A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY WAYS TO ASSIST SMALL BUSINESSES IN PROVIDING AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study ways to assist small businesses throughout the State in obtaining affordable health care coverage for their employees.  In conducting the study, the Commission may consider the feasibility of allowing access by small business to the Teachers' and State Employees' Comprehensive Major Medical Plan without jeopardizing the Plan's ERISA exemption.  In conducting the study, the Commission shall also consider how to address problems of adverse selection when carving out groups for health insurance coverage.
SECTION 2.  The Legislative Research Commission may make an interim report to the 2005 General Assembly, Regular Session 2006, and shall make its final report to the 2007 General Assembly.
SECTION 3.  The Legislative Services Officer shall allocate funds appropriated to the General Assembly for the expenditures of the Legislative Services Commission in conducting this study.
SECTION 4.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2005.