The Texas House advanced Senate Bill 1188 on Thursday, requiring health records to include patients’ sex assigned at birth and any physical sexual development disorders. The bill also enforces penalties up to $250,000 for health care providers who knowingly alter records in violation of the law.
Sponsored by Rep. Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood), the bill includes provisions regulating digital data storage and use of artificial intelligence in health care. Opponents, including Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-Missouri City), argued the bill targets transgender and intersex patients, potentially exposing them to harm or legal scrutiny.
Bonnen said the intent is to ensure accurate care during emergencies and added exemptions for clerical errors and intersex classifications. Democratic amendments failed, though Bonnen introduced a change broadening the intersex definition and clarifying that AI is not banned.
The bill also grants parents unrestricted access to minors’ medical records unless legally restricted and mandates disclosure when AI is used for diagnoses. A final House vote is required before it returns to the Senate, then heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for approval.
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