Rep. Christina Morales

Maddy summaryHB 5255 prohibits Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services from considering citizenship or immigration status when making decisions about removing or placing children. Specifically, it bans the department from factoring in the immigration status of relatives, caregivers, or parents during placement decisions. The bill directly affects children in foster care, their relatives seeking to care for them, and parents involved in child welfare cases. It takes effect September 1, 2025, requiring the department to base placement decisions solely on child welfare factors, not immigration status.

Maddy summaryHB 5425 prohibits employers from requiring or enforcing nondisclosure or non-disparagement agreements that prevent employees from discussing violations of state or federal law related to wages, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or sexual assault. The bill makes such agreements void and unenforceable, and bans employer retaliation against employees who disclose these violations or refuse to sign prohibited agreements. Employees who face violations can sue for damages (minimum $10,000) plus attorney fees under Section 25.005. This directly affects workers reporting workplace misconduct and requires employers to adjust their standard agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 4489 streamlines certification for educators moving to Texas from other states or countries by establishing Texas' participation in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) interstate agreement. The bill removes the requirement for out-of-state applicants to pass certain Texas-specific exams (previously under repealed Section 21.052(a-1)) and instead allows the Texas Education Agency to accept certificates from jurisdictions participating in the NASDTEC agreement. This directly affects educators seeking certification in Texas who hold valid credentials from other U.S. states or foreign countries. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, aiming to simplify the process for qualified educators relocating to Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 4608 requires counties, cities, and state agencies to make audit records publicly available. Specifically, it mandates that governmental entities post final audit reports on their websites within 30 days of completion, or on a public website if they lack one. Entities may redact only confidential information permitted under existing law (Chapter 552). Failure to comply makes them liable for reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, incurred by someone seeking access. This applies to audits conducted on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a substantive bill) honoring five Houston Police Department officers - James Montero, José Selvera Jr., Raymond Gonzalez, Cecil Mosqueda, and U. P. Hernandez - for their service with the Chicano Squad. The resolution recognizes their historical role as the first bilingual, all-Latino homicide unit in the Houston Police Department, which cleared 80% of cold cases in its initial 90-day period. It specifically commends them for being featured in the *Chicano Squad* television series and acknowledges their lasting impact on the community. The resolution was formally adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 31, 2025, as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHR 598 is a memorial resolution honoring former President Jimmy Carter (39th U.S. president) following his death in December 2024. It commemorates his life, presidency, humanitarian work through the Carter Center, and legacy of public service, including the Camp David Accords and disease eradication efforts. The resolution was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 31, 2025, with no policy changes or direct impacts on constituents. As a commemorative resolution (not a substantive bill), it serves solely to recognize Carter's contributions without implementing new laws or affecting any group.

Maddy summaryHB 3951 requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to provide $100 in cash and department-paid transportation to inmates released on parole, mandatory supervision, or conditional pardon. The $100 is split: $50 upon release from prison and $50 when reporting to a parole officer. If an inmate isn’t required to report locally or must report out-of-state, the department provides $100 plus transportation to either their in-state residence or a designated transit point (at least 1,000 feet from schools) if residing outside Texas. This applies to all Texas inmates released under these specific post-incarceration conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 3961 would require the Texas Department of State Health Services to create a perimenopause and menopause educational program for Texas residents. The program must provide information on symptoms, treatments, physiological processes, and ways to encourage discussions about these health topics. The department would develop written and electronic materials, post them online, and distribute printed copies at events. This bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects residents seeking health information related to these life stages.

Maddy summaryHB 4067 prohibits most employment contracts from including "covenants not to compete" that restrict workers from seeking new jobs or starting businesses after leaving their current role. The bill directly affects most Texas workers by banning these restrictions, but exempts "senior executives" who earned at least $151,164 in the preceding year and held a "policy-making position" (such as top leadership roles). Key provisions define terms like "covenant not to compete," "policy-making position," and "senior executive" to clarify who is covered and who is exempt. This bill creates new sections in Texas business law to replace existing non-compete rules, focusing on protecting lower- and mid-level workers while allowing restrictions for high-earning executives.

Maddy summaryHB 3959 would require Texas public universities and career schools to exempt eligible undergraduate students from tuition and required fees. To qualify, students must be Texas residents, live in a household earning under $100,000 annually, and maintain a 3.0 GPA or equivalent. The bill applies to the 2025 fall semester and requires institutions to implement this exemption for qualifying students. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must establish rules to determine eligibility for this tuition exemption.