Rep. Ana Hernandez

Maddy summaryHB 3265 prohibits health benefit plan issuers, pharmacy benefit managers, and drug manufacturers from discriminating against entities participating in the federal 340B drug discount program. It bans denying access to discounted drugs, restricting acquisitions, or requiring unnecessary data submission as a condition for 340B drug access. Covered entities (like community health centers and hospitals), pharmacies under contract with them, and their authorized partners are directly protected. Violations carry a civil penalty of up to $50,000 per offense, enforceable through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 1809 prohibits insurance companies in Texas from discriminating against widowed individuals when offering or renewing coverage. The bill specifically bans insurers from refusing coverage, limiting benefits, or charging higher rates solely because someone is widowed - compared to other policyholders in similar situations. It applies to new policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after September 1, 2025, but does not affect existing policies in place before that date. This bill directly affects widowed Texans seeking life, health, or other insurance coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 3618 requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to create policies governing searches of female inmates. It mandates that searches involving unclothed female inmates must be conducted by a female officer when available, and if a male officer must conduct such a search, they must submit a written report within 72 hours. The bill also limits visual body cavity searches (a visual inspection of genital or anal areas with clothing removed) to only "exigent circumstances" like immediate security threats - not routine program access like education or rehabilitation. These policies apply directly to female inmates in TDCJ facilities and must be adopted by September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3511 allows electric vehicle owners in Texas to connect their vehicles to the power grid and sell stored electricity back to the grid, earning credits for supplying power during peak times. It requires the Texas Utility Commission to establish safety and technical standards based on existing industry codes (like UL and NEC) and create a program enabling EVs to participate in grid services through utilities. This directly affects EV owners, electric utilities, and ERCOT market operators by integrating vehicles as grid assets. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1360 amends Texas Government Code Section 3000.002(c) to clarify exemptions from certain building regulation requirements for specific scenarios. The bill exempts regulations related to historical preservation (including National Register properties, Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, and World Heritage Zones), outdoor lighting ordinances for Dark Sky Communities (certified or pursuing certification), and windstorm insurance compliance. It also excludes programs tied to state/federal funding, military base lighting, and existing local government codes governing outdoor lighting. This change affects local governments and building owners in designated historic areas or communities pursuing dark sky certification, ensuring existing regulations don’t conflict with these specific designations. The bill is currently pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3826 creates the Texas Energy Efficiency Council within the state's Utilities Code. The Council will coordinate statewide energy efficiency efforts, measure program performance, monitor utility programs, and connect state agencies with federal funding opportunities for energy conservation. It consists of nine ex officio members representing key state agencies, including the Public Utility Commission, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, and Texas A&M's Energy Systems Lab. The bill directly affects state agencies and utilities by establishing a centralized body to advance energy efficiency initiatives across Texas.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 945), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It formally honors Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025, recognizing his life, leadership as the first Latin American pope, and global efforts to serve the vulnerable. The resolution memorializes his legacy, including his work during Argentina's economic crisis, interfaith initiatives, and pandemic-era outreach. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to express collective remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4901) requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages and categorize them into four groups: child (<13), younger teen (13-15), older teen (16-17), and adult (18+). For minors (under 18), it mandates parental consent by linking accounts to a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. App stores must use reasonable methods to confirm age during account creation. The law directly affects app platforms and users under 18 in Texas, with no voting record available as the bill remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3794 updates Texas licensing rules for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. It clarifies their scope of practice under the Occupations Code and requires certain government employee health plans to directly pay APRNs for services they provide. The bill defines key terms like "advanced practice registered nurse" and specifies that APRNs may administer medications under authorized orders, excluding medical diagnosis. This directly affects APRNs working in government health plans and changes how these plans reimburse their services.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 228) is a formal expression of congratulations from the Texas House of Representatives to Jalen Hurts for leading the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in the 2025 Super Bowl. It recognizes his performance in the championship game, including setting a Super Bowl record for rushing yards by a quarterback, and acknowledges his football career from high school through college. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, extending "sincere best wishes" to Hurts. The Texas House unanimously adopted it on April 9, 2025, and will provide Hurts with an official copy as a token of appreciation.