BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 744

By: Rose

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised over data contained in a recent report by the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force and the Department of State Health Services indicating that nearly half of maternal death cases in Texas were related to pregnancy. It has been suggested that a majority of pregnancy-related deaths are potentially preventable. H.B. 744 seeks to address this issue by providing for to the continuation of Medicaid benefits for certain women after a pregnancy.

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. 744 amends the Human Resources Code to require the Health and Human Services Commission to continue providing medical assistance to a woman who is eligible for Medicaid benefits that are available for certain pregnant women for a period of not less than 12 months following the date the woman delivers or experiences an involuntary miscarriage. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.