Bill Text: TX HB181 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide applicants with certain information regarding eligibility for public health programs.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-11-12 - Filed [HB181 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-HB181-Introduced.html

---

89R2860 MM-D
By: Lalani H.B. No. 181

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher
education provide applicants with certain information regarding
eligibility for public health programs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.9199 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.9199. REQUIRED INFORMATION REGARDING PUBLIC HEALTH
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY. (a) In this section, "institution of higher
education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b) An institution of higher education shall distribute to
each applicant for admission as an entering freshman or
undergraduate transfer student information designed to educate and
inform the applicant about eligibility requirements for public
health benefits coverage, including coverage under Medicaid and the
child health plan program. The information must:
(1) clearly explain the eligibility requirements for
the applicable public health programs;
(2) address the most common health care needs of the
student population in relation to the public health benefits that
may be available to the applicant under the public health programs;
(3) be tailored specifically to the student population
who may complete the necessary forms independently; and
(4) include the enrollment procedures for the public
health programs, including a link to the Health and Human Services
Commission's Internet website that displays that enrollment
information.
(c) To support the provision of information under
Subsection (b), the Health and Human Services Commission shall
develop informational material about the eligibility requirements
for public health benefits coverage, including coverage under
Medicaid and the child health plan program, that is:
(1) up to date; and
(2) clear and easy to understand.
SECTION 2. Section 51.9199, Education Code, as added by
this Act, applies beginning with the 2025 fall semester.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.