End-of-Session Roundup: States Pass Major Healthcare Legislation in 2025
Over the past month, legislative sessions have ended in several states, and now the majority of states have adjourned for the year. With the end of sessions came the passage of significant healthcare legislation across the country. Here are a few highlights.
Major Healthcare Bills Passed This Session
Texas Healthcare Legislation Overview
In particular, the Texas legislature was active on healthcare issues and sent several bills to Governor Abbott (R) before adjournment, including the following:
SB 331 - Expands health care cost disclosure requirements to additional facilities.
HB 1314 - Requires a facility to provide a patient with an estimate of billed charges within 5 days of receiving a request from a patient.
HB 3812 - Modifies the prior authorization gold carding program.
SB 815 - Prohibits a utilization review agent from using an automated decision system to make an adverse determination.
SB 31 - Modifies exceptions to the state’s abortion ban.
SB 493 - Prohibits “gag clauses” in contracts between PBMs and pharmacies.
Oklahoma Veto Override Victories
In Oklahoma, the legislature was busy until the end of session as they addressed a multitude of vetoes from Governor Stitt (R). Of note, the legislature voted to override vetoes on 340B (HB 2048), physician assistant scope of practice (HB 2584), advanced practice registered nurse scope of practice (HB 2298), insurance coverage of breast cancer imaging (HB 1389), and community health worker certification (SB 424) legislation, among others.
Connecticut Budget Health Provisions
During the last week of session, lawmakers in Connecticut passed a budget (HB 7287) with several key health policy provisions. Notably, in response to actions taken by the Trump Administration, the legislation authorizes the Department of Public Health to create an advisory committee on matters related to the CDC and FDA and codifies fluoride water supply requirements rather than tying them to federal recommendations. In addition, the bill modifies Medicaid coverage and utilization management of obesity treatments, limits annual generic and off-patent drug price increases to inflation, and increases the hospital provider tax.
Track Health Care Policy
The ever-evolving state health policy landscape will continue to influence how health care organizations make business decisions. MultiState’s team pulls from decades of expertise to help you effectively navigate and engage. MultiState’s team understands the issues, knows the key players and organizations, and we harness that expertise to help our clients effectively navigate and engage on their policy priorities. We offer customized strategic solutions to help you develop and execute a proactive multistate agenda focused on your company’s goals. Learn more about our Health Care Policy Practice.