Rep. Ana Hernandez

Maddy summaryHB 3848 allows elevator, escalator, and related equipment inspection companies to submit inspection reports and fees electronically to the Texas Department of Health and Safety. The bill amends state law to include electronic submission as a valid filing method, alongside traditional options like mail or in-person delivery. It specifies that electronic submissions are considered filed on the date they are transmitted through the department's designated system, simplifying the process for businesses. This change, effective September 1, 2025, directly affects inspection service providers required to file these reports and fees with the state.

Maddy summaryHB 4344 allows the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) to access criminal history records from the FBI and Texas law enforcement agencies for background checks on job applicants, current employees, and contractors. The bill requires the PUC to keep this information confidential and prohibits sharing it with anyone except under court order or with the individual's consent. It also mandates that the PUC destroy these records after use. This law applies to all PUC employment and contracting decisions, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 31, titled the "Life of the Mother Act," amends Texas Health and Safety Code to create a specific exception allowing abortions when a physician determines in "reasonable medical judgment" that a pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk of death or serious risk of substantial impairment to a major bodily function. It directly affects pregnant individuals with pregnancy-related conditions that threaten life or major bodily function, removing prior requirements that risks be imminent or that physical damage already occur. The law permits physicians to act proactively to address such risks before symptoms manifest, without needing to wait for documented harm. Signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, it became effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 107 establishes a statewide sickle cell disease registry under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 52B. It requires hospitals and other treatment facilities to submit patient data to the state health department, creating a centralized database of all sickle cell disease cases in Texas. The registry must include case records and additional relevant information to aid in treatment and research, with strict confidentiality protections for patients under federal privacy laws. The department will analyze the data, publish findings for medical professionals and the public, and submit annual reports to the legislature. This affects all Texas healthcare facilities treating sickle cell disease patients and ensures patient data is securely managed for medical advancement.

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1555 establishes a state grant program to fund railroad grade separation projects at local road and pedestrian crossings not on state highways. Local governments (cities, counties) can apply for grants to build overpasses or underpasses at these intersections to improve safety and reduce traffic conflicts. The program requires at least 10% of project costs from non-state sources (like local funds or federal grants), prohibits using state highway funds for these grants, and mandates that recipients partner with the Texas Department of Transportation to manage construction. Signed into law on May 24, 2025, this policy directly affects communities with railroad crossings near public roads or sidewalks.

Maddy summarySB 2351 amends Texas Health and Safety Code provisions to require concrete plant operators with pending construction under an old standard permit to update their plans if the permit standards change. It specifically affects operators of permanent concrete plants performing wet batching, dry batching, or central mixing who haven’t started construction before a permit amendment and have requested an extension. The bill mandates that operators revise their construction plans to meet the updated permit requirements if they meet both conditions. This creates a procedural adjustment for existing permit holders, not a new environmental or operational standard. The law took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature on May 24, 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 1081 is a ceremonial resolution adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 23, 2025, congratulating Lisa McWashington of Galena Park for graduating from the Texas Partners in Policymaking Class of 2025. The resolution recognizes her participation in a leadership program that trains adults with developmental disabilities and families to advocate for policy change, including her capstone work on guardianship reform for individuals with addiction and criminal records. This resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the House's recognition of her accomplishment. It directly affects Ms. McWashington as the honoree, not the public or existing laws.