Rep. Joanne Shofner

Maddy summaryHB 4198 requires Texas school districts to update their library collection policies every five years to prohibit certain materials, including harmful content (per Penal Code), sexually explicit material rated by vendors, and content containing indecent or profane material. The bill mandates that policies must recognize parents as primary decision-makers for student library access, require transparency in cataloging, and prevent removal of materials based solely on ideas or author background. School districts that fail to comply face a civil penalty. This applies directly to all public school districts managing library collections, including classroom and online resources.

Maddy summaryHB 4152 requires all Texas counties to use hand-marked scannable paper ballots for every election, replacing electronic voting systems. The bill mandates that counties implement this system by meeting specific requirements, including using computerized voter registration lists and demonstrating technological capability. It directly affects all Texas counties conducting elections by changing their voting equipment standards. The law modifies Election Code sections to specify that counties must adopt hand-marked paper ballots instead of direct recording electronic voting machines or ballot marking devices.

Maddy summaryHB 4195 prohibits Texas public schools and universities from entering contracts or accepting money from "foreign adversaries," defined as countries like China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Qatar, or others designated under U.S. law. It specifically bans arrangements involving research partnerships, student exchanges, faculty collaborations, or intellectual property sharing with these entities. Violations could result in fines up to 150% of the contract value, with collected penalties deposited into the state’s foundation school fund. The bill directly affects all public school districts and institutions of higher education in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 3979 establishes a licensing and regulatory framework for naturopathic physicians in Texas by creating Chapter 207 in the Occupations Code. The bill requires naturopathic physicians to obtain an occupational license to practice, defines "naturopathic medicine" as a primary healthcare system using natural therapies, and specifies their scope of practice - including physical exams, diagnostic tests, and therapies like hydrotherapy or botanical treatments. It authorizes licensing fees, sets penalties for violations, and creates criminal offenses for unlicensed practice. This bill directly affects individuals seeking to legally practice naturopathic medicine in Texas, requiring them to meet new regulatory standards before providing care.

Maddy summaryHB 3934 prohibits Texas state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement from assisting federal agencies in enforcing certain federal gun regulations. It specifically blocks cooperation on federal requirements like gun registries, licensing for ownership, background checks for private sales, or confiscation of firearms from law-abiding owners. The bill also establishes new state protections for the right to bear arms through a new Government Code chapter. It applies to all Texas governmental entities, including counties, cities, and state departments.

Maddy summaryHB 3936 would automatically cancel all voter registrations in Texas on January 1 of the year following every presidential election. This affects every registered voter in the state, requiring them to re-register under Chapter 13 of the Election Code after each presidential election cycle. Key provisions include removing the option to challenge these cancellations (Section 16.040(b)), changing registration expiration dates from gubernatorial to presidential elections, and eliminating the suspense list cancellation process previously tied to November 30. The bill makes no changes to voting eligibility requirements or procedures beyond this mandatory re-registration cycle.

Maddy summaryHB 3932 creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for federal government officers who conduct certain searches or arrests in Texas without meeting specific requirements. It directly affects federal agents and officers by prohibiting: (1) no-knock entries on Texas residents' property, (2) nighttime searches/arrests at residences (8 p.m.-8 a.m.), and (3) searches/arrests without first obtaining the local sheriff’s consent. The law would apply when federal officers act within Texas, with penalties for violations. This bill does not affect state law enforcement or Texas residents’ rights directly.

Maddy summaryHB 3933 prohibits Texas state agencies, local governments, and special districts from adopting or enforcing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions regulations related to electricity generation, transmission, distribution, or natural gas processing/transportation during a governor-declared extreme weather emergency. The bill makes such federal rules unenforceable in Texas during these emergencies if they interfere with maintaining reliable power service. It also allows affected parties to sue for damages if entities enforce prohibited EPA rules. The law applies only during emergencies defined under Texas law (Section 104.258).

Maddy summaryHB 4100 protects healthcare providers from retaliation when reporting certain issues related to patient care. It prohibits health care facilities, government entities, or others from taking adverse actions (like termination or demotion) against physicians or providers who report violations such as unsafe treatment practices, public health risks, mismanagement of funds, or abuse of authority. The bill creates a civil remedy, allowing affected providers to sue for damages if retaliation occurs. It applies broadly to all healthcare workers covered under the definition, including nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and medical students. The law aims to encourage reporting of serious concerns without fear of professional consequences.

Maddy summaryHB 3736 prohibits Texas public school districts and charter schools from serving food or drinks containing specific artificial color additives in school meals. The bill bans nine listed additives (including red 40, yellow 5, blue 1, and caramel) and any substantially similar substitutes. This policy directly affects school nutrition programs, requiring them to remove these additives from all meals served to students starting the 2025-2026 school year. The law does not apply to food sold in vending machines or à la carte items outside of regular meals.