The bill, S.B. No. 30, aims to amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code in Texas to clarify the recovery of health care-related damages in civil actions, particularly in personal injury and wrongful death cases. 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 establish a clearer framework for understanding the terms related to health care costs and the entities involved in providing and paying for health care services.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific rules regarding the admissibility of evidence related to health care expenses in civil actions. It stipulates that evidence of health care expenses must be limited to amounts paid by third-party payors and any out-of-pocket costs incurred by the insured. The bill also mandates that claimants disclose any letters of protection and agreements related to refunds or rebates from providers. Furthermore, it establishes that certain medical records and treatment guidelines can be admitted as evidence in these cases. 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 (Finance Code 304, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41)
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 (Finance Code 304, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41)
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 (Finance Code 304, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41)
House Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41.001 (Finance Code 304, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41)