BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1327

By: Harless

Intergovernmental Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In 2019, legislation was enacted providing for the Harris County Hospital District's health care provider participation program. Under the program, nonpublic hospitals agree to the imposition of an assessment on their total net patient revenues which is matched with federal Medicaid dollars that are paid to the hospitals to supplement below-cost Medicaid payments. The author of this bill has informed the committee of the impending expiration of the district's program and of the need for an extension of the expiration date in order to provide for the program's continuance. H.B. 1327 seeks to address this issue by providing for such continuance until December 31, 2027.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1327 amends the Health and Safety Code to postpone from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2027, the expiration of the authority of the Harris County Hospital District to administer and operate a health care provider participation program and the expiration of related statutory provisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.