Rep. Lacey Hull

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 2583 clarifies that if a group health plan provider (like an employer) notifies an insurer or health maintenance organization after the end of the month when a member's coverage ended, the insurer may stop charging premiums for that member for future months. This applies only if no covered health services were provided to the member after their coverage officially terminated. The bill directly affects group health plan sponsors and insurers by modifying their premium liability rules for late termination notifications. It does not change eligibility rules but provides a mechanism to avoid billing for coverage that no longer exists.

Maddy summaryHB 139 creates a new category of employer-sponsored health benefit plans that may exclude certain state-mandated health benefits, while still requiring coverage for federal essential health benefits. It requires health benefit plan issuers to offer these "employer choice of benefits plans" and mandates clear written notice to enrollees at the start of enrollment documents. The notice must explicitly state that the plan may exclude standard Texas-mandated benefits and provide fewer benefits than typical plans, with bold text highlighting this choice. The bill establishes definitions and rules for these plans under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1506. This directly affects employers offering health benefits and employees choosing their coverage options.

Maddy summaryHB 115 requires trial courts to appoint attorneys for indigent defendants in specific postconviction habeas corpus cases, directly affecting people convicted of crimes who cannot afford legal representation. Key provisions mandate representation for appeals, certain habeas proceedings where justice requires it, or when claims under Article 11.073 are raised, and establish a priority system for appointing counsel. The bill makes these procedures exclusive after conviction, banning other proceedings to release prisoners, and requires written decisions when denying relief under specific provisions. It also allows the Court of Criminal Appeals to consider subsequent applications that miss procedural requirements if justice demands it, otherwise dismissing them as an abuse of the writ.

Maddy summaryHB 3282 (Texas Family Code amendment) changes procedures for the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) when filing parental termination cases. It requires DFPS to meet specific criteria before filing, such as having cared for a child in their temporary conservatorship for 15 of the last 22 months, or proving "aggravated circumstances" against the parent. The bill also prohibits filing if a child is with a relative, DFPS documented that termination isn’t in the child’s best interest, or DFPS failed to make reasonable reunification efforts in the past year. Additionally, it shortens the time before a case can be dismissed from two years to one year.

Maddy summaryHB 3515 regulates parental reunification therapy in custody cases by requiring court orders for such therapy to have both parents' consent. It prohibits courts from mandating therapy that restricts contact with other parents or family members, involves overnight stays together, transfers custody temporarily, uses unsafe transportation, or employs physical force or isolation. Therapy providers must use written contracts detailing their methods, signed by all participants after full disclosure. The bill directly affects courts, therapy providers, and parents in family law cases involving child-parent reunification. The bill is currently pending in committee after being reported favorably on May 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 240 is not currently available in the provided context, and no substantive details about its provisions or effects are included. The summary section is empty, and the bill's content is only referenced as "coming soon" with a note to consult a PDF (which isn't provided). Without access to the actual bill language or specific policy changes, a factual summary cannot be generated. We recommend checking the official bill document or the PDF link referenced in the context for details.

Maddy summaryHJR 112 proposes adding a new section to the Texas Constitution that affirms parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It would limit state interference with this right unless the government proves the interference is essential for a compelling interest and narrowly tailored to achieve it. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrasing "The constitutional amendment establishing parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." This would directly affect all Texas parents and state agencies involved in child welfare decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1431 defines "cell-cultured protein" as food made by harvesting animal cells and replicating them in a growth medium, then adds it to Texas' prohibited acts under the Health and Safety Code. The bill specifically bans the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption within Texas. This targets companies producing or selling lab-grown meat alternatives, making such activities unlawful under existing food safety prohibitions without creating new regulatory requirements. The bill remains pending after being postponed on May 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1228 allows homeowners to immediately begin emergency repairs on damaged residential buildings if the repairs protect public safety, prevent further damage, or preserve structural integrity. Homeowners must apply for an emergency permit within three business days of starting repairs or when the municipality/county can accept the application. The bill requires cities and counties to permit these immediate repairs and prohibits them from blocking such work. If a local government violates this law, homeowners can sue for damages and recover attorney fees. This directly affects homeowners needing urgent repairs and local governments managing building permits.