Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1295

Filed
11/13/24  
Out of House Committee
4/25/25  
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a health literacy plan developed by the statewide health coordinating council and the inclusion of health literacy in the state health plan.

Impact

The bill specifically addresses key concerns regarding the prevalence of low health literacy among consumers, highlighting its potential economic impact on state health programs and health insurance coverage. By requiring assessments of primary risk factors contributing to low health literacy and examining effective communication methods in health care, the bill seeks to foster a more informed populace that can navigate health services effectively. This is expected to enhance overall public health outcomes and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs associated with misunderstandings among patients.

Summary

House Bill 1295 aims to establish a comprehensive health literacy plan developed by the statewide health coordinating council. This bill is focused on incorporating health literacy into the state health plan and mandates that the council updates this plan every two years. The intent behind this legislation is to improve health literacy among state residents, enabling individuals to better understand and utilize health information and services, which is critical for making informed health-related decisions.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 1295 seems to support the promotion of health literacy as a beneficial initiative for public health. Advocates argue that enhancing health literacy will not only improve individual health outcomes but will also lead to a more efficient health care system by reducing preventable health events and improving medication adherence. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of such a plan and potential resource allocation challenges.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise around the funding and resources required for the statewide health coordinating council to effectively implement and sustain the health literacy plan. Critics may question the practicality of the bill in terms of aligning current health resources and strategies for improving health literacy within existing frameworks. Additionally, discussions may focus on ensuring that all demographic groups, particularly underserved populations, are adequately addressed in any health literacy initiatives.

Companion Bills

TX SB641

Identical Relating to a health literacy plan developed by the statewide health coordinating council and the inclusion of health literacy in the state health plan.

Previously Filed As

TX SB641

Relating to a health literacy plan developed by the statewide health coordinating council and the inclusion of health literacy in the state health plan.

TX HB6077

HEAL-AI Act Healthcare Education in AI Literacy Act

TX SB2891

Relating to the establishment of the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council and the abolition of the statewide health coordinating council and the nursing advisory committee of that council.

TX HB3801

Relating to the establishment of the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council and a workgroup on nursing career pathways and the abolition of the statewide health coordinating council and the nursing advisory committee of that council.

TX HB380

Healthcare Coordinating Council; reconstitute and require to make report on specific health goals for the state.

TX HB186

Healthcare Coordinating Council; reconstitute and require to make report on specific health goals for the state.

TX HCR67

Proclaiming October 2025 As "health Literacy Month" In The State Of Delaware.

TX HB2319

Relating To The State Health Planning And Development Agency.

TX SB3139

Relating To The State Health Planning And Development Agency.

TX HB2807

Relating to the statewide intellectual and developmental disability coordinating council.

Similar Bills

NM SB37

High Quality Literacy Instruction Act

MI HR0199

A resolution to declare October 2025 as Health Literacy Month in the state of Michigan.

HI SR192

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.

HI SCR195

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.

CA SB1048

State Seal of Climate Literacy.

HI HB936

Relating To Financial Literacy.

HI SB1277

Relating To Financial Literacy.

HI SB1277

Relating To Financial Literacy.