Rep. Erin Gámez

Maddy summaryHB 2159 allows certain minors to consent to specific healthcare treatments without parental involvement. It directly affects two groups: (1) minors aged 16 or older who live independently, manage their own finances, and meet other criteria; and (2) unmarried minor parents with actual custody of their child. Key provisions let these minors consent to treatment for themselves (including pregnancy care, infectious disease treatment, or addiction services) or for their own child, provided they meet the outlined conditions. The bill amends Texas Family Code Chapter 32 to clarify these consent rules, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3849 creates a new program category within Texas' unified transportation program specifically for border security projects. It requires the Transportation Commission to establish this category for projects that either improve security for goods movement across international border crossings or reduce congestion near border crossings within 60 miles. The bill also mandates that the legislature must make a specific funding appropriation to implement this new category. This change affects transportation projects near Texas' international border crossings and alters how such projects are categorized and funded.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas Family Code Section 153.009 to change procedures for interviewing children in custody cases. It requires courts to record interviews with children aged 12 or older about their custody preferences (and may interview younger children), specifies interviews must occur in chambers or court locations, and mandates sealing interview records unless an appeal is filed. The law directly affects children aged 12+ in parent-child relationship disputes, parents, attorneys, and judges handling custody cases. Key changes include requiring recordings for 12+ year olds, clarifying where interviews may occur, and adding record sealing rules to protect privacy. The bill does not alter custody standards but changes how courts gather and handle children's input.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 13) urges the U.S. Department of State and the International Boundary and Water Commission to ensure Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty on shared water resources. It specifically addresses Mexico's failure to deliver the required 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (averaged over five years), with a current deficit of 984,814 acre-feet. The resolution highlights how this shortfall harms Texas water users, including municipal, agricultural, and industrial sectors in the Rio Grande Valley, impacting reservoir levels and causing economic losses like the closure of Texas' only sugar mill. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests U.S. federal agencies to take action but does not change legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 3946 would allow Texas to issue specialty license plates for current or visiting state or federal judges, with the option to display "State Judge" or "U.S. Judge" on the plate. The bill amends the Transportation Code to authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles to create these plates, directly affecting eligible judges who wish to use them. It specifies that the plates "may" include the designated wording but does not require it. The change would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2308 establishes the Texas Commission on Border Security and Illegal Immigration as an advisory body composed of 11 members, including legislative leaders, the governor’s designee, and state agency representatives. The commission’s primary duty is to review the economic, legal, cultural, and educational impacts of illegal immigration on Texas and examine state and federal immigration laws. It will conduct this review through quarterly meetings and provide findings to the legislature, though it has no regulatory authority. The bill creates a formal structure for state-level analysis of border-related issues without implementing new enforcement policies. (Bill text: HB 2308, Chapter 330, Texas Government Code)

Maddy summaryHB 4732 recognizes the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas as a state-recognized Native American Indian Tribe under Texas law. The bill designates the tribe as eligible for all programs, services, and benefits provided to state-recognized tribes by the U.S. government, Texas, or other states due to tribal membership. It does not address gaming activities, despite the title's reference; the bill focuses solely on formal recognition and eligibility for existing tribal programs. The recognition takes effect September 1, 2025, making the tribe eligible for state-level tribal support programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4415 allows first responders and public employees in Texas to sue their government employers for employment discrimination (covered under Labor Code Section 451.001) when the discrimination is connected to a workers' compensation claim. It waives the government's legal immunity (sovereign immunity) for these specific cases, meaning government employers can be held liable in court. The bill applies only to claims arising on or after September 1, 2025, and does not change workers' compensation benefits themselves. This directly affects public sector workers who face discrimination while seeking workers' compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 2343 requires restaurants serving shrimp caught outside Texas waters (defined as Gulf of Mexico shrimp outside state-owned lands) to clearly label the product and provide visible notices to customers about its importation. It also bans state agencies and school districts from serving imported shrimp or contracting with vendors who serve it, with penalties for violations. The bill mandates that food service establishments post notices in accessible locations or include them on menus, and directs health officials to create implementing rules. These provisions directly affect restaurants, school meal programs, and state food service contracts.