House Bill 6 by Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Fort Worth
If a medical examiner finds a lethal amount of fentanyl in someone’s system and determines the drug caused their death, this bill will require “homicide” to be listed as the manner of death. Prosecutors could then charge drug dealers with murder for manufacturing or distributing the deadly opioid.
Status: Becomes law Sept. 1
House Bill 12 by Rep. Toni Rose, D-Dallas
Low-income mothers may soon be eligible to receive Medicaid coverage for up to one year after childbirth and six months after a miscarriage. Medicaid covers appointments and other services for mothers and their babies. Texas currently offers two months of postpartum Medicaid coverage.
Status: Will become law if the federal government approves Texas' extension
Senate Bill 14 by Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels
Minors will be prohibited from receiving gender-affirming care, including puberty-blocking medications, hormone therapy and gender confirmation surgery. Some children who are undergoing nonsurgical treatments when the bill goes into effect will be allowed to continue, but must be weaned off the care.
Status: Becomes law Sept. 1
Senate Bill 29 by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury
Local governments will not be allowed to impose or enforce coronavirus mandates, including mask and vaccine requirements. Governments also cannot force businesses or schools to close due COVID-19. Private businesses can still require their employees to be vaccinated or masked.
Status: Becomes law Sept. 1
Senate Bill 379 by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston
Feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, diapers, maternity clothing, baby bottles and breast milk pumping products will be sold tax-free. The bill is part of a bipartisan effort to make baby and menstrual products more affordable and accessible for all Texans.
Status: Becomes law Sept. 1
Senate Bill 490 by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola
Hospitals, doctors offices and other health care providers must give patients itemized bills after every visit. Bills must include a description of each service or product, amounts billed to or paid by an insurance provider or other third party, and the amount owed by the patient.
Status: Becomes law Sept. 1
Senate Bill 629 by Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio
Public middle and high schools will be required to store Narcan, a medication used to reverse overdoses caused by fentanyl and other opioids. School staff will be educated about overdoses and trained to administer the medication in an emergency.
Status: Became law June 18
House Bill 916 by Rep. Claudia Ordaz, D-El Paso
Medicaid providers and insurance companies that cover contraception will be required to offer a one-year supply of birth control at one time. Lawmakers said this bill will make it easier for Texans to access birth control.
Status: Becomes law Sept. 1
