Panel backs bill cutting penalties for ambulatory surgical centers

Representative Oliver presented House Bill 1207, explaining the bill does not change existing good‑faith estimate requirements for hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers but "right sizes the penalty structure." He told the committee that hospitals and ASCs are currently subject to the same $1,000‑per‑day fine and that the bill reduces penalties for ASCs to $250 per day with a lower cap while keeping the hospital fine unchanged. Oliver said enforcement would be delayed until federal good‑faith‑estimate rules are finalized to ensure alignment with federal law.

There was no public testimony and no recorded debate. Representative Oliver waived closing and the committee voted to report HB 1207 favorably.

Supporters framed the change as an adjustment to better match penalties to facility type and to avoid divergence with forthcoming federal guidance.