Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

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 605 amends Texas law to explicitly allow the Harris County Hospital District to hire and commission peace officers, directly affecting the district's security operations. The bill updates Section 281.057 of the Health and Safety Code to include Harris County Hospital District in the list of eligible hospital districts, and revises the Code of Criminal Procedure to add it to the definition of entities that may commission peace officers. This change formalizes the district's existing practice by expanding its legal authority under existing provisions. The bill does not create new security services but clarifies and extends current powers to Harris County Hospital District.

Maddy summaryHB 105 amends the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act to create a new "priority project" category requiring applicants to commit to at least $750 million in investment by the end of the first tax year of the incentive period. Priority projects are exempt from standard job and investment requirements but must still generate sufficient tax revenue to offset school district losses from the agreement. The bill also clarifies that projects located in qualified opportunity zones (designated by the U.S. Treasury by 2026) must be situated within those zones to qualify for incentives. These changes streamline incentives for large-scale investments while maintaining fiscal accountability for local school funding.

Maddy summaryHB 386 sets new limits on increases to construction contracts for Texas local governments. It caps total increases at 25% for contracts originally $5 million or more, and for smaller contracts (under $5 million), it limits increases to the greater of 50% or $1 million. The bill also lowers the threshold for routine change order approvals from $250,000 to $50,000, allowing lower-level staff to handle smaller adjustments. These changes apply only to contracts signed on or after September 1, 2025, and do not affect existing contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 741 restricts the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) from removing a child from a relative caregiver (a family member within the fourth degree of blood relation) without first conducting an investigation, providing support services to the caregiver, or issuing policy reminders. The bill also requires DFPS to provide monetary assistance to eligible relative caregivers with family incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, capped at 50% of the foster care reimbursement rate, for up to one year (with possible extension for good cause). This assistance aims to support caregivers keeping children in their care and reduce unnecessary removals into foster care. The bill does not affect DFPS's authority to remove children under emergency provisions or existing legal procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 738 requires the Texas Historical Commission to create a program identifying, restoring, and preserving Rosenwald Schools - historic buildings built for Black students in the segregated South - across Texas. The program mandates the Commission to renovate, maintain, and protect the historical integrity of these structures, with restored buildings allowed to serve as community learning centers. The Commission may acquire properties containing these schools and accept donations or state funds to implement the program, beginning first in south central Texas. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 178 requires Texas public school districts to include "ethnic studies, world geography, or world history" as one of the three required social studies credits for high school students, alongside existing mandates for U.S. history, government, and economics. It directly affects all Texas public school students in grades K-12 by modifying the social studies curriculum structure under the foundation high school program. The bill adds ethnic studies as a specific, mandatory option for fulfilling the social studies credit requirement, while maintaining other existing subject requirements. This change applies to all Texas public school districts offering grades K-12.

Maddy summaryHB 1720 creates a new criminal offense for entering restricted areas in facilities like zoos, conservation centers, or educational animal exhibits without permission. It specifically targets individuals who enter cages or enclosures where animals are housed, knowing they lack legal authority to do so. The law classifies this as a state jail felony, escalating to a third-degree felony if the person harassed the animal (e.g., disrupting feeding or behavior) and caused injury or death. Courts must order convicted individuals to pay restitution to the facility for animal injury, death, or property damage resulting from the trespass. The law includes limited defenses, such as entering to assist someone or an animal, but does not excuse trespass due to poor facility security.

Maddy summaryHB 168 prohibits marriage for anyone under 18 in Texas, eliminating the previous exception that allowed minors to marry with a court order removing the disabilities of minority. The bill amends the Texas Family Code to require county clerks to deny marriage licenses to minors and declare any marriage entered into by a minor void. This change applies to all marriage applications filed and marriages entered into on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects minors under 18 and their families by ending the ability to marry with court approval under prior law.

Maddy summaryHB 1368 requires Texas public schools (with 10,000+ students) to notify parents in writing if they lack a full-time nurse, school counselor, or librarian for more than 30 consecutive instructional days. Schools must send this notice within 30 days of the absence starting, offering bilingual options for non-English speaking families. The law applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and allows schools to post notices on their websites if accessible via three clicks. It does not apply to schools with fewer than 10,000 students.