Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to statute of limitations for dental malpractice claims and including applicability provisions
Sponsored by Rep. Austin Harris (R)
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 21, 2026
- Stopped: SubcommitteeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: House committeeFunnel: by February 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary People who want to sue a dentist or dental worker for an injury or death would have more time to file a legal claim. Instead of the current two-year limit, the new rule would allow five years from the time someone discovers the problem. This change applies to dental care issues that happen on or after July 1, 2026.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to statute of limitations for dental malpractice claims.1 provides certain time periods civil actions may be brought by a claimant. Under current law, a claimant may pursue a malpractice claim for injury or death arising out of patient care within two years after the date the claimant knew or should have known, or received notice of the injury or death, whichever date occurs first. The bill specifies that a civil action brought by a claimant against any dentist, dental surgeon, registered dental hygienist, or registered dental assistant for injury or death arising out of patient dental care may be brought by the claimant within five years after the date the claimant knew or should have known, or received notice of the injury or death, whichever date occurs first. The bill applies to causes of action that arise on or after July 1, 2026.