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Texas Legislative Update

December 2024


Michael Grimes, Imperium Public Affairs (TCEP Lobbyist)

89th Legislative Session Bill Filing Begins

In Texas, legislators can file bills in the Texas Legislature beginning the week after the general election and continuing until 60 days into the legislative session. Since filing opened, over 2,000 bills have already been submitted for consideration in the upcoming 89th Texas Legislative Session, which begins in January 2025. Historically, thousands of bills are introduced during a full session, with only a fraction passing into law. The current session's priorities appear to include property taxes, education (including school vouchers), and border security, among others.

Rural Access to Care Taskforce
The Texas Medical Association (TMA) launched a task force earlier this fall to address critical issues surrounding rural access to healthcare and patient safety. The task force is composed of representatives from a broad range of specialty societies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling these challenges. Among its members is Dr. Jeffery Pinnow, an emergency physician from Odessa, who was nominated by TCEP to represent the field of emergency medicine. The group holds regular meetings to identify barriers, propose solutions, and foster collaboration among specialties to improve healthcare delivery in underserved rural areas.

Texas Coalition for Patients
The Texas College of Emergency Physicians (TCEP) has joined the Texas Coalition for Patients (TCP), a diverse alliance committed to supporting patients, families, and healthcare providers across Texas. The coalition's mission is to promote transparency and accountability within the healthcare system, ensuring that patient-centered care remains the top priority for all stakeholders. By championing policies that put patients' needs above corporate profits, the coalition seeks to advance meaningful reforms that enhance access to care, improve the delivery of healthcare services, and ensure Texans receive the benefits they are entitled to from their insurance plans. Ultimately, the TCP envisions a healthcare system that is transparent, equitable, and centered on the well-being of those it serves.

EMPACT
To all EMPACT members, officers, and contributors—thank you for making the 2024 campaign cycle a success. Candidates supported by EMPACT will soon take their place in Austin, where they will be instrumental in advancing policies that support emergency medicine, the practice of emergency physicians, and the well-being of patients across Texas.

Political success is grounded in fostering meaningful and enduring relationships. At the outset of the 2024 election cycle, EMPACT carefully assessed legislative actions from prior sessions to identify policymakers who demonstrated a commitment to emergency medicine and patient advocacy.
Looking ahead, the 2025 legislative session is expected to present significant challenges. Efforts to erode standards of care and patient safety will likely emerge, along with attempts to devalue the essential contributions of emergency physicians.

Your engagement is essential to the success of TCEP’s advocacy efforts. Developing a relationship with your state representative or senator, participating in legislative advocacy events such as TCEP Day at the Capitol on April 15, 2025, or staying informed about key issues are all ways you can make an impact. If you are ready to become more involved, TCEP staff can assist you in connecting with our lobbying team to identify opportunities to contribute. Your support, whether through time, resources, or donations, is critical to protecting the future of emergency medicine in Texas.

Dates of Interest

  • Regular Session Begins Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - (1st day) 89th Legislature convenes at noon.
  • Friday, March 14, 2025 - (60th day) 60-day deadline for bill filing.
  • Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - TCEP Day at the Capitol.
  • Monday, June 2, 2025 - (140th day) Sine die. (Last day of 89th Regular Session)