Rep. Lacey Hull

Maddy summaryHB 136 requires Texas Medicaid to reimburse certified lactation consultants for services provided to Medicaid recipients (mothers and infants). It creates a new provider classification specifically for lactation consultants in the Medicaid program, ensuring they can enroll and receive payment for services. The bill defines "lactation consultant" as someone certified by an international or nationally approved program and mandates that the state commission establish this reimbursement pathway. This law took effect September 1, 2025, directly impacting Medicaid-covered breastfeeding support for Texas families.

Maddy summaryHCR 29 designates April as Counseling Awareness Month in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes the work of mental health professionals, including over 13,000 Certified School Counselors and 34,000 Licensed Professional Counselors in the state. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about counseling services. The designation remains in effect until the 10th anniversary of the resolution's passage, as specified in Texas Government Code Section 391.004(d).

Maddy summaryHB 1089 creates a dedicated "Gulf Coast Protection Account" within the state's general revenue fund, managed by Texas' General Land Office. The account is funded by gifts, donations, grants, and legislative appropriations. Money from this account can only be spent on projects to fulfill federal project requirements under the 2021 Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study, comply with local Gulf Coast Protection District agreements, or fund specific coastal protection projects along the Texas Gulf Coast. The bill explicitly states these expenditures serve a public purpose and are subject to state audit.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summarySB 1073 prevents Texas licensing authorities from imposing rules or penalties that discriminate against or burden applicants or licensed attorneys based on sincerely held religious beliefs, free speech (including religious or political views), religious organization membership, or freedom of association. It prohibits policies that limit license eligibility or renewal due to these protected rights, while allowing exceptions for rules strictly necessary to serve a compelling government purpose or address willful bias in legal proceedings. The bill directly affects law license applicants and holders in Texas by ensuring their constitutional rights cannot be infringed through licensing decisions. Violations can be challenged in administrative or court proceedings, though this defense cannot be used in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecutions.

Maddy summaryHR 995 is a ceremonial resolution commending Samuel Yates for his service as a legislative aide in State Representative Terri Leo Wilson's office during Texas' 89th Legislative Session. The resolution recognizes Yates' work handling legislative tasks and his dedication, while noting his educational background and community volunteer work. The Texas House of Representatives adopted the resolution on May 23, 2025, and will provide Yates with an official copy as a formal expression of appreciation. This resolution does not create any legal obligations or policy changes - it is solely a gesture of recognition for his contributions.

Maddy summarySB 2722 restricts how large Texas counties (population 4 million+) can use revenue from tolls and charges on toll projects. It requires counties to spend toll revenue only on operating, maintaining, or retiring debt for toll systems, then mandates that leftover funds be distributed: 30% to municipalities with significant toll lanes for emergency services, and 70% to county roads with specific allocation rules. The bill also authorizes administrative penalties (100-110% of misused funds) for violations and bars counties that violate the law twice from increasing property tax rates above their no-new-revenue limit the following year. This directly affects counties like Harris (Houston) and their municipalities, ensuring toll revenue funds transportation infrastructure rather than general budgets.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summarySJR 34 proposes adding Section 37 to the Texas Constitution to affirm parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It states the state cannot interfere with these parental rights unless the interference is essential for a compelling government interest and narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. If passed, this constitutional amendment would require voter approval in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrased as supporting "parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." The bill directly affects parents' legal authority over child-rearing decisions and sets new constitutional limits on state intervention.