MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

10:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services was held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair	Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Charles Perry, Vice Chair	Senator Borris Miles
Senator César Blanco
Senator Bob Hall
Senator Bryan Hughes
Senator Morgan LaMantia
Senator Kevin Sparks

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The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:01 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Perry, Senator Hughes.

The Chair laid out the following interim Committee charges:

· Cancer Prevention: Identify and recommend ways to address the growing impact of cancer on Texans by evaluating state investments in cancer prevention and screenings including, but not limited to, “CT,” “MRI”, and “PET” scans. Study and make recommendations on funding adequacy for prevention efforts at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

• Health Insurance: Examine the Texas health insurance market and alternatives to employer-based insurance. Identify barriers Texans face when navigating a complex health insurance market. Make recommendations that help individuals obtain health care coverage.

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

• Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services passed by the 88th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

o Senate Bill 25, relating to support for nursing-related postsecondary education, including scholarships to nursing students, loan repayment assistance to nurses and nursing faculty, and grants to nursing education programs.

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

At 1:05 PM Senator Perry assumed the Chair.

At 1:19 PM Senator Kolkhorst resumed the Chair.

The following individuals provided public testimony (see attached witness list).

There being no further business, at 4:42 PM Senator Kolkhorst moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair

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Ryan Heare, Clerk