Beginning on page 1, line 3, strike all of sections 1 through 4 and insert the following:

Sec. 1. "RCW 48.43.028 and 2001 c 196 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) To the extent required of the federal health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, the eligibility of an employer or group to purchase a health benefit plan set forth in RCW 48.21.045(1)(b), 48.44.023(1)(b), and 48.46.066(1)(b) must be extended to all small employers and small groups as defined in RCW 48.43.005.

(2) To the extent permitted under federal law, the eligibility of individuals to purchase an association health plan must be extended to all individuals, including employees of small employers and sole proprietors."

Renumber the remaining section consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

On page 4, line 17, after "insert" strike all material through "date." on line 20 and insert "amending RCW 48.43.028; and adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW."