HB 2196 Summary

• Adds new definition of "dependent" to include spouses, unmarried children under 18, unmarried children under 26 who are financially dependent, and unmarried disabled children of any age, provided they lack subsidized coverage from another source.

• Extends flexible benefit allowance to cover school district employee dependents by requiring Legislature to appropriate adequate funding to State Board of Education and State Board of Career and Technology Education for this purpose.

• Establishes additional monthly flexible benefit allowance of $83.33 per month for employees with dependents who elect to enroll them in the school district's cafeteria plan for health care coverage.

• Modifies appropriation calculation to include dependent coverage by multiplying number of eligible employees and their dependents by the flexible benefit allowance amount established in Section 26-105.

• Effective date July 1, 2025, with emergency clause for immediate effect upon passage and approval.