Rep. Gary VanDeaver

Maddy summaryHB 54, titled "Relating to the display of and allowance for non-human behaviors in Texas schools," is a procedural bill that amends school discipline requirements. It mandates that Texas public school districts include specific factors in their student conduct codes, such as self-defense, intent, disability considerations, and homelessness status, when making disciplinary decisions like suspensions or expulsions. The bill requires schools to post these codes prominently and consider these factors in all disciplinary actions. It does not ban specific activities but standardizes how schools evaluate student behavior. The bill is currently pending in the Education Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 establishes a licensing requirement for genetic counselors in Texas. The bill requires genetic counselors to obtain a state license to practice, directly affecting professionals providing genetic counseling services in the state. Key provisions define "practice of genetic counseling" (including services after referrals from physicians or self-referral) and authorize a fee for licensure. The bill creates Chapter 508 of the Occupations Code, setting up the framework for licensing, including an Advisory Board and definitions for key terms like "certifying entity."

Maddy summaryHB 125 creates the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as a new academic unit within Tarleton State University. The bill establishes that the college will operate under the oversight of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, offer osteopathic medicine degrees under Tarleton's authority, and partner with public or private teaching hospitals. This legislation directly affects Tarleton State University students seeking osteopathic medicine degrees and expands Texas' network of medical education institutions. The bill amends Texas Education Code to formally include the new college in the state's list of authorized medical and dental programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1640 requires Texas' Public Utility Commission to create and maintain a customer guide for homeowners considering home solar energy installations. The guide must provide practical information, including questions to ask utilities about net metering and rebates, roof design considerations for efficiency, and financial details like tax credits and maintenance costs. Electric utilities and providers must link to this guide on their websites and include it in customer bills for at least one year after publication. The bill directly affects homeowners researching solar options by standardizing access to clear, actionable information from the state. It takes effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 2147 permits juvenile courts in Texas to conduct hearings, depositions, and other proceedings remotely using video or audio technology without requiring party consent (unless required by the U.S. or Texas Constitution). The law requires judges to submit plans to the Office of Court Administration detailing how physical evidence will be handled and ensuring an unobstructed view of remote participants during testimony. This directly affects juvenile courts, legal parties, attorneys, witnesses, and court reporters involved in juvenile cases. The bill amends the Family Code to establish these remote proceeding rules, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 25 requires Texas public schools to provide daily physical activity for students in prekindergarten through grade 8, mandating at least 30 minutes of moderate/vigorous activity per day for younger students (pre-K-grade 5) and 135-225 minutes weekly for middle schoolers (grades 6-8), with scheduling flexibility. It directly affects all Texas public school students in these grades and prohibits school staff from withholding physical activity as punishment for academic or behavioral reasons. The bill also adds a new requirement that higher education institutions receiving certain funds must develop nutrition curricula aligned with Texas nutrition guidelines. This legislation focuses on structured physical education and activity standards, not on nutrition food policies. The bill is currently pending in committee after being favorably reported as substituted.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 945), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It formally honors Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025, recognizing his life, leadership as the first Latin American pope, and global efforts to serve the vulnerable. The resolution memorializes his legacy, including his work during Argentina's economic crisis, interfaith initiatives, and pandemic-era outreach. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to express collective remembrance.

Maddy summaryHB 213 amends Texas education law to include chronically absent students (those missing significant school days) in the official definition of "students at risk of dropping out." This change directly affects school districts, which must now collect and report data on chronically absent students to the state. The bill adds chronic absenteeism as a specific criterion under the existing "at-risk" definition, requiring schools to track and document students missing many days. This policy change ensures schools systematically identify and support students whose attendance patterns signal potential disengagement, with data submitted through the state's education management system.

Maddy summaryHB 2110 modifies Texas law to expand access to dual credit courses in public higher education. It defines "educationally disadvantaged" students (those who faced barriers in high school) as eligible for no-cost enrollment in dual credit courses, requiring school districts to verify eligibility and notify colleges. The bill also establishes a "Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program," exempting eligible students from tuition and fees for dual credit courses at participating institutions. This directly affects high school students in dual credit programs across Texas public schools and colleges. The changes aim to reduce financial barriers for qualifying students while streamlining verification processes between school districts and higher education institutions.

Maddy summaryHB 2684 requires health care providers to inform pregnant women diagnosed with a life-threatening condition in their preborn child about available perinatal palliative care options. The bill mandates the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to create and maintain online informational materials describing palliative care services and a geographically indexed list of providers (excluding abortion providers). It directly affects pregnant women facing such diagnoses and their health care providers. The law aims to ensure access to supportive care focused on reducing suffering for both the pregnant woman and her preborn child. The bill also establishes an administrative penalty for noncompliance, though specific penalty details are not provided in the truncated text.