HBA-BSM H.C.R. 139 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.C.R. 139 By: Wohlgemuth Ways & Means 4/12/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Health insurance in Texas has become increasingly expensive for families. One in four families does not have any form of health insurance, making Texas one of the states with the highest percentage of uninsured families. This situation is occurring in the midst of sustained economic growth and stability, when most families should have the means to obtain health insurance. Employers are exempt from taxation for expenditures made on health insurance, a benefit that is not extended to individuals. Because of the expense of health insurance, most people choose to get their insurance from their employers even if the plan is not ideal for them. Many workers who are part-time, self-employed or work for small businesses do not have the option of buying into a company insurance plan, and must either buy private insurance or go without. House Concurrent Resolution 139 urges the Congress of the United States to provide tax credits to individuals for the purchase of private health insurance. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Concurrent Resolution 139 urges the Congress of the United States to provide tax credits to individuals for the purchase of private health insurance.