The bill would amend the Property Code to provide that certain hospital liens are for the lesser of the amount of the hospital's charges for services provided to the injured individual during the first 100 days of the injured individual's hospitalization; 50 percent of all amounts recovered by the injured individual through a cause of action, judgment, or settlement; or the amount awarded by the trier of fact for the services provided to the injured individual by the hospital less the pro rata share of attorney's fees and expenses the injured individual incurred pursuing the claim.
Current law provides that the lien is for the lesser of the amount of the hospital's charges for services provided to the injured individual during the first 100 days of the injured individual's hospitalization or 50 percent of all amounts recovered by the injured individual through a cause of action, judgment, or settlement.
Based on information provided by the Office of Court Administration, no significant fiscal impact to the state court system is anticipated as a result from implementing the provisions of the bill.
The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2021.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.