Rep. Penny Morales Shaw

Maddy summaryHB 977 amends Texas law to reduce the percentage of students eligible for the gifted and talented student allotment under the Foundation School Program from 10% to 5% of a district's average daily attendance. This change directly affects Texas public school districts that receive funding for gifted and talented programs. The bill modifies Education Code Section 48.109(c) to implement this lower eligibility cap, effective September 1, 2025. The policy change specifically alters how school districts calculate student eligibility for this state funding stream.

Maddy summaryHB 936 prohibits public Texas universities from revoking athletic scholarships due to student athletes' injuries, illnesses, or disabilities - including mental health conditions - regardless of whether the condition is temporary or permanent. The bill only allows scholarship revocation if the injury or disability resulted from the athlete violating the institution's student code of conduct. It applies to all athletic scholarships awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. This directly affects student athletes at public Texas colleges who might otherwise lose financial aid after medical issues.

Maddy summaryHB 887 requires Texas public school districts to provide age-appropriate education and informational materials about endometriosis and menstrual disorders to students. The State Board of Education must create a list of approved materials covering symptoms, health impacts, statistics, health advocacy practices, and treatment options. School districts may implement this education at grade levels and in courses they determine appropriate, with materials available for request. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHR 398 is a House resolution honoring the late U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston, who died on July 19, 2024. It commemorates her 30-year congressional career, her work on landmark legislation like the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, and her advocacy for social justice and vulnerable communities. This resolution does not create new policy or affect any specific group - it is a ceremonial tribute recognizing her legacy and service to her constituents and the nation. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or practical impact beyond expressing congressional remembrance.

Maddy summaryHB 765 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to ensure full-time peace officers (not reserves) who receive benefits like retirement coverage obtain liability insurance. This insurance must cover damages from any misconduct - including intentional or negligent acts - committed by officers while on duty. The state insurance commissioner must set minimum coverage standards to ensure victims can be compensated. The law applies only to officers hired on or after September 1, 2026, with rules to be adopted by January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 803 increases the monthly longevity pay for Texas state employees from $20 to $50 for every two years of lifetime service credit. This change directly affects state employees who earn longevity pay based on their years of service. The bill amends Section 659.044(a) of the Government Code to reflect this new pay rate, which takes effect September 1, 2025. The legislation makes a specific, concrete adjustment to the existing pay calculation formula without altering eligibility or other program details.

Maddy summaryHB 736 amends Texas Water Code Section 7.3511 to change procedures for lawsuits about environmental violations under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It delays when local governments or affected individuals can file civil suits after TCEQ receives a violation notice - requiring them to wait until after TCEQ or the Attorney General has begun enforcement within 90 days of notice. The bill repeals the existing subsection (e) and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects local governments, residents, and legal representatives seeking to sue for TCEQ-regulated environmental violations.

Maddy summaryHB 692 requires public and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas to notify parents in writing if they lack a full-time nurse (or equivalent coverage) for more than 30 consecutive instructional days in a school year. Schools must provide this notice by the 30th instructional day after the shortage begins, offering bilingual options for non-English speaking families and retaining copies. Schools may post notices online via a three-click accessible link on their website. The law applies to all schools except those with fewer than 10,000 students and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 634 would create a task force to evaluate housing needs for senior citizens who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+). The task force would study current housing challenges and barriers faced by this community, including affordability, accessibility, and discrimination. This bill does not include new funding or regulations but establishes a group to research and report on these issues. Its goal is to inform future legislative action on housing policies for LGBTQ+ seniors.

Maddy summaryHB 687 establishes a bullying prevention pilot program for Texas public schools, targeting school districts with substantial need as determined by the Texas Education Agency. The bill authorizes the agency to develop evidence-based prevention strategies using research best practices and collaborate with child psychology and education experts. School districts receiving grants must implement the program at no more than three campuses, with funding covering program development and technical assistance through regional education centers. The program requires specific legislative appropriations to launch and operates under new Section 37.0833 of the Education Code, effective September 1, 2025.