Rep. Venton Jones

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 588) congratulating Willis Johnson on receiving the 2025 Outstanding Texan Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. It recognizes Johnson's work as CEO of JBJ Management - a Dallas-based government relations and public affairs firm - and his industry awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. The resolution has no policy provisions or impact on laws; it simply expresses the Texas House of Representatives' formal recognition of Johnson's accomplishments. It was adopted by the House on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4147 requires health care providers to obtain informed consent before conducting screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when collecting blood, and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test for an STD is positive, providers must share information about available health care, education, prevention, and social support services. The bill mandates that the executive commissioner adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2026, based on CDC recommendations, but health care providers are not required to comply until that date. Implementation may be delayed without specific funding appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 3452 prohibits Texas public universities from asking undergraduate applicants about most criminal or disciplinary history during admissions. It specifically bars institutions from requesting details about convictions for non-violent offenses, disciplinary issues at prior schools, or older offenses, except for: (1) certain violent crimes (murder, kidnapping, assault) within 10 years; (2) stalking, sex offenses, or family violence convictions; (3) pending charges; or (4) specific disciplinary actions related to stalking/sexual misconduct. The bill directly affects prospective students applying to Texas public colleges by limiting the personal information they must disclose. It amends education code sections to clarify what institutions may not require on application forms. The bill is currently in committee referral after its first reading.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes March 24, 2025, as HIV Advocacy Day at the Texas State Capitol, specifically acknowledging the annual event organized by the Positive Women's Network (PWN) Texas Strike Force. It commemorates their efforts to bring together Texans affected by HIV/AIDS to advocate for awareness and combat stigma, noting Texas has over 100,000 people living with HIV. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses the Texas House of Representatives' support for the advocacy work.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain Texas municipalities to hold local elections on alcohol sales and create zoning rules for alcohol businesses. It applies only to cities with 15,000+ residents in specific coastal counties (meeting population/border requirements) or cities with 240,000+ residents bordering large man-made lakes. Municipalities meeting these criteria can adopt local zoning regulations for premises selling alcohol within designated areas. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2940 modifies Texas law to expand eligibility for good conduct time (time off sentences for good behavior) for certain inmates. It allows county jail inmates to earn good conduct time by participating in sheriff-operated volunteer work programs under Article 43.101 of the Criminal Procedure Code, counting these hours the same as participation in department-run industrial or vocational programs. The bill specifies that inmates classified as trusties or Class I may earn up to 20 days of good conduct time per 30 days served, while Class II inmates earn 10 days. This change directly affects incarcerated individuals in county jails who participate in approved work programs, potentially impacting their parole eligibility under Sections 508.145 or 508.147 of the law.

Maddy summaryHB 2913 allows Texas municipalities to create local rules enabling residents or property owners to formally request that a nonconforming property use (a current use that doesn't match current zoning rules, like a business in a residential zone) be stopped. The bill amends the Local Government Code to explicitly permit such ordinances, regulations, or measures. It does not require municipalities to adopt these rules but gives them the legal authority to do so if they choose. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2939 would expand Texas Medicaid eligibility to cover low-income adults who qualify under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), directly affecting approximately 500,000 Texans currently excluded from Medicaid due to income limits. The bill requires the state to provide medical assistance to all eligible applicants when federal matching funds are available, overriding existing state restrictions. It mandates annual reports tracking impacts on uninsured rates, state/hospital costs, and charity care. The expansion applies to new applications or recertifications starting September 1, 2025, and requires state agencies to coordinate with federal authorities for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2557 limits prior authorization requirements for prescription drugs treating chronic health conditions. It prohibits insurance plans from demanding more than one annual prior authorization for such drugs, covering conditions like autoimmune diseases, hemophilia, and neurodegenerative disorders. The bill defines "chronic health condition" as illnesses expected to last over a year that require ongoing care or limit daily activities (e.g., bathing, walking). This change applies only to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1737 requires health care providers to include HIV testing as part of routine medical screenings for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), unless a patient opts out. Providers must inform patients about the HIV test during STD screenings and provide information on HIV services and community support referrals if a test is positive. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but the requirement for providers to implement this policy begins January 1, 2026. This directly affects patients receiving STD screenings and the health care providers conducting those screenings across Texas.