Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB756

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

Caption

Relating to the maximum rate of growth of appropriations.

Impact

If enacted, HB756 would significantly reform existing healthcare laws within the state. It would mandate changes to how insurance companies calculate premiums and provide guidelines for minimum coverage requirements. Additionally, the bill could provide incentives for providers to offer services at lower rates while ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care. Stakeholders believe this could lead to broader participation in health insurance markets and decrease the number of uninsured individuals. However, the implications for insurance companies and their profit margins have raised concerns within the industry, indicating a potential shift in operational dynamics.

Summary

House Bill 756 aims to address the rising costs of healthcare and increase access for the population, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups. The bill introduces provisions aimed at reducing insurance premiums while expanding the coverage options available to residents. By doing so, it seeks to alleviate the financial burden that many families experience in securing necessary healthcare services. The overarching goal of HB756 is to create a more equitable healthcare environment by ensuring that all citizens have access to affordable insurance plans without compromising the quality of care they receive.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB756 appears to be largely supportive among advocacy groups and community organizations, particularly those focused on healthcare access and affordability. Many view the bill as a necessary step towards achieving better healthcare outcomes for economically disadvantaged populations. However, there is also a notable level of apprehension from insurance companies and conservative lawmakers who argue that the reforms might impose too heavy a regulatory burden and could lead to unintended consequences, such as an increase in government intervention in the private insurance market.

Contention

Notable points of contention center around the potential economic impact on insurance providers and whether the proposed reforms could indeed achieve the intended outcomes of cost reduction and expanded access. Critics of the bill worry that the new regulations could hinder competition and lead to limited choices for consumers in some insurance markets. Furthermore, discussions have highlighted the need for clear definitions of coverage and how to balance cost control without sacrificing quality of care. This debate underscores the tensions between ensuring affordable healthcare and maintaining a thriving private insurance sector.

Companion Bills

TX HJR70

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the maximum rate of growth of appropriations and the use of unencumbered surplus general revenues to fund the state's rainy day fund and a public school property tax relief fund.

Previously Filed As

TX HB561

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

TX HB4803

Relating to municipal and county ad valorem tax relief.

TX HB437

Relating to the annual base salaries of state judges and justices and the abolishment of the Judicial Compensation Commission.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB33

Relating to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes through the use of certain surplus state revenue.

TX HB18

Relating to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes through the use of certain surplus state revenue.

TX SJR3

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes, to increase the amount of an exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

Similar Bills

TX SB9

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB936

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB1025

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SB9

Relating to limitations on the rate of growth of appropriations for certain categories of spending.

TX SB9

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations and appropriations of constitutionally dedicated revenue.

TX HB127

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB41

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB2304

Relating to the constitutional limit on the rate of growth of appropriations.