All Roll Calls
Yes: 291 • No: 13
TexasHB 161289th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Relating to direct payment for certain health care provided by a hospital.
Sponsored By: James Frank, Lois Kolkhorst (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Health Care ProvidersHospitalsInsurance--Health & Accident
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Hospital payment protections for uninsured Texas patients
Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas hospitals must accept full payment directly from patients who request this option. You qualify only if you are not enrolled in or otherwise entitled to coverage under a health benefit plan. Ask within 60 days after receiving your bill or final accounting, which must explain this option. The hospital's charge cannot exceed either of two limits: 25% above the federally defined amounts generally billed, or 50% above its lowest qualifying contracted rate. Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare rates are excluded from the contracted-rate comparison. The law covers licensed public and private hospitals, but not separately licensed outpatient surgery centers. You keep any right to charity care you otherwise have.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
James Frank
House
Lois Kolkhorst
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
César Blanco
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/25/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/25/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 5/1/2025
Record vote
Yes: 139 • No: 5
House vote • 4/30/2025
Record vote
Yes: 132 • No: 7
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Public Health
Yes: 12 • No: 1
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Health & Human Services
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective on 9/1/25
6/20/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
6/20/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/28/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/27/2025SenateSigned in the House
5/27/2025HouseReported enrolled
5/26/2025HouseSenate passage reported
5/25/2025HouseRecord vote
5/25/2025SenatePassed
5/25/2025SenateRead 3rd time
5/25/2025SenateRecord vote
5/25/2025SenateThree day rule suspended
5/25/2025SenateVote recorded in Journal
5/25/2025SenateRead 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading
5/25/2025SenateLaid before the Senate
5/25/2025SenatePlaced on local & uncontested calendar
5/25/2025SenateCommittee report printed and distributed
5/15/2025SenateRecommended for local & uncontested calendar
5/15/2025SenateReported favorably w/o amendments
5/15/2025SenateVote taken in committee
5/14/2025SenateConsidered in public hearing
5/14/2025SenateCo-sponsor authorized
5/14/2025SenateLeft pending in committee
5/13/2025SenateConsidered in public hearing
5/13/2025SenateScheduled for public hearing on . . .
5/13/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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