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As health care costs continue rising in Texas and across the nation, state lawmakers are working to understand the factors that make health care unaffordable and what can be done to rein in prices.

The big picture: About 5.2 million Texans, or 16.7% of the state’s population, did not have health insurance in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

For years, advocates have called on Texas lawmakers to pass laws to drive down health care costs and improve access to health insurance. During a two-day hearing April 30 and May 1, a Texas House committee examined why health care costs are rising. Lawmakers will discuss potential policy solutions later this year, committee chair Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, said.

What's happening: Yale University professor Zack Cooper said that since 2000, U.S. health care spending has grown three times faster than inflation. The average health insurance premium for a family of four is $27,000 per year, he said.

“Every family is basically buying a new Toyota Corolla worth of health insurance," Cooper told lawmakers.

Fulshear officials gathered June 13 to throw the first ceremonial pitch signifying the opening of the second phase of construction at Primrose Park, which includes four baseball and softball fields.

What you need to know: The ceremony comes after the city postponed the grand opening of the park’s nearly $5.5 million second phase from May 9 to June 13 due to weather and rain impacts.

Officials previously said Phase 1 of the project included walking trails and parking at 7622 Dixon Road, while Phase 2 brings:

• Four baseball and softball fields
• Sports lighting for all fields
• A restroom and concession building
• Parking and required detention

Bright Buds Pediatric Dentistry has opened its doors in Fulshear, owner Giselle Peiravani confirmed.

What to expect: The women-owned business offers standard cleanings as well as tests for and treats airway disorders, Peiravani said.

• 2506 Jordan Ranch Blvd. Ste. 2, Fulshear

Houston City College and Space Center Houston signed a memorandum of understanding June 9 aimed at exposing students to programs the center offers.

What it means: The agreement—which first came about a year-and-a-half ago when HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher met with Williams Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston—will give students access to NASA-level science, hands-on STEM workshops, interactive astronaut presentations
and immersive aerospace projects.

HCC Southwest President Michael Webster said the center has competitions, camps and training available, but they need students and participants to fill those activities, something HCC can easily provide.

What they're saying: “This partnership brings new opportunities to connect education, workforce development and real-world experiences,” Harris said. “Together, we can help learners develop skills, confidence and capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Next steps: Webster said there are plans for courses to take place this summer, but officials are still figuring out where they will take place within HCC.

In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2127, a sweeping regulatory measure designed to prevent cities and counties from adopting local ordinances that conflict with various sections of state law. Three years later, there is confusion about what local governments can and cannot do under the law.

The background: At the time, some legislators and other proponents of the bill said it would ensure consistency among Texas cities, citing ordinances passed by “liberal blue cities” that they said made it hard to run a business. Opponents of HB 2127, including some local leaders, said the law would prevent cities from addressing residents’ needs while undermining local worker safety provisions and nondiscrimination ordinances.

What's happening: During a June 4 hearing, the law’s critics said it has had a “chilling effect” on some local actions, while those who support the law expressed concerns that cities have not removed ordinances that are preempted by the state.

Ahead of the 2027 state legislative session, lawmakers are considering whether changes are needed to clarify or better enforce the law.