Rep. Ana Hernandez

Maddy summaryHB 1563 makes tier two forms - documents listing hazardous chemicals held by local governments (like cities and counties) - confidential, preventing automatic public disclosure under Texas public information laws. Political subdivisions can only release these forms if the information has been publicly shared by the state environmental agency or if the release only states the general category of dangerous goods as defined in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook. This policy change shifts the default from public access to confidentiality for chemical safety records. The bill applies to all Texas political subdivisions and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1676 extends the deadline for Texas employees to file wage claims with the Texas Workforce Commission from 180 days to one year after wages become due. This change applies only to claims for wages owed on or after March 5, 2025, while older claims continue under the existing 180-day rule. The bill clarifies that the new one-year deadline is strict - claims filed after this period will not be accepted. It directly affects employees seeking unpaid wages and ensures the Texas Workforce Commission has clear jurisdiction over timely filings.

Maddy summaryHB 1684 establishes new safety standards for private van services transporting students to and from public K-12 schools. It requires van operators to register with the state, maintain commercial insurance, meet safety standards set by the Department of Public Safety, and complete annual safety training. School districts must provide parents with written notice and require a signed authorization letter from parents confirming the operator’s compliance with these standards before releasing students. The law takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 1559 prohibits nonconsensual medical procedures on foster children with intersex traits, requiring either medical necessity with the child's consent or court authorization for non-urgent procedures. It defines "intersex traits" as inborn physical characteristics not fitting typical male/female definitions and specifies prohibited treatments like clitoral reduction, genital surgeries, and hormonal therapies. The bill mandates that physicians must obtain voluntary, informed consent from the child and provide clear information about the procedure's nature and irreversibility. This applies specifically to foster children, not all minors, and aims to prevent irreversible procedures without the child's agreement or judicial oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1568 requires day-care centers caring for children under age 2 to install and operate video recording equipment in all areas where these children are present, including classrooms in centers connected to schools. The law prohibits recording in bathrooms or changing areas (except for minimal incidental coverage) and allows temporary pauses during clothing changes. Centers must retain footage for at least 30 days, or longer if a parent, employee, or authorities request access for an incident investigation. The bill applies specifically to infant and toddler care facilities and ensures recorded video remains confidential, accessible only to designated individuals or officials.

Maddy summaryHB 1561 allows legal permanent residents (green card holders) to become licensed as county jailers in Texas and be hired for those roles by counties or other political subdivisions. The bill amends licensing rules to require only that applicants meet standard qualifications (like training and background checks) and hold a county jailer license issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. It specifically permits political subdivisions to appoint legal permanent residents as county jailers if they have the required license, removing previous citizenship barriers for this position. The bill does not change licensing requirements for other law enforcement roles, which continue to require U.S. citizenship.

Maddy summaryHB 1362 amends Texas unemployment law to allow workers who leave their jobs due to sexual harassment to qualify for benefits, provided they reported the harassment to their employer, law enforcement, or filed a formal complaint with the EEOC or Texas Commission on Human Rights. The bill specifies that employees must have taken these documented steps before leaving the workplace to avoid disqualification for unemployment benefits. It directly affects employees experiencing workplace sexual harassment who cannot safely continue working. The law applies only to claims filed on or after the bill's effective date, not past cases. This change creates a clear eligibility pathway for victims of sexual harassment who follow proper reporting procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1364 requires auto insurance companies to include mandatory uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in personal auto policies unless the policyholder explicitly rejects it. The bill amends Texas Insurance Code sections to specify which coverage provisions must be offered, repealing outdated language in Section 1952.101(c). It applies only to policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, leaving pre-2026 policies governed by existing law. This directly affects Texas drivers purchasing auto insurance by ensuring minimum coverage for accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers.

Maddy summaryHB 1365 prohibits licensed mental health providers in Texas from attempting to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. It directly affects licensed professionals including therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers who provide services to children under 18. The bill defines "unprofessional conduct" as any effort to alter a child's sexual orientation (including behavior or gender identity) or reduce same-sex attractions. This amendment to the Occupations Code establishes new professional standards for mental health providers treating minors.

Maddy summaryHB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia and related disorders. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and other eligible organizations for research into dementia causes, prevention strategies, treatments, and symptom mitigation. It establishes oversight committees to manage grants, ensure compliance, and requires annual public reports detailing funded projects and recipients. The institute is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended under Texas Sunset Act procedures.