HCS/SB 676 - This act allows county commissions to remove members of boards appointed by the commission for nonattendance. This portion is similar to SCS/SB 258 and 228 (1997).

The act adds six new sections relating to health insurance for prisoners. Any 3 or more counties may form a business association for the purpose of providing health insurance to cover the mandated costs of health care to prisoners in county jails, either through public or private insurance companies. The state of Missouri is allowed to join an association to pay for health care costs of state prisoners held in county jails. Any such association shall not be required to pay premium taxes in connection with the conduct of its business.

The license fee for the business association is $100, and the association must file articles of association with the director of insurance. The articles will comply with the standard requirements of articles of incorporation, such as establishing a provision to make and amend bylaws, and designate an agent for service.

The act sets forth provisions that the association may act as a corporation, shall not distribute income, profits or property, shall renew its license and pay a fee of $100, and provides that no member shall be liable for amounts other than assessments in the articles and bylaws because of its membership.

An association under this act shall formulate, implement and monitor a safety and health improvement program for the jails.

The Director of Insurance is authorized to examine the affairs of the association, and if the Director finds that the association cannot or will not carry out its obligations, he or she shall take charge of the association and wind up those affairs as provided by law in the case of life insurance companies.

It expands the current Section 67.210 allowing political subdivisions to pay for health insurance for officers, employees and dependants to include retired employees.
CHARLES HATCHER