Texas lawmakers began filing bills Monday for the 2027 legislative session, and Sen. Judith Zaffirini again proposed expanding Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act. The filing puts the question back before a Legislature that will be divided when it convenes in January.
What the proposal would do
Zaffirini filed Senate Bill 31 and Senate Joint Resolution 6. In a statement from her Senate office, she said the measures would extend eligibility and bring in an estimated $6 billion in federal matching funds. That estimate comes from the sponsor’s office.
The companion resolution would put a constitutional amendment before voters if lawmakers approve it. The filing itself changes no eligibility rules. Texas remains the most populous state that has not expanded Medicaid under the federal law, The Texas Tribune reported.
What happens next
The 90th Legislature convenes Jan. 12. The proposal must advance through the legislative process before voters could consider the amendment. For Texans following the bill, the next milestones are its committee assignment and whether it receives a hearing.