Last month, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 30, joining a growing group of state legislatures seeking to limit plaintiffs’ tort recovery. According to the bill’s proponents, the legislation is intended to limit so-called “nuclear verdicts,” generally understood to refer to verdicts in excess of $10 million.

While recent regulatory developments—including the Departments’ nonenforcement policy, proposed legislation, and new transparency rules—offer employers and plan fiduciaries greater flexibility and potential relief, they also underscore the need for continued vigilance. From ensuring compliance with longstanding MHPAEA obligations to evaluating benefit design changes, managing PBM relationships, and addressing nondiscrimination concerns in self-funded plans, stakeholders must stay proactive and informed to navigate the evolving health and welfare benefits landscape effectively.While recent regulatory developments—including the Departments’ nonenforcement policy, proposed legislation, and new transparency rules—offer employers and plan fiduciaries greater flexibility and potential relief, they also underscore the need for continued vigilance. From ensuring compliance with longstanding MHPAEA obligations to evaluating benefit design changes, managing PBM relationships, and addressing nondiscrimination concerns in self-funded plans, stakeholders must stay proactive and informed to navigate the evolving health and welfare benefits landscape effectively.