The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss several significant legislative proposals, notably House Bill 1151, which aims to strengthen parental rights in medical decision-making for children.

During the meeting, the executive director of Texans for Medical Freedom expressed strong support for HB 1151, emphasizing the need for legal protections for parents against wrongful accusations of neglect. The testimony highlighted concerns that government entities, schools, and medical professionals often make critical health decisions without parental input, leading to situations where parents face threats of Child Protective Services investigations for refusing certain medical treatments. The bill seeks to ensure that government intervention occurs only in cases of clear and substantial risk of harm, thereby preserving parental authority in directing their children's medical care.

Sheila Hemphill from Texas Right to Know also voiced her support for the bill, stressing the importance of allowing parents to reject psychotropic medications under pressure from doctors or schools. She argued for a focus on identifying physical root causes of behavioral issues rather than immediately resorting to psychiatric diagnoses. Hemphill shared a case study illustrating how addressing underlying health issues led to significant improvements in a child's behavior and academic performance.

The committee heard no further public testimony on HB 1151, and the bill was left pending for further consideration. The discussions underscored a growing concern among Texas families regarding parental rights and the influence of external entities on children's health and education decisions. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of parental authority in Texas.