The House Committee on Human Services

89th Legislature

May 5, 2026

10:00 a.m.

E2.030

 

Pursuant to a notice posted on April 17, 2026, the House Committee on Human Services met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Hull, at 10:03 a.m.

 

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Hull; Manuel; Morales, Christina; Noble; Richardson; Rose; and Slawson.

 

A quorum was present.

 

 

 

The Chair made opening remarks.

The committee heard invited testimony on the following interim charge:

Agency Oversight: Pursuant to the broad oversight responsibilities granted to the Committee under Section 301.014, Government Code, and the House Rules of Procedure, monitor the agencies under the committees jurisdiction, including fraud, waste, and abuse, where applicable. The jurisdiction of the Human Services Committee includes the following agencies:

-                                                The Texas Behavioral Executive Health Council

-                                                The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

-                                                The Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Manuel in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Hull in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

The committee heard invited testimony on the following interim charge: 

 

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation and associated rulemaking of all legislation passed by the Committee and enacted by the 89^th Legislature to ensure that legislative purposes are properly implemented, including the following:

-                                                HB 26: relating to the authorizing Medicaid managed care organizations to offer nutrition support services in lieu of ither state Medicaid plan services.

-                                                HB 109: relating to the construction, expansion and operation of certain inpatient mental health facilities and the designation of residential treatment facilities for certain juveniles.

-                                                HB 136: relating to Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for lactation consultation services.

-                                                SB 379: relating to prohibiting the purchase of sweetened drinks and candy under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

-                                                SB 513: relating to a rural community-based care pilot program.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

 

The committee heard invited testimony on the following interim charge:

 

Preventing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse: Ensure government services provided by agencies under the committees’ jurisdiction, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, efficiently serve eligible Texans. Evaluate barriers to efficient service provision for both clients and the providers of services, particularly the enrollment and credentialing of Medicaid providers. Review current efforts to identify and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, and consider additional measures to reduce costs to taxpayers.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Davis, Aicha now present.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

The committee heard invited testimony on the following interim charge:

 

Provision of Services for Texans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Evaluate the availability of services for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including service coordination, Home and Community-Based Services, and the functionality of the waiver interest list. Ensure vulnerable Texans are protected by the current regulatory landscape and make recommendations for improvements.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Manuel in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Hull in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 3:49 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

 

 

________________________________________________

Rep. Hull, Chair

 

 

________________________________________________

Caitlin Brennan, Clerk