Rep. Linda Garcia

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 2140 amends Texas law to increase the size of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee from 23 to 25 members. The bill specifies exact membership requirements, adding two doulas (including one specializing in end-of-life care), a rural community representative, and a managed care organization representative, while maintaining core medical specialties like obstetrics, psychiatry, and epidemiology. This directly affects how the committee is structured and who participates in reviewing maternal mortality cases across Texas. The committee’s composition will now include more diverse healthcare perspectives and community representation to improve review processes. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4696 allows applicants and witnesses seeking or protected by a protective order to participate remotely in court hearings, unless a judge finds "good cause" to deny the request. It directly affects individuals involved in family court cases seeking or modifying protective orders, particularly those who may face safety risks or logistical barriers attending in person. The bill requires courts to provide a remote participation method upon written request, adding new provisions to Texas Family Code Sections 84.007 (for new orders) and 87.005 (for modifications). This change applies to all pending or future cases under Subtitle B, Title 4 of the Family Code starting September 1, 2025. The law aims to increase accessibility and safety for vulnerable individuals in protective order proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 4442 would require Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to offer an elective mindfulness course for all students in middle school, junior high school, and high school. The course must teach specific techniques to enhance focus, manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and build self-awareness and compassion. High school students would be able to count this course toward their elective credit requirements for graduation. The bill would take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, unless it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, in which case it would take effect immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 168 prohibits marriage for anyone under 18 in Texas, eliminating the previous exception that allowed minors to marry with a court order removing the disabilities of minority. The bill amends the Texas Family Code to require county clerks to deny marriage licenses to minors and declare any marriage entered into by a minor void. This change applies to all marriage applications filed and marriages entered into on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects minors under 18 and their families by ending the ability to marry with court approval under prior law.

Maddy summaryHB 1368 requires Texas public schools (with 10,000+ students) to notify parents in writing if they lack a full-time nurse, school counselor, or librarian for more than 30 consecutive instructional days. Schools must send this notice within 30 days of the absence starting, offering bilingual options for non-English speaking families. The law applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and allows schools to post notices on their websites if accessible via three clicks. It does not apply to schools with fewer than 10,000 students.

Maddy summaryHB 2785 requires Texas' Secretary of State website to display a mandatory confirmation message during online voter registration before the application is finalized. This message requires applicants to electronically confirm two key points: that completing the form does not equal voter registration, and that the completed application must still be submitted to a local voter registrar. The website must block further interaction until this confirmation is given, ensuring applicants understand the registration process isn't complete upon form submission. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects all Texas residents using the state's online voter registration system.

Maddy summaryHB 5064 would designate a specific segment of U.S. Highway 67 in Dallas and Ellis Counties - between its intersection with U.S. Highway 287 and Interstate 20 - as the "Eddie Bernice Johnson Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway and at intermediate locations along the route. This is a ceremonial designation with no impact on highway operations, funding, or regulations. It directly affects the geographic corridor in Dallas and Ellis Counties but does not alter existing transportation policies.

Maddy summaryHB 678 requires public Texas institutions of higher education to include the National Sexual Assault Hotline's contact information on student identification cards. The bill mandates that each student ID must display the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and National Sexual Assault Hotline details. Optional information, such as campus police contacts or health clinic details, may also be printed. This requirement applies to student IDs issued on or after September 1, 2025.