State-Specific Resources: Texas

House Bill 7 – Workers Compensation Reform

Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 7 into law on June 1, reforming the Texas Workers Compensation System. The law changes were effective September 1, 2005.

Major provisions of HB 7 include the creation of a new Division of Workers Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to assume the responsibilities of the Texas Workers Compensation Commission (TWCC) as well as to address specific problems in the Texas workers compensation system, namely, high medical costs and poor return-to-work outcomes. The new TDI division is overseen by Commissioner Albert Betts, Jr., who was appointed by Gov. Perry. Please see the link below for a discussion of some of the bill's key provisions.

HB7 and Health Care Network Information

• What HB7 Means to Employers
• HB7 Introduction Letter
• Frequently asked questions about HB7
• Notice of Injured Employee Rights and Responsibilities in the Texas Workers' Compensation System
• Derechos y Responsabilidades bajo el Sistema Tejano de Compensación para Trabajadores en Español
• Travelers Customer Health Care Network Information
• CSS Customer Health Care Network Information