BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 25

By: Davis, Sarah

Appropriations

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised about the effects of recent reductions to the reimbursement rate for certain therapy services administered through Medicaid on the delivery of vital services to thousands of Texas children with disabilities. H.B. 25 seeks to make a supplemental appropriation to the Health and Human Services Commission to restore funding and reverse these rate reductions.

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. 25 appropriates to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), in addition to other amounts appropriated to HHSC for the 2018-2019 state fiscal biennium, $34,180,000 from the economic stabilization fund and $44,977,018 from federal funds for the 2018 state fiscal year and $35,995,000 from the economic stabilization fund and $48,262,959 from federal funds for the 2019 state fiscal year for Medicaid acute care therapy services. The bill takes effect only if it receives the vote necessary for an appropriation of money from the economic stabilization fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE

Except as otherwise provided, on passage, or if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.