FL H0635

School districts must procure health, accident, and hospitalization insurance through a purchasing interlocal agreement beginning July 1, 2012, or upon contract expiration, unless the school board determines alternative purchase is financially advantageous.

Establishes the School District Insurance Consortium governed by a 9-member board consisting of 3 school board members, 3 superintendents, 2 teachers or support personnel, and 1 employee-benefit systems expert, with 2-year terms.

Consortium must advertise for competitive bids for both statewide and regional insurance plans, with contracts awarded on a statewide or regional basis and allowance for multiple insurance providers.

Consortium board may employ staff or contract for staffing services, and the Department of Management Services shall provide requested technical services.

School districts must engage in collective bargaining with certified bargaining agents regarding health insurance coverage, dependent costs, deductibles, and other bargaining-subject matters as required by state law.