Rep. Lauren Simmons

Maddy summarySB 2069 requires Texas' Health and Human Services Commission to create a 15-member work group to study whether a statewide or regional registry tracking available acute psychiatric beds at hospitals would be feasible. The work group must include representatives from hospitals (rural, urban, and large-population counties), mental health associations, technology experts, and public health professionals. The group must complete its study and submit a report to the legislature by November 1, 2027, detailing findings on implementing such a registry. This bill directly affects mental health facilities and patients seeking inpatient psychiatric care by examining a potential system to improve bed availability transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 2593 increases criminal penalties for indecent assault when the victim is disabled or elderly. It amends Texas Penal Code Section 22.012 to classify such assaults as a second-degree felony (previously a misdemeanor or lower felony), making it a more serious offense. The bill specifically targets cases where the victim is disabled or elderly, without changing penalties for other victims. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 3909 prohibits the use of wireless communication devices (like cell phones) within 100 feet of voting stations or in rooms where electronic pollbooks are used for voting. It directly affects voters, poll workers, and election officials at polling locations. The bill requires presiding judges to post visible notices about this restriction outside voting areas. The law took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1677 requires Texas' Higher Education Coordinating Board to select a top-tier research university to study ways to prevent and reduce diabetes-related amputations. The designated institution must collaborate with the state health department and medical experts to analyze amputation data, develop prevention strategies, and recommend policies - such as improving insurance coverage for diabetic foot ulcer treatments and increasing public awareness. The study will focus on best practices for avoiding amputations, expanding access to care, and enhancing coordination among healthcare providers. This bill directly affects the selected university and aims to inform future health policies impacting diabetes patients in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 2492 modifies Texas law governing detention after bond for individuals arrested in family violence cases. It allows authorities to detain someone for up to 4 hours after bond is posted, with a potential 48-hour extension if a judge determines the violence would continue and the person has prior family violence arrests or used a deadly weapon in past offenses. The bill applies only to arrests occurring on or after September 1, 2025, leaving pre-existing cases under prior law. This creates a specific, time-bound process to prevent immediate release in high-risk family violence situations.

Maddy summarySB 1137 requires group home operators to obtain criminal history records for all applicants and employees, prohibiting hiring for individuals convicted of specific offenses under the Penal Code (e.g., violence, sexual offenses, or certain felonies). It creates a new criminal offense under Section 767.004 for group home consultants who refer potential residents to homes employing individuals banned under these rules. The bill directly affects group home operators, their employees, and consultants who facilitate resident placements. Violations are punishable as Class A misdemeanors, with key provisions targeting background checks and referral practices to protect vulnerable residents.

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 summaryHB 346 modifies fee structures for expedited business record searches and filings with Texas' Secretary of State, setting maximum fees of $15 for security interest searches and $25 for corporate filings. It repeals existing exemptions from franchise tax and certain filing fees for veteran-owned businesses, removing a prior benefit. The bill requires the Secretary of State to publish any varying fee schedules online and aligns with the law's effective date of September 1, 2025. This directly affects veteran-owned businesses (by ending tax/file fee exemptions) and all businesses using expedited services (by establishing new fee limits).

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy changes. HR 857 formally congratulates the Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC) on opening the first phase of its new facility, "One Safe Place Houston," on March 25, 2025. It recognizes HAWC's 48-year work providing crisis intervention, shelter, and support services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The resolution has no legal effect or funding provisions - it simply expresses the Texas House of Representatives' support through a formal statement.