     (2) The health care authority shall invite representatives from the following organizations to participate in the work group:
     (a) Representatives of school districts;
     (b) Representatives of educational service districts;
     (c) Representatives of labor organizations representing K-12 employees;
     (d) Representatives of health carriers;
     (e) Members of the house of representatives and the senate; and
     (f) Representatives of other relevant entities as the health care authority may deem appropriate.
     (3) By December 15, 2009, the health care authority shall report the findings of the work group to the governor and the fiscal committees of the legislature. The report must include recommendations for changes to the processes for funding and procurement of health benefits for K-12 employees. The options investigated by the work group must include the centralized provision of health benefits for K-12 employees by the health care authority.
     (4) By January 1, 2010, the health care authority shall submit to the governor and the fiscal committees of the legislature proposed legislation to implement such findings of the work group as the administrator of the health care authority may deem appropriate.