Rep. Erin Gámez

Maddy summaryHB 220 requires Texas healthcare facilities treating sexual assault survivors to provide specific care standards. It mandates: forensic medical exams per state codes, private waiting areas, access to sexual assault advocates (if available), crisis center contact information, private treatment rooms (if available), STI prophylaxis when needed, free showers (if facilities offer them), and emergency contraception with consent and clinical indication. The bill directly affects sexual assault survivors seeking medical care and healthcare facilities across Texas. If passed, these requirements would take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 116 is a ceremonial resolution designating Brownsville as the official "Bicycling Capital of the Rio Grande Valley" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It formally recognizes Brownsville's existing bicycle infrastructure and initiatives, including its trail system (like the Historic Battlefield Trail), community events (such as CycloBia), and programs like the Brownsville Bike Barn and Earn-a-Bike. The resolution has no binding policy changes or funding requirements - it serves solely as symbolic recognition under Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e). This designation was approved by both legislative chambers and signed by the governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2523 designates a specific segment of State Highway 48 in Cameron County (between State Highway 550 and Fishermans Place Road) as the "Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of this highway segment and at appropriate intermediate locations to honor Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia. This is a commemorative designation with no substantive policy changes, focusing solely on naming and signage. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage, limiting coverage, or charging higher rates to individuals who are widowed or whose marital status reflects the death of a spouse, compared to married individuals. It directly affects widowed people applying for or renewing insurance policies. The law requires insurers to treat widowed customers the same as married customers for rate-setting and coverage availability. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to policies delivered or renewed before that date.

Maddy summaryHB 5520, the Border Enhancement Act, focuses on improving border security and supporting economic development in Texas border regions. It requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to create a border security liaison to coordinate with federal agencies and avoid duplicative efforts, while permitting the purchase of equipment like X-ray machines to improve vehicle inspection efficiency at the border. The bill also establishes a grant program to fund courts in border counties, covering costs for judges, court staff salaries, travel, and necessary equipment. These provisions aim to enhance border security operations and court services without advocating for specific outcomes.

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.