Rep. Toni Rose

Maddy summaryHB 321 creates an "express lane" to streamline eligibility for child health coverage by connecting Texas SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) applications with the child health plan program. It requires the state health agency to automatically check SNAP application data to determine if a child qualifies for health coverage, avoiding delays by opening a new case for health enrollment. The bill mandates parental consent before enrolling children and provides notice via the parent’s preferred contact method. This directly affects children whose families apply for SNAP benefits and may qualify for child health coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 3097 allows cities, special districts, and other political subdivisions (excluding counties and municipal utility districts) to change their general election dates to the statewide November election date. It amends the Election Code to give these local governments the option to align their elections with the standard statewide schedule. Subdivisions must make this change by December 31, 2026, if they currently hold elections on different dates. This bill standardizes election timing for qualifying local jurisdictions without requiring counties or utility districts to adjust.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 2216 amends Texas Family Code Section 161.001 to clarify procedures for terminating parental rights in cases involving the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). It defines "born addicted to alcohol or controlled substance" with specific medical criteria and lists new grounds for termination, including abandonment, endangerment, and failure to support. The bill requires courts to find termination "beyond a reasonable doubt" (replacing the prior "clear and convincing evidence" standard) for certain cases. This directly affects parents facing termination proceedings, DFPS caseworkers, and family courts handling child welfare cases. The changes aim to standardize evidence requirements and definitions in parental termination cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2777 would prohibit the death penalty for defendants found to have had "severe mental illness" (defined as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder with active psychotic symptoms impairing judgment or understanding of wrongfulness) at the time of a capital offense. The bill requires defendants to file a 30-day notice before trial to present evidence of this condition, which they must prove by "clear and convincing evidence." If notice is not filed, such evidence becomes inadmissible unless the court finds "good cause" for the delay. The law would directly affect defendants in Texas capital cases who qualify under this mental health definition, altering sentencing eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 1295 requires Texas' statewide health coordinating council to develop and update a long-range plan every two years aimed at improving health literacy across the state. The plan must study low health literacy's economic impact, identify risk factors, and examine strategies like plain language instructions for patients and health care providers. The bill also mandates that the state health plan explicitly address health literacy as a key concern and include specific strategies to improve it, with the goal of enhancing patient safety, reducing preventable errors, and achieving better health outcomes. This directly affects the health coordinating council (which must create the plan) and the state health plan (which must integrate health literacy efforts).

Maddy summaryHB 645 creates a statewide program to provide co-navigation services for Texans who are deaf-blind. The Health and Human Services Commission will operate this program, reimbursing specially trained co-navigators for helping individuals safely move through environments and access information using their preferred communication methods (like American Sign Language or protactile language). The bill establishes tiered reimbursement rates based on co-navigators' training and skill level in communication modes and mobility techniques. It explicitly excludes personal care, decision-making, or formal interpreting services from the program's scope.

Maddy summaryHB 3265 prohibits health benefit plan issuers, pharmacy benefit managers, and drug manufacturers from discriminating against entities participating in the federal 340B drug discount program. It bans denying access to discounted drugs, restricting acquisitions, or requiring unnecessary data submission as a condition for 340B drug access. Covered entities (like community health centers and hospitals), pharmacies under contract with them, and their authorized partners are directly protected. Violations carry a civil penalty of up to $50,000 per offense, enforceable through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 1826 requires Texas county jails and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to screen pregnant women or those who gave birth within the past year for depression at specific intervals: once per trimester during pregnancy, once within six weeks after birth, and again at 6 and 12 months postpartum. This bill directly affects incarcerated women in Texas who are pregnant or have recently given birth. The key provision mandates these screenings as part of standard medical care in correctional facilities. The legislation aims to address mental health needs for this vulnerable population through structured, time-bound assessments.

Maddy summaryHB 2076 requires health insurance plans that cover prescription contraceptive devices (like IUDs or implants) to also cover evidence-based anxiety and pain management specifically for the insertion or removal of these devices. This applies to all health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The law mandates coverage for proven methods to address discomfort during these medical procedures, not general anxiety or pain treatment. It directly affects insurance providers and plan members seeking contraceptive care. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, with the coverage requirement applying to future plans starting in 2026.