MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

9:30 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services was held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

MEMBERS PRESENT: — — — — MEMBERS ABSENT: — — Senator Lois Kolkhorst, — Chair — — — — None — — Senator Charles Perry, — Vice Chair — — — — — — Senator César Blanco — — — — — — Senator Molly Cook — — — — — — Senator Bob Hall — — — — — — Senator Bryan Hughes — — — — — — Senator Borris Miles — — — — — — Senator Kevin Sparks

MEMBERS PRESENT:

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair

None

Senator Charles Perry, Vice Chair

Senator César Blanco

Senator Molly Cook

Senator Bob Hall

Senator Bryan Hughes

Senator Borris Miles

Senator Kevin Sparks

The chair called the meeting to order at 9:36 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Bryan Hughes

Senator Borris Miles

The chair laid out the following interim Committee charge:

· Rising Health Care and Insurance Costs: Examine the drivers of rising health care costs in Texas. Consider whether certain providers and models for health care services, including, but not limited to, Pharmacy Benefit Managers and health care facility fees, have resulted in business practices that are contributing to rising health care costs and insurance premiums. Identify ways to lower the cost of health care and increase market flexibility, drawing on additional product offerings like Health Savings Accounts and new flexible plans.

Senator Perry assumed the chair.

Senator Kolkhorst resumed the chair.

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

The chair laid out the following interim Committee charge:

· Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services passed by the 89th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve,enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

o Senate Bill 25 (89th Legislature), relating to health and nutrition standards to promote healthy living, including requirements for food labeling, primary and secondary education, higher education, and continuing education for certain health care professionals; authorizing a civil penalty;

o Senate Bill 331 (89th Legislature), relating to the disclosure of health care cost information by certain health care facilities; imposing an administrative penalty;

o Senate Bill 1236 (89th Legislature), relating to the relationship between pharmacists or pharmacies and health benefit plan issuers or pharmacy benefit managers; and

o Other legislation related to health care cost.

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

There being no further business, at 5:26 PM Senator Miles moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair

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Sally Buck, Clerk