Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB 227 (The Charles Edward Barton Act) mandates the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to lower the evidentiary standards required to issue delayed birth certificates, specifically for individuals born before 1971 or those with minor inconsistencies in their records. This legislation immediately benefits healthcare facilities seeking Medicaid eligibility for residents and HR departments resolving stalled I-9 verifications for older employees.
Sen. Royce West·Senate Bill·Regular Session
State Registrar of Vital Statistics • Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Standard regulatory changes (effective 2025-09-01). Review during normal business planning.
Affected business types:
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
No changes required for standard commercial MSAs. However, long-term care facilities and elder law practices should update client engagement letters to reflect the increased feasibility of securing proof of citizenship for benefit eligibility.
No new fees. This legislation is cost-positive for businesses; it reduces uncompensated care costs for nursing homes (by speeding up Medicaid approval) and reduces legal costs associated with establishing identity for probate or employment.
The legislature has shifted the standard of review from strict clerical accuracy to a "preponderance of the evidence." This is a legal standard that requires judgment, creating a risk of inconsistent application by DSHS administrative staff.
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about SB227
SB 227 (The Charles Edward Barton Act) mandates the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to lower the evidentiary standards required to issue delayed birth certificates, specifically for individuals born before 1971 or those with minor inconsistencies in their records. This legislation immediately benefits healthcare facilities seeking Medicaid eligibility for residents and HR departments resolving stalled I-9 verifications for older employees.
SB227 was authored by Texas Senator Royce West during the Regular Session.
SB227 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
SB227 is enforced by State Registrar of Vital Statistics and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
The regulatory priority for SB227 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB227 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB227 addresses topics including aging, health, health--general, birth & death certificates and vehicles & traffic.
Key dates for SB227: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB227 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
