SENATE BILL 530

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Ramsay L. Gorham

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES; CREATING A TASK FORCE TO REVIEW STATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. STATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE CREATED.--The "state employee health care task force" is created.

     Section 2. MEMBERSHIP--APPOINTMENT--VACANCIES-- COMPENSATION.--

          A. The state employee health care task force shall be composed of eleven members.

          B. Members of the task force shall be appointed as follows:

                (1) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

                (2) one member of the house of representatives appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives;

                (3) two members of the senate appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate;

                (4) one member of the senate appointed by the minority leader of the senate;

                (5) one member of the governor's staff appointed by the governor;

                (6) one member of the business community appointed by the governor;

                (7) two state employees who are covered pursuant to the Personnel Act, appointed by the governor; and

                (8) one employee who is exempt from the Personnel Act, appointed by the governor.

          C. Vacancies on the task force shall be filled by appointment in the same manner as the original appointments.

          D. The speaker of the house of representatives and the president pro tempore of the senate shall each designate one co-chairman of the task force.

          E. The members of the task force shall be paid pursuant to the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other perquisite, compensation or allowance.

     Section 3. DUTIES.--

          A. After its appointment, the state employee health care task force shall hold one organizational meeting to develop a work plan.

          B. The task force shall hold monthly meetings.

          C. The task force shall examine the statutes, constitutional provisions, rules and court decisions governing health care coverage for state employees in New Mexico and shall recommend legislation or changes, if any are found, to the legislature.

          D. The task force shall examine what other states have done to:

                (1) provide appropriate health care coverage for their employees;

                (2) offer options, including varying levels of coverage;

                (3) determine state and employee contributions based on the employee's income;

                (4) offer incentives for wellness programs or initiatives; and

                (5) control the costs of health care.

     Section 4. REPORT.--The state employee health care task force shall make a report of its findings and recommendations for the consideration of the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee by November 1, 2004.

     Section 5. STAFF.--The staff for the teacher merit task force shall be provided by the legislative council service.

     Section 6. APPROPRIATION.--Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the legislative council service for expenditure in fiscal year 2005 to assist the state employee health care task force in carrying out its duties. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2005 shall revert to the general fund.

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