Rep. Joanne Shofner

Maddy summaryHB 4224 requires health care providers (covered entities) to prominently post clear instructions on their websites and at facilities about how patients can: request their own health records, contact licensing authorities for the provider, and file complaints. This applies to hospitals, clinics, and similar direct care providers but excludes billing or claims processing companies. The law, effective September 1, 2025, mandates specific posting requirements to improve transparency in patient access to records and complaint processes. It does not change existing record-keeping rules but standardizes how providers must share this information.

Maddy summaryHB 721 clarifies which health benefit plans must provide cost disclosures to consumers. It specifies that disclosure requirements apply to plans like small employer health benefit plans, standard health plans, basic coverage plans, and primary care plans, but explicitly excludes health reimbursement arrangements, workers' compensation insurance, and certain regional health programs. This bill affects health benefit plan issuers and administrators by defining the scope of existing disclosure laws, ensuring they know which plans require cost transparency. The changes take effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 12 requires the State Commission on Governmental Operations to review state agencies that regulate activities through licensing, such as professional or business licensing boards. The bill mandates that these agencies post online notices about the review process and public participation opportunities, and regulatory agencies must also notify licensees and seek their input. The commission must include findings, recommendations, and a 10-year performance analysis for regulatory agencies in its final report. This applies to state agencies in the executive branch with statewide licensing authority (excluding river authorities) and became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4623 creates new liability standards for Texas public schools and their employees regarding student sexual misconduct. It holds schools financially responsible if they act with gross negligence or intentional misconduct in hiring or supervising employees who commit sexual misconduct against students or fail to report suspected abuse. The law caps damages at $500,000 per victim in successful claims and requires the employee who committed the act to be named as a defendant. This directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and all professional school employees covered by the definition, including teachers, administrators, and even student interns. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 26 allows Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) in Texas to offer nutrition counseling and instruction services instead of certain mental health or substance use disorder services covered under the state Medicaid plan. The bill requires contracts between the state and MCOs to include this option, with the state Medicaid advisory committee approving which nutrition services may be substituted (excluding home-delivered meals, food prescriptions, or grocery support). MCOs must provide these nutrition services as an alternative, and the state must annually report on their usage and consider their costs when setting MCO payment rates. This policy directly affects Texas Medicaid beneficiaries who may receive nutrition services in place of other covered services and the MCOs managing their care.

Maddy summaryHB 2217 creates a state grant program to help law enforcement agencies purchase and install bullet-resistant components on vehicles used by peace officers. It directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies (including county and city police departments) by providing funding for bullet-resistant windshields, side windows, rear windows, and door panels. The program requires the Criminal Justice Division to set eligibility rules, application procedures, and grant amounts, while agencies must submit proof of installation after using funds. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and focuses solely on funding vehicle safety upgrades for officers.

Maddy summarySB 823 requires sellers of meat, poultry, and shrimp in Texas to clearly label whether these products originated in Texas. Specifically, labels must state "whether the food originated in this state" for meat, poultry, or shrimp products. This applies to all retailers and importers selling these items within Texas, directly affecting businesses that handle such food products. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025, after rules are adopted by the Health and Human Services Commission.

Maddy summarySB 2801 creates a $50 permit for hunting dog field trials in Texas that involve chasing squirrels, fur-bearing animals, or nongame animals under field conditions. Organizers must apply for this permit, which exempts registered participants from standard hunting license requirements during the trial. The permit is valid for nine consecutive days and only applies to the specific property listed in the application. This law directly affects hunting dog trial organizers and participants who hold events involving these wildlife species.

Maddy summaryHB 45 requires law enforcement agencies to submit human trafficking reports to both local prosecutors and the Texas Attorney General simultaneously. If a local prosecutor fails to take action within six months, the Attorney General gains automatic jurisdiction to prosecute the case. This law directly affects law enforcement agencies (which must share reports), local prosecutors (who must act within six months or lose jurisdiction), and the Attorney General’s office (which gains authority to handle unprosecuted cases). The bill amends the Government Code and Penal Code to establish these procedures, applying only to human trafficking offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2061 designates a specific bridge on State Highway 242 over Interstate 69 in Montgomery County as the "Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at each end of the bridge and at intermediate locations along the highway. This is a commemorative designation honoring Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez, with no substantive policy changes or financial obligations beyond standard marker installation. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.