The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) proposed its Fiscal Year 2027 Research Agenda for the Workers' Compensation Research and Evaluation Group (REG).

The agenda does not create new regulatory requirements but identifies planned research on employer participation and injured employee access to medical care that may inform future policy discussions and system improvements.

The agenda includes:

• Updating the study estimating employer participation in the Texas workers' comp system
• Updating the analysis of injured employee access to medical care, including care through DWC-certified health care networks
• Expanding these projects or conducting additional research, depending on stakeholder input, resources, and data availability

The proposal is scheduled for publication in the August 28, 2026, Texas Register. Stakeholders may submit written comments or request a public hearing by 5:00 p.m. CT on September 28, 2026. After the comment period, the commissioner will review the proposal before approving the final agenda.