Sen. Kevin Sparks unveils legislative priorities for healthcare and grid reliability

State Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, has introduced the first two of his six legislative priority packages, focusing on two pressing issues in Texas: a shortage of healthcare professionals and the reliability of the state's electric grid. Sparks says these measures will help West Texans and residents across the state access better healthcare while ensuring a stable and cost-effective power supply.

Addressing Texas’ Healthcare Shortage

Texas is experiencing a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas. Currently, 246 of the state's 254 counties are designated as federal mental health professional shortage areas, with some counties having fewer than 10 licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and others lacking any entirely. Sparks' proposed healthcare package aims to bridge this gap by reducing regulations, expanding telehealth services, and removing barriers for mental health professionals.

"Texas’ healthcare workforce is in the midst of a crisis," Sparks said. "This package ensures families in West Texas and throughout the state can access the healthcare professionals they need."

Key provisions of the plan include:

Joining the Interstate Counseling Compact – This will expedite licensure for LPCs, making it easier for mental health professionals to practice across state lines. The compact is set to begin issuing privileges in spring 2025.

Reducing Barriers for Physicians – Sparks proposes streamlined regulations to attract graduate physicians, former military doctors, and internationally trained physicians.

Expanding Telehealth Access – Patients would be able to use out-of-state telehealth providers, increasing access to care and competition in the healthcare marketplace.

Mental Health Training Reimbursements – Incentives would be offered to encourage more professionals to enter the mental health field.

While Texas has made strides in mental health funding, including new facilities in Amarillo and the Permian Basin, the shortage of LPCs remains a major concern. Sparks' package aims to address this gap by making Texas more competitive in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals.

Strengthening the Texas Electric Grid

The vulnerability of Texas' electric grid was brought into sharp focus during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, which led to widespread power outages. While recent legislation has pushed for stricter performance standards for energy generators, Sparks argues that more needs to be done to ensure long-term grid stability and affordability.

"By prioritizing dispatchable generation and correcting market distortions, we can protect Texans from soaring electricity costs caused by short-term fixes," Sparks said.

His legislative package includes:

Consistent Reliability Requirements – Sparks proposes removing the current 2027 deadline so that all new energy projects must comply with reliability standards immediately.

Transmission Planning Updates – Requires ongoing revisions of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan to keep up with population growth and increased energy demand.

Fixing Market Distortions – Sparks aims to address the impact of federal renewable energy subsidies, which he argues create unfair pricing dynamics.

Prioritizing Baseload Power – The Texas Energy Fund would emphasize cost-effective, dispatchable power sources like natural gas to ensure reliability.

Texas lawmakers have already taken steps to strengthen the grid, including directing the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to implement performance benchmarks for generators. Sparks’ plan builds on these efforts by making reliability standards consistent across the board and focusing on long-term energy security.

What’s Next?

Sparks, who represents Senate District 31, covering much of West Texas and the Permian Basin, said his remaining four legislative packages will address other key issues affecting the state’s economy and quality of life.

"West Texas is home to some of the hardest-working people in the state," he said. "Ensuring they have both reliable healthcare and reliable power isn’t just good policy — it’s the right thing to do."

As the legislative session progresses, Sparks says he looks forward to working with his colleagues to pass these measures for the benefit of all Texans.