Rep. Penny Morales Shaw

Maddy summaryHB 1150 prohibits the transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles (those with detachable magazines and caliber >.22) to individuals under 21 years old. It directly affects gun sellers, retailers, and anyone under 21 attempting to receive such rifles. The bill creates a new criminal offense for these transfers, with exceptions for peace officers and honorably discharged military personnel. Violations would be elevated from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony, increasing penalties for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1145 requires the University of Houston to lead a study, in collaboration with the Railroad Commission and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, on the use of PFAS chemicals (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in hydraulic fracturing. The study will examine how widely these chemicals are used in Texas fracking, potential public exposure through air or water, health and environmental effects, alternatives to PFAS, and whether restrictions should be implemented. The report must be submitted to the Texas legislature by December 1, 2026. This bill does not impose new regulations but mandates a review to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1149 amends Texas Education Code Section 25.0811 to remove the requirement that school districts begin instruction no earlier than the fourth Monday in August. This bill directly affects all Texas public school districts by granting them flexibility to set their own first-day start dates for the school year. The key provision eliminates the fixed August start date, allowing districts to schedule instruction earlier or later based on their needs. It does not change the minimum required instructional days or other core education requirements. This change applies to all traditional public school districts in Texas, though it specifically references exemptions related to district innovation plans.

Maddy summaryHB 1144 requires Texas local governments to use a new state-developed model guide for disaster response and recovery. The guide mandates planning for debris removal, federal funding access, housing coordination, and assistance from volunteer organizations, with specific focus on vulnerable populations including people with disabilities, the homeless, and low-income households. It also updates emergency management plans to include disability-inclusive operations, shelter standards, emergency notifications for people with disabilities, and personnel surge capacity for disaster workers. The bill further directs the state health department to create a public education program on disaster preparedness.

Maddy summaryHB 1042 requires Texas state and local officials to issue certified birth records and driver's licenses or personal ID certificates to homeless individuals without fees upon request. It defines "homeless individual" as someone lacking a fixed nighttime residence (including shelter stays or temporary accommodations) and prohibits requiring a physical address for verification. The bill mandates that verification can be provided through letters from HUD-funded shelters, homeless shelters, transitional programs, or local law enforcement. This removes bureaucratic barriers for homeless residents to obtain essential identification documents, directly affecting unhoused individuals across Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 1146 allows Texas physicians to prescribe low-THC cannabis (containing no more than 10mg THC per dose) to patients with specific qualifying medical conditions. It directly affects patients diagnosed with conditions like epilepsy, cancer, chronic pain (as an opioid alternative), multiple sclerosis, or other debilitating conditions approved by the state health department. Physicians must register and certify that the treatment’s benefits reasonably outweigh risks for the patient. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not expand eligibility beyond the listed conditions or allow recreational use.

Maddy summaryHB 1152 amends Texas election law to allow electronic or photocopied signatures on mail ballot carrier envelopes for voters unable to sign by hand. It specifically permits these alternatives for accessibility, ensuring individuals with physical limitations can still vote by mail without invalidating their ballot. The bill applies directly to mail-in voters and to people assisting voters who deposit ballots in the mail. Key provisions require signatures to be in ink on paper unless an accommodation is necessary, with the change taking effect September 1, 2025. This update modifies existing signature requirements in Sections 86.005 and 86.0051 of the Election Code.

Maddy summaryHB 1101 extends the deadline for adding newborns to employer health insurance plans from 31 days to 60 days after birth. It applies to multiple employer welfare arrangements, small employer health plans, and large employer health benefit plans. The bill requires employers or insurers to receive notice of the birth and any required additional premium by the new 60-day deadline to maintain coverage. This change affects newborns and their parents covered under these employer plans, ensuring coverage continues without interruption if the deadline is met. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but only applies to health benefit plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1098 requires Texas Medicaid and certain private health insurance plans to cover abortion services, FDA-approved contraception (including device insertion/removal), and voluntary sterilization (like vasectomies) without cost-sharing or pre-approval. The bill mandates that Medicaid reimbursement must be provided regardless of federal funding availability and prohibits deductibles, copays, prior authorization, or delays in coverage for these services. It directly affects Medicaid recipients and individuals enrolled in health benefit plans governed by Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1218. The law overrides prior restrictions, ensuring these reproductive health services are covered consistently under state and federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 899 requires sheriffs to ensure defendants receiving medication for mental health conditions - particularly psychotropic drugs - continue their prescribed treatment after leaving competency restoration programs. It mandates sheriffs provide the correct medication types and dosages, and compel defendants to take medication unless a physician directs otherwise. The bill also requires jail physicians to document any medication changes after consulting with the treating physician to avoid harming the defendant's mental health or court proceedings. Sheriffs will be reimbursed by the state for medication costs, effective September 1, 2025.