The bill, S.B. No. 30, aims to amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code regarding the recovery of health care-related damages in civil actions. It introduces several new definitions, including "health care expenses," "health care services," "injured individual," "letter of protection," "physician," "provider," and "third-party payor." These definitions clarify the terms used in the context of health care services and the financial obligations associated with them. Additionally, the bill establishes new sections that outline admissible evidence for health care expenses in personal injury or wrongful death actions, detailing how economic damages can be proven and what evidence is required from claimants and providers.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that claimants disclose specific information related to health care expenses, including any letters of protection and agreements regarding refunds or rebates from providers. It also stipulates that providers must provide certain information upon request, such as payment histories and anonymized referral lists. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency in the financial relationships between attorneys and health care providers, and it sets forth rules governing the admissibility of evidence in actions related to health care expenses. The changes will apply to actions commenced on or after the effective date of the Act or pending actions that begin a trial on or after January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41.002, Finance Code 304.102 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18, Finance Code 304)
Senate Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41.002, Finance Code 304.102 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18, Finance Code 304)
Engrossed: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41.002, Finance Code 304.102 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18, Finance Code 304)
House Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41.001 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18, Finance Code 304)