Rep. Toni Rose

Maddy summaryHB 1347 amends Texas Penal Code Section 32.53 to clarify and expand definitions related to exploiting vulnerable individuals. It defines "coercion" to include actions like destroying government records, threatening immigration proceedings, or financial control, and defines "deception" as false promises or misleading information. The bill specifies that exploiting a child, elderly person, or disabled individual through coercion, deception, isolation (preventing contact with support services), or other unfair means to take their resources for personal gain is now explicitly prohibited. This directly affects vulnerable populations and those who exploit them, updating existing law to cover modern tactics without creating new penalties. The changes apply only to offenses committed on or after the bill’s effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 3339 mandates a study by Texas' Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the Department of State Health Services to examine maternal mortality and morbidity rates specifically among Black women in Texas. The study requires comparing these rates to other racial/ethnic groups, analyzing socioeconomic factors, evaluating healthcare coverage types (Medicaid, private insurance, uninsured), and assessing impacts of specific health conditions (like preeclampsia and obesity) and implicit biases in healthcare. It also requires evaluating social determinants of health and pregnancy-related complications. The committee must submit a report with recommendations to address disparities by September 1, 2026, including provider training on cultural competency and successful programs from other states. This bill directly affects Black women in Texas by focusing on data collection to inform future policy.

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include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law.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 summaryHB 2807 creates the Statewide Intellectual and Developmental Disability Coordinating Council under Texas Government Code Chapter 547B. The council, composed of 14 members including representatives from state agencies (like Health Services, Education, and Criminal Justice), disability advocacy groups, managed care organizations, and individuals with lived experience or family members, aims to develop a coordinated strategic approach for disability services across Texas. This bill directly affects state agencies responsible for disability services, service providers, and people with intellectual/developmental disabilities who rely on state programs. The legislation establishes formal structure and membership requirements for the council but does not alter existing service delivery or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 475 requires Texas Medicaid to reimburse healthcare providers who deliver multisystemic therapy services, classified under a specific HCPCS code. It creates a new provider type for these services to streamline enrollment and payment under Medicaid. This directly affects providers offering multisystemic therapy to Medicaid beneficiaries. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not change eligibility for beneficiaries.

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 3554 establishes the Texas Rare Disease Advisory Council under the Health and Safety Code to advise the governor, state agencies, and healthcare providers on improving care for Texans with rare diseases. The council, composed of 23 appointed members including patients, caregivers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and industry representatives, will develop recommendations for better health outcomes. It requires the state health department to provide administrative support to the council. This bill directly affects individuals diagnosed with rare diseases (defined as conditions impacting fewer than 200,000 people nationally) by creating a formal channel for their input into healthcare policy.

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 3552 strengthens criminal penalties for theft, damage, or unlawful possession of copper or brass near critical infrastructure facilities, such as power plants, water treatment centers, pipelines, and dams. It creates new offenses for stealing these materials from such sites and increases penalties for damaging infrastructure or interrupting operations. The bill also requires metal recycling businesses to verify the legitimacy of copper/brass sales and imposes administrative fines for non-compliance. This directly affects thieves targeting infrastructure, recycling entities handling these materials, and property owners of critical facilities. The law aims to deter theft by making it a more serious crime and adding accountability for recyclers.