Texas House Bill HB2299

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/31/25

Caption

Relating to a community health clinic grant program.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would not only bolster health clinic operations in regions identified as medically underserved but would also create a systematic framework for administering these grants. The executive commissioner would define eligibility criteria and a scoring system for awarding grants, thereby ensuring a structured approach in distributing funding. The proposed program encourages clinics to strengthen preventive care and address chronic health conditions prevalent within their target populations.

Summary

House Bill 2299 aims to establish a community health clinic grant program under Texas Health and Safety Code. The main goal of the bill is to enhance access to healthcare services in medically underserved areas of Texas. By providing financial support to eligible community health clinics, the grant program seeks to improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and promote health equity. The proposed legislation would allocate substantial funding, with $200 million earmarked for grants every biennium.

Contention

Despite the positive implications associated with increasing funding for health services, there may be points of contention related to the allocation process and oversight of the grant funding. Questions may arise concerning the eligibility of clinics, the specific criteria used to assess applications, and the transparency of the grant award process. Stakeholders may also discuss the long-term sustainability of funding and whether the proposed amount will meet the comprehensive needs of communities served by these clinics.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 64. Miscellaneous Provisions
  • Section: New Section