Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB607

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

Caption

Relating to prohibited discrimination by health care providers based on an individual's age, race, disability, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

Impact

If passed, HB607 will impose penalties on healthcare providers who engage in discriminatory practices. Specifically, any provider found in violation of this new law would forfeit eligibility for state funding, which includes money allocated through various health assistance programs. This measure underscores a significant shift toward enforcing equal rights in healthcare delivery, aiming to safeguard individuals from unjust treatment based on their identity or circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 607 aims to prohibit discrimination by healthcare providers based on several factors, including age, race, disability, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. Introduced in Texas, the bill seeks to provide a more inclusive environment in healthcare settings, ensuring that all individuals receive fair and equal access to medical services regardless of their background or personal characteristics. By adding Section 545.0206 to the Texas Government Code, the legislation explicitly addresses the rights of marginalized groups in the healthcare system.

Contention

While proponents of HB607 argue it is a crucial advancement for civil rights, critics may express concerns regarding the implementation and potential challenges faced by healthcare providers in interpreting and complying with the new regulations. Some stakeholders might see it as an additional regulatory burden, while others view it as a necessary step toward rectifying systemic inequities within the healthcare system. As discussions progress, the balance between protecting individual rights and ensuring operational feasibility for providers will be a central point of contention.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 545. Certain Public Assistance Benefits
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4884

Relating to prohibited discrimination by health care providers based on an individual's age, race, disability, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

TX HB725

Relating to prohibiting certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

TX HB1806

Relating to the prohibition of employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

TX SB274

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB850

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB256

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB265

Relating to the prohibition of housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and to the enforcement of that prohibition.

TX HB5119

Relating to the provision of employment assistance services to individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

TX HB1679

Relating to unprofessional conduct by mental health providers who attempt to change the sexual orientation of a child.

TX SB439

Relating to unprofessional conduct by mental health providers who attempt to change the sexual orientation of a child.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.