• Officially recognizing Paid Family Leave as a type of disability insurance in the state, Texas’ HB1996 went into effect on September 1, 2023.

• The bill authorizes life or health insurers operating in the state to provide a Paid Family Leave policy to individuals, with the insurers maintaining responsibility for setting the terms and conditions of the policies. The benefit period offered must be a minimum of 2 weeks, however.

Policies may be issued to an individual due to any of the following reasons:

1. Care for a family member with a serious health condition;
2. Bonding with a child within the first 12 months of birth, adoption, or placement for adoption or foster care;
3. To address a qualifying exigency as interpreted under FMLA;
4. Care for a family member injured in the line of duty; or
5. Other care for a family member, as specified in the policy.