Rep. Senfronia Thompson

Maddy summarySB 610 requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to establish an anti-trafficking unit, identify businesses in licensed industries affected by human trafficking, and coordinate with law enforcement, the Attorney General’s office, and anti-trafficking organizations. It directly affects licensed businesses (e.g., spas, massage parlors, or other regulated industries) by enabling TDLR to conduct inspections and investigations for trafficking indicators. The bill mandates TDLR to adopt rules for these inspections and protects victim identities by making information identifying trafficking victims confidential, exempting it from public disclosure under state law. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 475 requires Texas Medicaid to reimburse healthcare providers who deliver multisystemic therapy services, classified under a specific HCPCS code. It creates a new provider type for these services to streamline enrollment and payment under Medicaid. This directly affects providers offering multisystemic therapy to Medicaid beneficiaries. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not change eligibility for beneficiaries.

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 782 clarifies when courts must transfer protective orders in family law cases. It changes Texas Family Code sections to require that courts transfer protective orders (like those preventing contact between family members) to the court handling the main divorce or custody case, especially when the order affects child access. This applies when the protective order was issued before or during a divorce/custody suit, or after a custody order was finalized. The bill repeals a previous requirement and takes effect September 1, 2025, affecting people involved in family law disputes where protective orders overlap with custody proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 4696 allows applicants and witnesses seeking or protected by a protective order to participate remotely in court hearings, unless a judge finds "good cause" to deny the request. It directly affects individuals involved in family court cases seeking or modifying protective orders, particularly those who may face safety risks or logistical barriers attending in person. The bill requires courts to provide a remote participation method upon written request, adding new provisions to Texas Family Code Sections 84.007 (for new orders) and 87.005 (for modifications). This change applies to all pending or future cases under Subtitle B, Title 4 of the Family Code starting September 1, 2025. The law aims to increase accessibility and safety for vulnerable individuals in protective order proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 5573 strengthens whistleblower protections for Texas public employees by prohibiting state and local governments from retaliating against workers who report wasteful spending or fraud to law enforcement. The bill directly affects public employees in state or local government who report violations of law or fiscal misconduct. It amends the Government Code to explicitly ban adverse actions like termination or punishment for such good-faith reports. The law takes effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote, otherwise on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1954 amends Texas Estates Code provisions related to guardianship proceedings. It clarifies that courts may appoint a "guardian ad litem" (a court-appointed representative) to advocate for the best interests of incapacitated persons or proposed wards during guardianship cases, and provides these representatives immunity from civil liability for recommendations made in that role. The bill also prohibits individuals with adverse interests (e.g., potential beneficiaries) from filing guardianship applications, contesting appointments, or challenging guardianship modifications. Additionally, it requires guardians of estates to preserve a ward’s existing estate plan (including probate and nonprobate arrangements) when consistent with the ward’s best interests, considering factors like estate value, maintenance needs, tax minimization, and eligibility for government benefits. These changes directly affect incapacitated persons, courts, and guardians in Texas guardianship proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 1823 prohibits new concrete crushing facilities from operating within 440 yards of hospitals (or residences, schools, or places of worship) when applying for a permit after its effective date. It requires distance measurements from the nearest points between the facility and the protected building. Three exceptions apply: facilities operating before September 1, 2001; those already meeting distance requirements at initial permit; and enclosed facilities using recycled materials within 25 miles of an international border in municipalities of 6,100-20,000 people. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to new permit applications filed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 31 modifies Texas juvenile justice procedures to improve treatment for youth in facilities. It prohibits staff from using chemical dispensing devices (like pepper spray) in juvenile facilities and requires annual audits to track use-of-force incidents, identify policy gaps, and ensure compliance with de-escalation protocols. The bill also defines "mitigating evidence" to consider youth development factors - such as diminished culpability and capacity for change - during legal proceedings. These changes directly affect children in Texas juvenile facilities, facility staff, and oversight bodies like the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.