Rep. Lauren Simmons

Maddy summaryHB 4027 creates new rules for depositions in family violence cases. It requires petitioners seeking a deposition to disclose past protective orders or criminal complaints related to abuse, and courts must find by clear evidence the petitioner has no history of violence or harassment before approving such requests. The bill also allows courts to award attorney fees when dismissing cases deemed filed to harass, intimidate, or control an alleged victim of family violence. It directly affects individuals filing for depositions in family violence cases and Texas courts reviewing these petitions.

Maddy summaryHB 175 creates optional certifications for child-care providers enrolled in Texas’s Rising Star Program, allowing them to improve their program rating. One required certification focuses on including children with disabilities alongside typically developing peers. Providers earning these certifications receive an extra payment, capped at the amount for a two-star-rated provider. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2189 requires Texas public school districts to receive free, high-quality instructional materials for health career and technology education programs. It mandates a study (to report by December 2026) on sharing laboratory resources between K-12 schools and colleges to support these programs. The bill also directs a joint review of health-related dual credit courses to ensure they align with college requirements and reduce redundant coursework. These provisions directly affect public school districts offering health career programs and institutions of higher education collaborating with them. The bill passed the Texas Legislature on May 8, 2025, and expires September 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 514 creates a state-mandated maternal health care workforce campaign to address shortages in maternal health services. It directs the Department of State Health Services to develop a public outreach initiative prioritizing continuing education, trauma-informed care training, and recruiting professionals for rural and underserved areas. The campaign specifically aims to increase the number of maternal health care professionals - such as doulas and certified providers - and boost representation of racial and ethnic minority groups in the workforce. Key provisions include facilitating training programs, expanding equipment and facility capacity, and improving access for underserved women. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4438 establishes a statewide pediatric subspecialty preceptorship program for medical students in Texas. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board would contract with eligible organizations (such as tax-exempt nonprofits or accredited medical schools) to operate the program, requiring participating students to express interest in pediatric medical specialties. The program begins for the 2025-2026 academic year and aims to support medical students pursuing careers in pediatric subspecialties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 4665 requires childcare facilities in Texas to provide age-appropriate training to employees and directors, directly affecting all licensed childcare providers and their staff. The bill specifies seven categories of approved training providers, including Texas-registered trainers, educators teaching early childhood development, medical professionals, and experienced childcare directors with specific credentials. Training must align with the children's age and be delivered by individuals meeting strict qualifications outlined in the bill. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate implementation. This focuses on ensuring trainers have relevant expertise, not changing who must receive training.

Maddy summaryHB 1773 allows certain Texas school districts to appoint a nonvoting student trustee to their board of trustees. This position enables students to attend board meetings, participate in discussions, and provide student perspectives, but the student trustee cannot vote or count toward meeting quorums. The bill applies only to school districts not covered by existing rules (Section 11.0511 of the Education Code). It takes effect September 1, 2025, and creates a formal mechanism for student input without altering voting authority.

Maddy summaryHB 2967 requires Texas public and private schools to conduct vision screenings for students and report detailed data on vision disorders to the state by May 31 each year. It creates a new $75 annual grant per eligible student (defined as educationally disadvantaged students identified with vision issues) to cover vision care costs like eye exams and glasses. School districts must use these funds to pay for vision care services or reimburse parents, without replacing existing funding. The bill also updates screening methods to allow photoscreening and electronic eye charts. This law directly affects students in Texas public schools who need vision care and their school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 2476 creates a state grant program to cover living expenses for eligible students at Texas public colleges. It directly affects homeless students or minors whose minority status was removed under Texas law, requiring institutions to assess eligibility and notify the state comptroller. The program provides grants covering housing, food, and other living costs during enrollment, with funds administered by the state treasurer and not reducing other financial aid. The grant amount is determined to cover full living expenses regardless of summer term enrollment.