Rep. Senfronia Thompson

Maddy summarySB 761 strengthens rights for sexual assault victims and their families in Texas criminal proceedings. It requires prosecutors to notify victims (or their guardians/close relatives) at least five business days before court hearings about plea bargain terms and to consult with them regarding case dispositions. The bill also mandates courts to confirm victims received impact statements and ensures victims receive timely updates about court proceedings and appeals. These changes apply directly to sexual assault victims, their families, and the criminal justice system, with a civil penalty authorized for violations. The law became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2756 (the Jovian Motley Act) requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to provide annual training on de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health to correctional officers and their direct supervisors. The bill mandates specific training components, including communication techniques, alternatives to physical restraints, safety during cell extractions, and awareness of behavioral health concerns like suicide risk and substance use disorders. This training must be included in new officers' initial (preservice) training and completed annually by eligible employees. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, with TDCJ required to make the training available by December 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

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 summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 899), not a policy bill. It honors Jeffery "Julian" Martinez, a Texas resident who passed away on March 2, 2025, by formally recognizing his life and contributions. The resolution extends sympathy to his wife, son, in-laws, and other family members. As a commemorative measure adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups beyond this ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes where civil penalties from massage therapy violations are deposited. If a county attorney collects penalties under the law, the funds go to the county's general fund. If a city attorney collects penalties, the funds go to the city's general fund. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025. (Procedural bill affecting fund allocation, not regulatory changes.)

Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.

Maddy summaryHB 3720 requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to design and build two bridges in Harris County to separate train tracks from road traffic. Specifically, it mandates construction at the intersections of Little York Road/Hirsch Road and Tidwell Road/Hirsch Road to eliminate grade crossings. The bill directly affects Harris County residents and commuters by aiming to reduce traffic congestion at these rail-road intersections through physical infrastructure changes. It does not alter existing laws but creates a new obligation for TxDOT to complete these projects by September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1359 creates an "Income-Based Assistance Fund" to provide financial help for low-income retail electric customers in Texas. The bill establishes a trust fund financed by a fee (up to 65 cents per megawatt hour) charged to retail electric providers and collected from customers based on usage. This fund, managed by the comptroller and administered by the Health and Human Services Commission, will offer monetary assistance to eligible low-income households identified through an automatic process. The program directly affects low-income electricity users and requires electric providers to collect the fee, with the commission setting the fee amount biennially to cover administrative costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1955 creates a state grant program to fund early childhood mental health home visiting services for families with high needs, particularly those with trauma histories or low-income backgrounds. The program requires grant recipients to use evidence-based service models and form teams of licensed mental health professionals and care coordinators to improve child mental health, school readiness, reduce abuse/neglect, and support family well-being. Eligible applicants must demonstrate experience providing mental health services to high-risk families and commit to a family-centered care approach. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will administer the program and may accept external funding to support these services.