Surprise medical bills happen when out-of-network health care providers and insurance companies can’t agree on the price of a medical treatment, leaving the patient to pick up the amount insurance won’t pay.
Kelly Hancock
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Sweeping legislation takes aim at shock emergency room bills in Texas
Committee chairs from both chambers unveiled the proposal on Thursday.
Posted in
Now on the Books
New law seeks to prevent surprise medical bills from freestanding ERs
A new law requires Texas’ freestanding emergency rooms to more clearly communicate what health insurance networks they’re in, if any.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Senate sends bill to governor discouraging weather-related lawsuits
A tort-reform bill that would discourage property owners from suing insurers over weather-related claims tentatively passed the Texas Senate on Tuesday.
Posted in
Politics
Texas Senate approves ban on straight-ticket voting
The Texas Senate gave initial approval Wednesday to legislation that would eliminate straight-ticket voting in all elections.
Posted in
Economy
Warren Buffett visits Capitol and “Buffett Bill” is born
The Texas Senate could soon debate the “Buffett Bill,” a special interest carve-out aimed at giving billionaire Warren Buffett a little relief from protectionist state laws. And the bill that would help electric car maker Tesla Motors? Stalled.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Senate approves bill curbing regulation of short-term home rentals
Under Senate Bill 451 by state Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, Texas cities would be prevented from banning short-term rentals and their ability to write ordinances restricting the practice would be narrowed.
Posted in
Health care
Nurse practitioners again push for independence
Multiple bills filed in the Texas Legislature are seeking to give certain Texas nurses independence from costly contracts with supervising physicians.
Posted in
Politics
Dan Patrick makes only one change atop Senate committees
Only one committee received a new committee chair in the Texas Senate. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, will chair the Senate Administration Committee.
Posted inState Government
Patrick Would Fast-Track Sanctuary Cities Bill
Aides to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, leader of the Texas Senate, say a bill cracking down on sanctuary cities would be fast-tracked in a special session. But so far Gov. Greg Abbott is resisting calls to convene one, meaning any reforms would be put on hold for more than a year.
