Relating to a patient's access to health records and access to and exchange of certain health benefit plan information; authorizing a civil penalty; authorizing fees.

SB 1235 requires healthcare providers in Texas to provide patients or their authorized representatives with electronic copies of health records within 15 business days of a written request, if the provider uses an electronic system capable of fulfilling the request. It prohibits "information blocking" (intentionally violating federal rules that prevent access to health records) and allows providers to charge fees for record copies, but caps total fees at $100 per request. The bill directly affects patients seeking their health data and healthcare providers managing electronic health records, aligning Texas law with federal regulations under 45 C.F.R. §171.103. Violations may result in civil penalties, though the bill does not specify penalty amounts.