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 evidence should be presented and what constitutes acceptable proof of economic damages.

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 share information about their financial relationships with referring attorneys and outlines the admissibility of medical records and treatment guidelines in court. The changes will apply to actions commenced on or after the effective date of the Act or pending actions where a trial begins on or after January 1, 2026. The Act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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, Finance Code 304, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18)
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, Finance Code 304, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18)
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, Finance Code 304, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18)
House Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41.001 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 41, Finance Code 304, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 18)