Texas Legislature Begins 2025 Legislative Development

Texas lawmakers have started filing bills in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session, even though the session does not begin until mid-January. As of this week, thousands of bills have already been filed, including bills seeking to address artificial intelligence, telehealth, abortion rights, health benefit mandates, immunizations, and drug coverage. Several bills have also been filed to expand Medicaid health insurance coverage in the state, an issue that is considered unlikely to gain traction despite how much federal funding it would unlock.

GOP leadership has been steadfastly opposed to any expansion of Medicaid, which currently covers mostly children, disabled individuals, and older adults. Texas is expected to have plenty of cash to fund any new mandates, education, and existing Medicaid expenses. State Comptroller Glenn Hegar projected that the state would have a $20 billion surplus at the start of 2025.