Texas Legislature Passes 8 Health Care Bills

The governor, Gov. Greg Abbott must sign or veto all passed legislation before June 18.

Texas’ 88^th regular legislative session discussed health care issues.

From the news released by the Community Impact, the following are the status of all bills as of June 14.

1. Craig Goldman’s House Bill 6

This bill states that it is considered homicide if the dead victim is discovered to have a deadly level of fentanyl in his system and drug dealers will become the main suspects. This bill will become law on September 1.

2. Toni Rose’s House Bill 12

This bill states that Medicaid for low-income women is to be extended for up to a year, and miscarriage is to be up to 6 months, however, v, voluntary abortion will not be eligible. Currently, Medicaid only covers for up to 2 months after childbirth. This bill was delivered to the governor on May 30.

3. Donna Campbell’s Senate Bill 14

This bill states that every minor is banned from taking gender-affirming medical procedures. Those who had taken already will be permitted to continue, but they must gradually stop themselves from taking said treatments. This bill will become law on September 1.

4. Sen Brian Birdwell’s Senate Bill 29

This bill states that coronavirus regulations must not be imposed by the local government. The government has no power to order companies or schools to close down due to the virus. Private companies will still be permitted to impose the said regulations. This bill will become law on September 1.

5. Joan Huffman’s Senate Bill 379

This bill states that female menstrual hygiene products and infant caring accessories are to be free of taxation. This bill was delivered to the governor on May 29.

6. Bryan Hughes’ Senate Bill 490

This bill states that every healthcare provider shall issue itemized and descriptive bills to patients on every visit. This bill will become law on September 1.

7. Jose Menendez’s Senate Bill 629

This bill states that Narcan is to be made available in every public middle and high school and is administered by trained school employees. This bill is made to reduce deaths due to drug overdose. This bill was delivered to the governor on May 29.

8. Claudia Ordaz’s House Bill 916

This bill states that birth control pills are to be provided in a one-year supply at a time by Medicaid and contraceptive-related insurance companies to make the refilling of the supply easier. This bill will become law on September 1.

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