Senate Bill 30 could have drastically reshaped the personal injury landscape in Texas, leaving everyday Texans with fewer rights and less compensation after devastating accidents. The bill proposed limiting what injury victims could recover by capping medical expense damages to only what was actually paid by insurers, rather than the full cost of care. Though SB 30 ultimately failed to pass during the 2025 legislative session, it made one thing clear: powerful insurance companies and lobbyists are actively working to weaken the rights of the injured and protect corporate profits over people.
Even without the bill becoming law, insurance companies continue to use many of the same aggressive tactics SB 30 would have allowed, pressuring victims into low settlements, denying valid claims, and challenging legitimate medical costs. Contact Tracey Fox & Walters today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who will fight to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
What Was Senate Bill 30?
Senate Bill 30 was designed to limit how much injury victims could recover in personal injury lawsuits by capping medical expense damages to only the amounts actually paid, rather than the full, billed cost of care. The bill also sought to restrict the types of evidence juries could consider, such as letters of protection and unpaid medical bills, which are often crucial for proving the severity of injuries and the need for future care.
Although SB 30 passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature, it ultimately failed because lawmakers couldn’t agree on a final version before the legislative deadline. While it didn’t become law, the bill reflected a growing push to protect insurance companies and large corporations at the expense of injured Texans.
How SB 30 Would Have Protected Corporations, Not Victims
SB 30 ultimately failed because lawmakers recognized the unfair advantage it would have given to insurance companies and large corporations while stripping rights away from injury victims. The bill's proposed caps on recoverable medical expenses and limits on admissible evidence were designed to reduce the financial liability of defendants, not to ensure justice for those harmed.
Why the Bill Failed (and What That Means for You)
While SB 30 didn’t become law, efforts like it highlight how complex and hostile the legal system can be for the injured. These types of reforms, even when unsuccessful, create an environment where pursuing fair compensation becomes more difficult.
For injury victims, the bill’s failure means:
- You can still present the full, billed value of your medical care as evidence.
- Juries retain the ability to hear all relevant facts, including letters of protection.
- Victims aren’t forced into settlements that undervalue the true cost of their injuries.
- Courts remain a level playing field for individuals, not just corporate interests.
That’s why working with an experienced personal injury attorney who stays current on legislative changes is essential to protecting your rights and recovering the compensation you deserve.
The Hidden Cost of “Lawsuit Reform” in Texas
While lawsuit reform is often framed as a way to reduce frivolous claims and control insurance costs, the reality is that these changes come at a steep price for injury victims. Reforms like SB 30 shift the focus away from justice and accountability, making it harder for everyday Texans to recover the full value of their losses after serious accidents.
By capping damages, limiting evidence, and protecting corporate defendants, these laws reduce what victims can claim, even when injuries are life-altering or permanent. The ongoing push for tort reform in Texas is not just a political debate; it’s a battle over who gets to have their voice heard in court and who is compensated with the rightful amount.
What This Bill Says About the Future of Injury Law
The introduction and near-passage of Senate Bill 30 signal a broader shift in Texas toward policies that favor insurers and large corporations over individuals who have been injured. Even though the bill did not become law, its momentum shows that future efforts to limit victims' rights are likely. Each bill, court ruling, and insurance claim helps shape the evolving legal landscape, redefining what injury victims can expect when they seek compensation.
These developments can set powerful precedents, either reinforcing victims’ access to justice or gradually narrowing the path to fair recovery. As the law continues to change, staying informed and having skilled legal representation is more critical than ever to ensure your rights are protected.
How Tracey Fox & Walters Advocates for the Injured
After a serious injury, understanding your legal rights is critical, but in Texas, that’s becoming increasingly complex as lawmakers and insurance companies push for reforms that limit what victims can recover.
At Tracey Fox & Walters, we believe injury victims deserve the full value of their claims, not discounted settlements or rushed payouts that protect insurers. Our attorneys stay ahead of legislative changes like Senate Bill 30, so we can fight back against efforts to undermine your right to fair compensation. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car crash, workplace accident, or because of unsafe premises, we are prepared to build a strong defense strategy built on evidence and accountability.
Tracey Fox & Walters advocates for injured Texans by standing up to those who try to shift the burden away from negligent parties and onto victims. Contact Tracey Fox & Walters today for guidance through these emerging laws to ensure that they don't negatively impact your claims and compensation.
