Sec. 1501.3021. AUTHORIZATION OF OPERATION. (a) The commissioner shall hold a hearing if:

(1) the commissioner believes small employer health benefit plan issuers in this state are threatened with the inability to secure reinsurance coverage in the open market; or

(2) the commissioner receives a petition requesting the hearing from an association of health benefit plan issuers in this state or a group of at least 15 small employer health benefit plan issuers operating in this state.

(b) If, after a hearing under Subsection (a), the commissioner finds that the operation of the system is in the public interest, the commissioner by order shall:

(1) authorize the operation of the system;

(2) appoint a board of directors under Section 1501.303; and

(3) direct the board to develop a plan of operation under Section 1501.306 to ensure the system is fully implemented on a date specified in the order that is not later than the 60th day after the effective date of the order.

(c) Sections 1501.307-1501.326 apply to the operation of the system after the date the system is implemented as described by Subsection (b)(3).

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 105 (S.B. 1171), Sec. 2, eff. May 23, 2017.