Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB121

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the right to choose medical treatments and certain control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

Impact

The proposed changes will significantly impact existing state laws surrounding health management, especially in public health crises such as epidemics. The bill mandates that, before isolation or quarantine is imposed, health authorities must notify individuals and give them an avenue to challenge the necessity of such measures. Further, it limits the period for mandated control measures to five days without court approval, thereby providing a legal framework aimed at safeguarding individual liberties against potential overreach by health authorities.

Summary

Senate Bill 121 seeks to affirm the rights of individuals to choose their medical treatments and have a say in certain health control measures, particularly concerning isolation and quarantine. This bill proposes amendments to the Health and Safety Code, emphasizing that no one can be subjected to medical treatment without their consent, including those who choose spiritual healing methods. It also outlines conditions under which a health authority may impose quarantine measures while protecting personal rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB121 include concerns about balancing public health needs with individual rights. Proponents argue that the bill is essential to protect citizens from potential government overreach during health emergencies. Critics, however, may express concern that the limitations on quarantine measures could hinder timely responses needed to control contagious diseases, raising debates about the appropriate level of government intervention in personal health matters. The dialogue around this bill is likely to reflect broader national conversations about personal freedoms and government authority during health crises.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 81. Communicable Diseases; Public Health Disasters; Public Health Emergencies
    • Section: 009
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 085

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB306

Relating to the right to choose medical treatments and certain control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

TX HB1593

Relating to infection prevention and control programs and other measures for communicable diseases at certain long-term care facilities; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX HB2927

Relating to quarantine leave for certain public safety employees.

TX HB4979

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to certain student records and conduct.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB4642

Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB75

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB85

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

Similar Bills

CA SB1325

Peaceful and Natural Dignity Act: the right of self-quarantine.

SC S0054

Medical Informed Consent

TX SB306

Relating to the right to choose medical treatments and certain control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

CT SB00037

An Act Concerning The Accreditation Of The Office Of The Chief Medical Examiner.

TX SB1313

Relating to the right to choose and refuse medical treatment and control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

TX HB2760

Relating to the right to choose and refuse medical treatment and control measures and to the imposition of isolation or quarantine control measures.

CT SB00514

An Act Concerning The Health Emergency Response Operations Act.

SC S0002

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities