LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 87TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 12, 2021

TO:
Honorable Bryan Hughes, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
 
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB1311 by Hall (Relating to the provision of and professional liability insurance coverage for gender transitioning or gender reassignment medical procedures and treatments for certain children.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to prohibit physicians and health care providers from prescribing and performing certain medications, procedures, or treatments related to the gender transition or reassignment of certain patients younger than 18 years old. If it is determined these restrictions were violated, the bill would require the Texas Medical Board or another appropriate regulatory agency with jurisdiction over the provider to revoke any licenses, certifications, or authorizations granted by that agency.

In addition, the bill would amend the Insurance Code to prohibit professional liability insurance policies from including coverage for damages assessed against physicians or health care providers that are related to the provision of these services. 

It is assumed that the costs associated with the bill's provisions relating to the provision of and professional liability coverage for gender transitioning or reassignment procedures and treatments could be absorbed using existing resources. The bill would not directly impact Medicaid or CHIP but could impact the amount of Medicaid providers should any be found to have committed one of these offenses and be disenrolled.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
454 Department of Insurance, 503 Texas Medical Board, 529 Hlth & Human Svcs Comm
LBB Staff:
JMc, SMAT, MB, EJ, MPUK, RD, KT