Texas Legislative Update

Texas 86th Legislative session

TxOHC, as a member of the Texas Public Health Coalition, supported the
following legislation:

Immunizations for First Responders

• Governor signed House Bill 1418 to create system to inform first responders of their immunization history and potential disease risk on certification and recertification, effective immediately.
• Governor signed House Bill 1256 to create process for first responders and their employers to access their immunization status in disaster response, effective 9/1/2019

Infection Control in Long-Term Care

• Governor signed House Bill 1848 to enhance infection prevention and control programs in nursing homes to include protocols for rapid influenza testing and limiting spread of multidrug resistant organisms, effective 9/1/2019

Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use: (Tobacco 21)

• Governor signed Senate Bill 21 to raise the minimum age of sale for tobacco and e-cigarette products from 18 to 21 statewide, except military members, effective 9/1/2019.

Chronic Disease and Obesity Prevention

• Governor Signed House Bill 3552 Requiring 60-Day Public Written Notice Period for reduction or termination of community water fluoridation, effective 9/1/2019
  Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)
• Governor signed House Bill 39 repealing time limitations on CPRIT grant awards, effective immediately.
• HJR 12 Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase maximum bond amount for CPRIT –will be on November ballot.

Maternal Health:

• Governor signed Senate Bill 748 that establishes pregnancy medical homes, high-risk maternal care coordinated service pilot programs, telehealth programs for prenatal & postpartum care, effective 9/1/19.
• Governor signed Senate Bill 750 enhancing continuity of care for transition from Medicaid to Healthy Texas Women, effective immediately.

Additionally, TxOHC supported SB 556 (Kolkhorst ) and House companion HB 1467 (Deshotel), which would establish a dental benefit for adults with disabilities in Medicaid.  Though neither passed, HB 4533 was amended to include a pilot for adult dental benefits. 

HB 80– Relating to a study and report regarding shortages in certain health professions. Signed by the governor on 6/2/2019.

HB2486– Relating to certain required disclosures and prohibited practices of certain employee benefit plans and health insurance policies that provide benefits for dental care services. Signed by the governor on 6/14/19.

To read full bill text please go to, https://capitol.texas.gov/Home.aspx.