TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2579

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2579

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

Caption

Relating to health care and insurance fraud; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a civil penalty.

Impact

The proposed legislation would significantly strengthen the legal framework surrounding health care fraud, establishing new criminal offenses and increasing the severity of penalties associated with fraudulent practices. For example, the bill adds provisions for civil remedies, including financial penalties for violations, particularly those causing harm to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled. Through these updates, the bill aims to dissuade potential offenders from engaging in fraudulent behavior by creating a more robust enforcement environment and facilitating greater accountability.

Summary

SB2579 seeks to amend existing statutes regarding health care and insurance fraud in the state of Texas. The bill outlines clear definitions and penalties for various fraudulent activities related to health benefit claims, including making false statements to obtain unauthorized benefits and obtaining benefits through deceitful means. This comprehensive legislative approach aims to enhance the state's ability to detect and combat fraud within health care systems, ensuring that resources are protected from exploitation by dishonest actors.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding SB2579 may highlight concerns over the potential implications for healthcare providers and insurers. Stakeholders might express fears that the increased penalties could lead to excessive scrutiny and potential misuse of regulations, especially in an industry already burdened by compliance complexities. Some may argue that while the bill enhances fraud prevention, it could inadvertently stifle legitimate claims, leading to a chilling effect on healthcare services, particularly for populations that rely on these benefits.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Insurance Code

  • Chapter 701. Insurance Fraud Investigations
    • Section: New Section

Penal Code

  • Chapter 35. Insurance Fraud
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB4012

Identical Relating to health care and insurance fraud; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a civil penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX SB1788

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB4635

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB2324

Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4129

Relating to prohibiting certain erotic performances; creating a criminal offense; authorizing 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 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.

TX HB37

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

TX SB10

Relating to the prosecution of offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses.

TX SB1603

Relating to state agency investigations.

TX SB1396

Relating to state agency investigations.

TX HB4307

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector within the State Auditor's Office and the appointment of deputy inspectors general at the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Youth Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Department of Transportation; providing penalties.

TX HB1690

Relating to the investigation and prosecution of offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses.

TX HB940

Relating to the investigation and prosecution of offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses, offenses involving insurance fraud, and offenses involving motor fuels tax.

TX HB3575

Relating to the investigation and prosecution of offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses, offenses involving insurance fraud, and offenses involving motor fuels tax.

TX HB1308

Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the legal status of employees, including requiring participation in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify program, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for certain conduct in relation to the employment of persons not lawfully present.