Rep. Penny Morales Shaw

Maddy summaryHB 869 requires Texas' state classification officer to periodically review and update how state information technology (IT) positions are classified. The bill mandates that these reviews align state IT job titles, classifications, and descriptions with comparable private-sector roles, and shift focus from degree/certification requirements to competency-based language emphasizing needed skills and knowledge. The classification officer must implement required changes to the position classification plan and submit a report by October 1, 2026, detailing the initial review and any revisions. This directly affects state IT employees and the process for classifying their roles across Texas government agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 3883 adds the FIA World Endurance Championship international automobile race to the list of events eligible for state funding under Texas's major events reimbursement program. This change directly affects the FIA World Endurance Championship race by making it qualify for reimbursement of certain costs incurred during the event. The bill amends the definition of "Event" in state law to include this specific race as a qualifying activity. It does not create new funding but expands existing eligibility to cover this international motorsport event. The change applies to the race itself, not to other types of events or broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 creates a two-year Medicaid pilot program in Texas to cover doula services for eligible pregnant individuals. The program, launching in 2026 in the most populous county and the county with the highest maternal health needs, provides nonmedical childbirth support like emotional and physical coaching during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. The Health and Human Services Commission must report annually on costs and birth outcomes, and submit a final evaluation by 2030 to determine if the program should continue or expand. The pilot expires September 1, 2031, after which coverage would not automatically continue.

Maddy summaryHB 1359 creates an "Income-Based Assistance Fund" to provide financial help for low-income retail electric customers in Texas. The bill establishes a trust fund financed by a fee (up to 65 cents per megawatt hour) charged to retail electric providers and collected from customers based on usage. This fund, managed by the comptroller and administered by the Health and Human Services Commission, will offer monetary assistance to eligible low-income households identified through an automatic process. The program directly affects low-income electricity users and requires electric providers to collect the fee, with the commission setting the fee amount biennially to cover administrative costs.

Maddy summaryHB 557 modifies Texas law to prevent courts from finding parents in contempt for unpaid child support if they provide evidence of two specific circumstances. It requires parents to show either current payment records (via receipts or bank statements) or proof that payment delays resulted from third-party errors (like banking issues) or situations outside their control. The bill applies only to child support enforcement hearings starting on or after September 1, 2025, leaving past cases governed by prior law. This change directly affects parents facing contempt charges for missed child support payments.

Maddy summaryHB 1955 creates a state grant program to fund early childhood mental health home visiting services for families with high needs, particularly those with trauma histories or low-income backgrounds. The program requires grant recipients to use evidence-based service models and form teams of licensed mental health professionals and care coordinators to improve child mental health, school readiness, reduce abuse/neglect, and support family well-being. Eligible applicants must demonstrate experience providing mental health services to high-risk families and commit to a family-centered care approach. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will administer the program and may accept external funding to support these services.

Maddy summaryHB 1942 allows health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and insurance plans to directly contract with nurse practitioners (advanced practice registered nurses) for healthcare services, without requiring their supervising physician to also be contracted. It also permits insurers to list nurse practitioners as "preferred providers" on insurance plans, even if their supervising physician isn’t designated as preferred. The bill explicitly states it doesn’t change existing laws about physician supervision of medical practice. This affects nurse practitioners seeking insurance contracts, HMOs, and insurers offering preferred provider plans. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2091 expands the Texas Water Development Board's ability to provide grants for water supply projects, including those with flood control components, to political subdivisions like cities, counties, and drainage districts. It specifically ensures drainage districts cannot be disqualified from receiving these grants due to lacking historical water use data, retail water service, or certain service certificates. The bill amends the Water Code to establish clear eligibility rules, removing barriers for drainage districts that historically couldn't qualify for such funding. This change directly affects local governments and drainage districts seeking financial assistance for water infrastructure projects starting September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1822 updates Texas juvenile court jurisdiction and record sealing rules. It extends juvenile court authority over incomplete cases when a youth turns 18 or 19 during proceedings, provided the state exercised due diligence or wasn't at fault for delays. The bill also creates new eligibility for sealing juvenile records: individuals on determinate sentence probation who weren't committed to juvenile facilities, weren't transferred to adult court, and have completed probation. These changes apply only to conduct occurring on or after the bill's effective date, not retroactively. The law aims to provide clearer pathways for record sealing while maintaining court oversight for certain cases.

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.