MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

8:30 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, July 8, 2026, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

MEMBERS PRESENT: — — — — MEMBERS ABSENT: — — Senator Lois Kolkhorst, — Chair — — — — Senator Bob Hall — — Senator Charles Perry, — Vice Chair — — — — Senator Borris Miles — — Senator César Blanco — — — — Senator Kevin Sparks — — Senator Molly Cook — — — — — — Senator Bryan Hughes

MEMBERS PRESENT:

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair

Senator Bob Hall

Senator Charles Perry, Vice Chair

Senator Borris Miles

Senator César Blanco

Senator Kevin Sparks

Senator Molly Cook

Senator Bryan Hughes

The chair called the meeting to order at 8:38 AM. There being a quorum established at 8:51 AM, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Bryan Hughes

The chair laid out the following interim Committee charge:

· Combating the Exploitation of Surrogacy: Examine the unethical and foreign interests exploiting the surrogacy and fertility industries in Texas. Make recommendations to end this exploitation and related harm to patients and children.

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 The Department of Family and Protective Services Abuse and Neglect Central Registry;

o Senate Bill 1 (89th Legislature, Second Called Session), relating to campground and youth camp safety; and

o House Bill 3595 (89th Legislature), relating to an emergency preparedness and contingency operations plan, including temperature regulation, for assisted living facility residents during an emergency; providing penalties.

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

The chair laid out the following interim Committee charge:

· Combating the Exploitation of Surrogacy: Examine the unethical and foreign interests exploiting the surrogacy and fertility industries in Texas. Make recommendations to end this exploitation and related harm to patients and children.

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

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

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 The Department of Family and Protective Services Abuse and Neglect Central Registry;

o Senate Bill 1 (89th Legislature, Second Called Session), relating to campground and youth camp safety; and

o House Bill 3595 (89th Legislature), relating to an emergency preparedness and contingency operations plan, including temperature regulation, for assisted living facility residents during an emergency; providing penalties.

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

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 2:29 PM Senator Cook 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