Rep. Bobby Guerra

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 200), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Amelia "Molly" Bluhm on retiring from Tropical Texas Behavioral Health (TTBH) after a 55-year nursing career. The resolution recognizes her work since 1969, including roles in children's mental health care, and notes her contributions to evolving mental health treatment in South Texas. The Texas House of Representatives adopted it on March 31, 2025, to express "high regard" and extend "sincere best wishes" for her retirement.

Maddy summaryHB 4122 requires Texas Medicaid providers to annually receive written notices about postpartum women's 12-month Medicaid eligibility (starting after pregnancy), as established in existing law. It also mandates that hospitals and healthcare providers give new mothers resource pamphlets containing specific health information. These pamphlets must cover postpartum depression support, shaken baby syndrome prevention, immunization schedules, newborn screening follow-up, SIDS prevention, and pertussis vaccine details (with Spanish translation). The bill directly affects pregnant and postpartum Medicaid recipients, newborns, and healthcare providers who serve them.

Maddy summaryHB 4123 requires Texas Medicaid to send providers written notice at least 120 days before their enrollment expires, including the expiration date and clear steps for renewal. It mandates that providers submit renewal applications at least 60 days early, with the commission reviewing for obvious errors and giving providers 45 days to fix issues before expiration. If corrections are made on time, the commission must complete full reviews before enrollment lapses. The bill applies only to enrollments expiring on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. It directly affects Medicaid providers (like doctors, clinics, and hospitals) needing to maintain enrollment to serve Medicaid patients.

Maddy summaryHB 3762 requires customer service call centers that serve Texas residents and use automated systems to let callers speak directly with a human agent. Specifically, it mandates that automated systems must include an easy-to-use option to exit the system at any time and must clearly state this option to callers at the start of every call. Violations would be treated as deceptive trade practices under existing Texas law. The bill applies to call centers initiating or receiving calls from Texas residents using automated technology, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3555 requires Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to create an online registry where donors can list personal items (such as clothing, toys, or school supplies) for children entering foster care or changing placements. The registry ensures donated items are provided directly to children in DFPS conservatorship, legally belonging to the child and not reclaimable by DFPS or foster parents. DFPS must annually report to the legislature on inventory management and the number of children receiving items through the registry. This bill establishes a formal system to help children maintain personal belongings during foster care transitions.

Maddy summaryHB 3538 establishes rules for Texas' Managed Care Consumer Choice Program, affecting health plans (managed care organizations) seeking contracts to provide services under state health programs. It requires plans to first meet certification, financial solvency, and performance standards before contracting with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The bill ensures program recipients (like those in STAR, CHIP, STAR Kids, or STAR+PLUS) can choose any qualified health plan in their area, while outlining consequences like corrective action plans or enrollment suspensions for non-compliant plans. The law applies specifically to these Medicaid programs but excludes the STAR Health program.

Maddy summaryHB 2859 requires businesses selling subscription services (like streaming, gym memberships, or meal kits) to clearly explain key details to consumers at sign-up and before automatic renewals. Specifically, it mandates that businesses must: 1) clearly state the contract’s nature upfront, 2) provide easy cancellation instructions before the first payment, and 3) send additional written notice about automatic renewals 90 days before renewal for contracts lasting a year or longer. This bill directly affects subscription service providers and sellers, aiming to prevent unexpected charges by improving transparency. It does not create new penalties but establishes these disclosure rules as part of Texas law.

Maddy summaryHB 2861 requires Texas public school districts without full-time nurses to implement free telehealth services for students and staff starting in the 2029-2030 school year, with parental consent needed for student services. It creates a task force to study implementation challenges and recommend policy changes, reporting to the legislature by September 2026. The task force will evaluate telehealth availability across districts and identify necessary state law adjustments. This bill directly affects school districts serving students in grades PK-12 without dedicated nursing staff. The law expires in 2029, with the task force required to be appointed by December 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2555 modifies Texas Education Code to eliminate fees for individuals taking bilingual education certification exams. The bill requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to waive the exam fee assessed by the agency and pay any vendor fees directly to the exam provider on behalf of test-takers. This applies to all examinations for bilingual education certification, including those under Section 21.04891. The changes take effect September 1, 2025, and directly affect educators seeking bilingual certification in Texas public schools.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 4, 2025, as "McAllen Day" at the Texas State Capitol to honor the city's history and community. It recognizes McAllen's founding in 1797, its growth into a major economic and cultural hub in the Rio Grande Valley, and its recent rankings for quality of life and safety. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or funding impacts, and serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for McAllen's contributions to Texas. It was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 13, 2025.