Texas House Passes Controversial Injury Lawsuit Reform Bill in Late-Night Vote

The Texas House approved a significant injury lawsuit reform bill late Monday, with a vote tally of 94-52. Critics contend that the legislation will hinder victims' ability to secure fair compensation, as it moves toward final approval in the Senate.

Senate Bill 30, supported by Texans for Lawsuit Reform and emphasized by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, mandates that juries be made aware if a plaintiff’s attorney has referred them to a medical provider. The legislation requires that treatment costs introduced during trial proceedings adhere to Medicare and workers' compensation rates, rather than conventional billing charges.

Proponents of the bill assert that it tackles the issue of inflated medical costs and aims to prevent fraudulent partnerships between attorneys and medical providers. “This measure will restrict the capacity of certain attorneys and associated health care professionals to engage in fraudulent activities,” stated TLR General Counsel Lee Parsley.

Consumer advocates are raising concerns that the proposed bill may favor insurers while compromising patient rights. Ware Wendell of Texas Watch criticized the proposed legislation, stating, “These bills don’t do anything to insurance companies.” “The actions taken are seen as an infringement on rights and impose additional burdens on patients.”

The House approved multiple amendments to the bill before its passage. Critics continue to express concerns that specific provisions, such as those that previously mandated corroborating medical evidence for claims of pain and suffering, may deter victims, particularly survivors of sexual abuse, from stepping forward.

A 20-year-old survivor of childhood sexual abuse provided testimony against previous iterations of the bill, asserting that it would further complicate the pursuit of justice for victims in similar situations. “How can one possibly summarize seven years of turmoil?” he asked lawmakers.

Supporters of the legislation, including various business organizations, contend that it is necessary to address the increasing prevalence of what they term “nuclear verdicts,” which they claim pose a risk to the pro-business legal environment in Texas. Opponents argue that the legislation will discourage legitimate claims while safeguarding wealthy defendants.

SB 30 is set for an additional procedural vote in the House on Tuesday, after which it will return to the Senate for final approval.