Rep. Vikki Goodwin

Maddy summaryHB 2380 proposes to amend Texas Penal Code Section 46.06 by prohibiting firearm transfers to specific groups. It bans selling or giving firearms to minors under 18 (except with parental written permission), people under 21, individuals who are intoxicated, those convicted of felonies within five years of release, and people subject to active protective orders. Exceptions include transfers for peace officers or military personnel performing official duties. Violations would be Class A misdemeanors, with certain offenses (like selling to under-21s with handguns) classified as state jail felonies. The bill does not affect legal firearm owners but restricts transfers to the specified prohibited groups.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 1992 is unavailable in the provided context (only a placeholder note indicates it will be available in a PDF later). The title describes a grant program for "behaviorally at-risk students" to receive social and cognitive skills training in public schools, but specific eligibility criteria, funding mechanisms, or implementation details are not included in the given information. Without access to the full bill text or detailed summary, a factual summary of its provisions cannot be generated. Please refer to the official PDF document for complete details.

Maddy summaryHB 2044 amends Texas Education Code to expand student expulsion grounds for firearm-related conduct near schools. It specifically allows expulsion if a student possesses, carries, exhibits, or uses a firearm within 1,000 feet of school property - significantly expanding the previous 300-foot zone for other offenses. The bill directly affects students who violate this firearm restriction, regardless of whether the conduct occurs on or off school grounds. Other provisions in the bill address drug use, violent conduct, and computer security violations within 300 feet of schools, but the key new policy change centers on the 1,000-foot firearm possession rule.

Maddy summaryHB 1692 amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.06 to make specific firearm transfers criminal offenses. It prohibits selling, renting, or giving firearms to people who: intend unlawful use, are under 18, are intoxicated, have recent felony convictions, are subject to active protective orders, or have certain mental health or legal statuses (like being determined incompetent to stand trial or receiving inpatient mental health treatment). The bill directly affects firearm sellers, dealers, and anyone involved in transferring firearms to these prohibited groups. It expands criminal liability for knowingly facilitating such transfers, including making false statements on required firearm forms.

Maddy summaryHJR 108 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a state-funded "workforce housing fund" specifically for building affordable housing for essential workers like teachers, nurses, and public safety staff. The fund would provide grants and low-interest loans directly to cities and towns (municipalities) to develop such housing, administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Money for the fund would come from state appropriations, loan repayments, investments, donations, and other designated state revenues. This amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election before becoming part of the Texas Constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1529 lowers the maximum production fee rate the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District can charge for water withdrawals from 50 cents to 20 cents per thousand gallons. This change directly affects well owners and water users within the district who pay the production fee on non-exempt wells. The bill amends Section 8871.154 of the Special District Local Laws Code to establish this new fee cap, which takes effect September 1, 2025. The fee is based on the actual amount of water withdrawn from each well, with no increase allowed beyond the new 20-cent limit.

Maddy summaryHB 1558 requires public buildings, including the Texas Capitol, to provide private, non-bathroom spaces for people to express breast milk. It mandates that state employers give employees reasonable break time and a private area for milk expression during work hours. The bill also allows state employees to take paid time off (once monthly, with supervisor approval) to donate breast milk, without salary or leave deductions. These provisions apply to all state agencies and new public building construction or renovations starting after the bill's effective date. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1537 establishes Texas's participation in the Licensed Professional Counselors Compact, enabling counselors licensed in Texas to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It authorizes fees for administering the Compact and includes provisions for mutual recognition of licenses, telehealth services, support for military spouses relocating with active-duty personnel, and shared enforcement of licensure standards. This directly affects licensed counselors seeking to provide services across state lines and clients in multiple states. The bill creates a framework for interstate practice while preserving each state's authority to regulate counseling services within its borders.

Maddy summaryHB 1594 requires Texas group health benefit plans to cover early treatment for first episode psychosis for individuals under 26 years old. The bill defines "first episode psychosis" as the initial onset of psychosis symptoms caused by medical conditions, serious mental illness, or substance use. It mandates coverage for specific services including coordinated specialty care (such as psychotherapy and medication management), assertive community treatment, and peer support services like recovery mentoring. Coverage must be provided based on medical necessity and through a bundled payment model for treatment providers.

Maddy summaryHB 1424 allows Texas municipalities and water utilities to implement tiered water rates where customers using more water pay higher costs per unit, directly affecting residential and commercial water users. It authorizes utilities to establish an "excessive use fee" for customers whose consumption exceeds a set percentage of typical users in their area. The bill amends local government and water codes to require these rate structures promote conservation, with provisions applying to retail public utilities not covered under existing rules. The policy change takes effect September 1, 2025, aiming to incentivize reduced water usage through pricing mechanisms.