Texas House Advances Controversial Bills Targeting Gender and Transgender Health Care
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House of Representatives held a weekend session on Saturday, addressing critical legislation as the 89th regular session nears its end. Among the debated bills were House Bill 229 and Senate Bill 1257, both of which have drawn considerable attention, particularly from LGBTQ+ advocates who argue they target transgender individuals.
During the session, lawmakers celebrated Mexican Mother’s Day, with a resolution and a mariachi band performance on the House floor.
Significantly, the House approved HB 2462, allowing pregnant women to use HOV lanes, a measure State Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano) characterized as a Mother’s Day gift. This bill aims to alleviate some of the burdens mothers face in balancing work and family commitments.
In more contentious discussions, SB 1257, authored by state Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola), would require health insurance plans covering transition-related care to also cover reversal procedures. Leach described the bill as protective but faced criticism, particularly from State Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas), who argued it could limit access to lifesaving care for transgender individuals and lead to higher insurance costs.
Meanwhile, HB 229, introduced by Rep. Ellen Troxclair (R-Lakeway), would mandate that legal documents reflect an individual’s biological sex. Troxclair claimed this measure is essential for protecting women’s rights, but critics, including Rep. Jon Rosenthal (D-Houston), contended it could erase the identities of transgender and intersex individuals and exacerbate discrimination.
Democrats attempted to amend both bills to prevent discrimination and expand coverage for all insurance plans; however, these efforts were largely rejected. As lawmakers continue to negotiate these divisive issues, the Texas House will reconvene on Monday, further emphasizing the ongoing legislative battle over gender rights and health care in the state.
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