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Bill

HB 1105

restrict contracts and declarations that prohibit the use of commercial or residential property for any healthcare service in medically underserved areas or communities, or in areas with a medically underserved population under federal law.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Baxter and 9 co-sponsors

Prohibits property deed restrictions that ban healthcare services in federally designated medically underserved areas to expand provider access to underserved communities.

Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
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Bill Summary · HB 1105

Legislative bill overview

HB 1105 prohibits property owners from using contracts or deed restrictions to ban healthcare services on their commercial or residential properties in federally designated medically underserved areas. The bill essentially overrides private property restrictions that would prevent medical clinics, dental offices, or other healthcare providers from operating in these underserved communities.

Why is this important

Healthcare deserts—regions with few doctors, clinics, or specialists—create serious barriers to treatment and preventive care. By removing contractual barriers to healthcare provision, the bill aims to increase access to medical services in communities where they're most needed. This addresses a documented public health problem where low-income and rural areas struggle to attract healthcare providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights concerns: Restricts owners' ability to control what uses occur on their land through contractual agreements, raising constitutional takings clause questions
  • Scope of application: "Medically underserved" is federally defined but may be vague; unclear if bill covers all property types or just certain healthcare services
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Bill lacks detail on who determines underserved status, how violations are penalized, or whether grandfathered restrictions are exempt
  • Unintended consequences: Could prevent property owners from managing neighborhood character or excluding competing healthcare providers they don't want nearby

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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