The House Committee on Public Health
89th Legislature
June 4, 2026
9:00 a.m.
E2.030
Pursuant to a notice posted on May 19, 2026, the House Committee on Public Health met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative VanDeaver, at 9:05 a.m.
The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives VanDeaver; Campos; Collier; Cunningham; Frank; Johnson; Olcott; Pierson; Schofield; Shofner; and Simmons.
A quorum was present.
The committee heard testimony relating to the monitoring and implementation of House Bill 18(89R), relating to the establishment and administration of certain programs and services providing health care services to rural counties.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
(Representative Jones, Jolanda now present.)
The committee heard testimony relating to the monitoring and implementation of House Bill 37(89R), relating to perinatal bereavement care provided by certain hospitals, a perinatal bereavement care initiative, and a perinatal bereavement care hospital recognition program.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
The committee heard testimony relating to the monitoring and implementation of House Bill 3000(89R), relating to a grant program to provide financial assistance to qualified ambulance service providers in certain rural counties.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
The committee heard testimony relating to the monitoring and implementation of Senate Bill 25(89R), relating to the establishment of a consortium to conduct United States Food and Drug Administration’s drug development clinical trials with ibogaine to secure the administration’s approval of the medication’s use for treatment of opioid use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorder, and any other neurological or mental health conditions for which ibogaine demonstrates efficacy and to the administration of that treatment.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Telehealth: Evaluate the use of telehealth and virtual care models in Texas, including their impact on access, cost, quality, and patient outcomes, and recommend opportunities to modernize health care technology.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Texas Rural Health Transformation Program: Study the implementation and impact of federal funding awarded to Texas under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Review the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s program applications, processes, and use of funds. Assess how the program may affect access to care, rural health care delivery, behavioral health and telehealth services, workforce stability, and provider sustainability. Identify opportunities to improve program oversight and maximize its long-term effectiveness.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Texas Health Care Workforce: Review the current and projected health care workforce shortage in Texas and make recommendations to reduce its impact on access to care and service delivery.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
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 Committee’s jurisdiction, including for fraud, waste, and abuse, where applicable.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
At 7:25 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.
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Rep. VanDeaver, Chair
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Scott Crownover, Clerk