Treaty Oak Strategies Recaps the 89th Texas Legislative Session

Texas' 89th Legislative Session kicked off on January 14 and came to a close on June 2 (Sine Die). Despite a slow start and a positive outlook for advancing health care and human services legislation, state and federal changes severely impacted funding and final passage of key legislation, including changes to the Texas Speaker seat and key health and human services legislative staff. Timing of discussions and uncertainty regarding federal changes to Medicaid financing and the Texas Legislature’s need to pass a biennial budget also led to legislative direction to not make any major changes to Texas’ Medicaid program, including adding any new benefits. All these circumstances led to little movement for most pieces of healthcare- and human services-related legislation.

Nonetheless, several critical pieces of healthcare and human services legislation made their way out of the Texas Capitol — some thanks to the efforts of the Treaty Oak Strategies team — and Article II of the State Budget, which directs funding for health and human services programs, grew by nearly $5 billion. Treaty Oak Strategies recaps outcomes of the 89th Legislative Session below. 

Read Our Recap of the State Budget

Read Our Recap of the Key Legislation Passed

Policymaking doesn't end at Sine Die! Treaty Oak Strategies will continue to advance our clients' priorities throughout the interim, monitoring agency activity, engaging in implementation of legislation passed during session, identifying opportunities to leverage regulatory changes, and conting to build relationships with legislators and legislative staff.

Keep an eye out for more news from Treaty Oak Strategies here.