Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
9 additional bills that modify the Insurance
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
SB 861
SB 989
SB 1003
SB 1040 - forced organ harvesting
SB 1286
SB 1854
SB 2008 - rural insurance
SB 2232
SB 2233
9 additional bills that modify the Insurance
Published: 2026-01-15
Multiple short modifications
SB 861 - 6 pages
This covers medical plans that have benefits for vision or medical eye care services.
They have to coordinate vision plans between primary and secondary plans if the insurer has them. Basically it follows similar rules to health insurance plans when an enrollee has more than 1 plan for the same coverage.
SB 989 - 6 pages
This portion deals with biomarkers, or more specifically gene mutations and protein expression. They are requiring coverage of biomarker testing for diagnosing, treating, management, or monitoring of a disease or condition; when the test is supported by specific kinds of medical and scientific evidence. Those kinds include the following:
- label indicating approval or clearance by the USFDA;
- test for drug approved by the USFDA:
- national coverage determined by Medicare and Medicaid services;
- nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines; or
- consensus statements
SB 1003 - 4 pages
Health care directories must have separate headings for specialties, such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, radiologist, etc. This is for insurance facilities. If the health care providers is an employee of the facility they do not have to be listed separately.
SB 1040 - 5 pages
Forced organ harvesting is defined as removal of organ(s) from a living person by coercion, abduction, fraud, or abuse of power.
Prohibiting organ transplant coverage by insurance if it is performed in China or another country known to participate in force organ harvesting.
SB 1286 - 5 pages
A medical provider that fails to submit a claim in a timely manner forfeits the right to payment. Time for submitting can be extended as designated by the commissioner due to a catastrophic event or the department's approval of a extension request.
SB 1854 - 2 pages
Dental and vision care options need to be provided for Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program.
SB 2008 - 3 pages
Rural property for rural insurance purposes is property located outside a land taxing authority of a municipality of 6,500 or more. This was previously 2,500. And an automatic adjustment is set post the US Census. It is based upon the population increase or decrease of Texas, and shifts by a similar percentage.
SB 2232 - 2 pages
There can be requirements for insurance offering Texas windstorm and hail insurance coverage.
This sounds to me like general homeowner's insurance may start excluding wind and hail damage. This should significantly lower general homeowner's insurance, however, the cost of wind and hail damage is going to be the question. It also raises the question as to what a mortgage holder requires a homeowner to carry.
SB 2233 - 2 pages
An automatic renewal process for windstorm insurance on residential property has been established.
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