Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

Maddy summaryHB 2707 proposes creating a new occupational license for "legal paraprofessionals" in Texas, requiring applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria. The bill would mandate that individuals seeking this license must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, be authorized to work in the U.S., and possess a paralegal certificate or equivalent qualification. It establishes regulatory oversight under the Texas Supreme Court and the Commission for Lawyer Discipline, placing licensed legal paraprofessionals under the same disciplinary framework as attorneys. The legislation would also create a new licensing process administered by the Board of Law Examiners, including examinations and moral character evaluations. This bill directly affects individuals seeking to work in specialized legal support roles under this new regulated category.

Maddy summaryHB 2624 creates a licensing system requiring legal paraprofessionals in Texas to obtain a state license and pay associated fees. It sets eligibility requirements including being 18 years old, holding a high school diploma or equivalent, and meeting qualifications like holding a paralegal certificate. The bill establishes disciplinary procedures under the Supreme Court for licensed paraprofessionals working in specific legal specialties. This affects individuals seeking to practice as legal paraprofessionals in Texas who would now need state licensure to work in defined specialty areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2410 would allow public and private institutions of higher education (like colleges and universities) to apply for charters to operate open-enrollment charter schools on their campuses or in nearby locations. The bill requires these charter schools to use innovative teaching methods, be directly supervised by faculty with education expertise, and set measurable goals for student performance. It amends Texas Education Code sections to establish these requirements for institutions seeking to run charter schools under their authority. The bill directly affects higher education institutions seeking to expand into K-12 education through charter schools.

Maddy summaryHB 2148 amends Texas Government Code provisions governing how state and local governments select construction managers-at-risk (CMAR) and design-build contractors for public projects. It requires government entities to clearly specify in requests for proposals that proposed prices for general conditions and risk management strategies are allowable costs for all purposes, including calculating the CMAR’s fee. The bill mandates that if a CMAR is selected, they must be compensated in the same manner as a trade contractor would be paid under a fixed-price contract, and prohibits auditing the proposed price if a fixed-price contract is used. This directly affects public agencies awarding construction contracts and construction firms bidding under CMAR or design-build delivery methods.

Maddy summaryHB 2386 establishes a new licensing system for legal paraprofessionals (individuals who assist attorneys but aren't licensed lawyers) in Texas. It requires applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria - including being 18+, holding a high school diploma or equivalent, having U.S. work authorization, and possessing a paralegal certificate - and pass an examination administered by the Board of Law Examiners. The bill also creates disciplinary procedures under the Texas Supreme Court for licensed paraprofessionals and includes a pilot program for licensing. This legislation directly affects individuals seeking to work as legal paraprofessionals in Texas, imposing new requirements before they can practice.

Maddy summaryHB 1719 allows recipients of Texas' CLASS Medicaid waiver program to receive personal assistance services (like help with daily tasks) at any time during a 24-hour period, rather than limited to specific hours. This change directly affects individuals with disabilities who qualify for CLASS waiver services under Texas Medicaid. The bill amends the Government Code to permit this continuous support, subject to federal law, and takes effect September 1, 2025. It does not alter eligibility or funding but expands service flexibility for participants.

Maddy summaryHB 1724 requires Texas to compensate individuals providing habilitation transportation services under the CLASS waiver program for all time spent operating a vehicle, including returning a recipient's vehicle to a designated location without the recipient. This directly affects transportation providers serving people with disabilities through the CLASS waiver program. The bill mandates compensation for all vehicle operation time connected to transporting recipients, not just passenger travel. It takes effect September 1, 2025, pending any required federal approvals.

Maddy summaryHB 1721 establishes a minimum wage of $15 per hour (or the federal minimum wage, whichever is higher) for personal attendants providing services under Texas' CLASS waiver program, starting September 1, 2025. It directly affects caregivers working in this program, which supports individuals with disabilities in community settings. The bill requires annual wage adjustments for subsequent biennia based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W), ensuring the wage keeps pace with inflation. This policy change mandates concrete wage standards for these caregivers without altering the program's service structure.

Maddy summaryHB 2039 creates a property tax exemption for homeowners in Texas who install specific energy efficiency improvements to their residential properties. The exemption applies to the increased appraised value of the home resulting from qualifying upgrades, such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, attic insulation, smart thermostats, or energy-efficient windows. Homeowners who install these improvements will not pay property taxes on the added value from the upgrades, reducing their tax burden. The exemption takes effect for the 2026 property tax year and applies to all eligible residential properties owned by qualifying individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 1528 proposes requiring legal assistants (referred to as "legal paraprofessionals" in the bill) in Texas to obtain an occupational license to practice. It establishes specific eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old, holding a high school diploma or equivalent, having work authorization in the U.S., and possessing a paralegal certificate issued by the Board of Law Examiners. The bill also creates disciplinary procedures overseen by the Supreme Court and the Commission for Lawyer Discipline for licensed legal assistants who violate professional conduct rules. This legislation would directly affect individuals seeking to work as legal assistants in Texas by imposing new licensing requirements and oversight.