Rep. Donna Howard

Maddy summarySB 487 protects the confidentiality of identifying information for victims of specific crimes, directly affecting individuals who experience stalking (under Penal Code §42.072), invasive visual recording (§21.15), or indecent assault (§22.012). The bill amends Texas law to require that courts and law enforcement safeguard victims' personal details, such as addresses or contact information, from public disclosure in legal proceedings. It explicitly defines "victim" in the criminal procedure code to include those subjected to these offenses or part of the same criminal episode. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 836 protects victims of sex offenses, sex-based human trafficking, or sexual acts by restricting how medical evidence from their examinations can be used. The bill prohibits courts from using such evidence to investigate or prosecute minor offenses committed by the victim themselves, requires all related evidence to be sealed by the court after proceedings, and limits public access to visual recordings of victims. It directly affects victims in criminal cases, ensuring their medical exam details and related materials cannot be shared publicly or used against them in unrelated minor charges. The law creates clear safeguards to prevent re-traumatization and protect privacy during legal processes.

Maddy summaryHB 897 would authorize the State of Texas to sell two specific parcels of land in Austin: 20.31 acres at 4400 Shoal Creek Boulevard and 7.5 acres at 909 W. 45th Street. The sale is contingent on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission constructing a new records facility to replace the one currently located on the property. Proceeds from the sale would be deposited into the state's general revenue fund. The bill requires the sale to occur after September 1, 2025, if enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 3032 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the feasibility of creating clinical training sites for nursing students at correctional facilities, state juvenile facilities, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers. The study must be conducted in collaboration with the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Board of Nursing, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and Texas Juvenile Justice Department. The board must submit a report with findings and recommendations to state leaders by December 1, 2026, and the bill expires September 1, 2027. This bill directly affects nursing students seeking clinical training opportunities and aims to identify potential new locations for their education.

Maddy summaryHB 678 requires public Texas institutions of higher education to include the National Sexual Assault Hotline's contact information on student identification cards. The bill mandates that each student ID must display the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and National Sexual Assault Hotline details. Optional information, such as campus police contacts or health clinic details, may also be printed. This requirement applies to student IDs issued on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 would ban the production, sale, and use of certain agricultural products containing PFAS chemicals (like pesticides or crop protectants). It directly affects agricultural businesses, manufacturers, and sellers of these products. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations, treating unauthorized PFAS use as a punishable offense. The bill is currently pending in the Environmental Regulation committee after committee hearings. (Note: Full bill text is not yet available; this summary is based on the title and pending status.)

Maddy summaryHB 1787 requires the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create a state plan and educational program focused on human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention, education, and treatment for students at Texas colleges and universities. The plan must address disproportionate impacts on specific demographic groups, incorporate input from health advocates and agencies, and be updated every five years. The program will include campus health education, public awareness campaigns, and online resources detailing HPV prevention, detection, treatment options, risk factors, and transmission methods. This bill directly affects all students enrolled in Texas institutions of higher education by promoting targeted health information and services.

Maddy summaryHB 2189 requires Texas public school districts to receive free, high-quality instructional materials for health career and technology education programs. It mandates a study (to report by December 2026) on sharing laboratory resources between K-12 schools and colleges to support these programs. The bill also directs a joint review of health-related dual credit courses to ensure they align with college requirements and reduce redundant coursework. These provisions directly affect public school districts offering health career programs and institutions of higher education collaborating with them. The bill passed the Texas Legislature on May 8, 2025, and expires September 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1813 requires Texas school districts to provide parents with a clear, easy-to-understand document explaining special education program processes, including how to participate in meetings, access legal representation, and file complaints about non-attorney representatives. It mandates that this information be included in the standard procedural safeguards notice parents receive. The bill also sets new qualifications for special education representatives and hearing officers, prohibiting conflicts of interest (like prior employment with a district) and requiring knowledge of special education laws and ethics agreements for paid representatives. This bill directly affects parents of students in special education programs, school districts, and professionals serving as representatives or hearing officers, while authorizing a fee for certain services.

Maddy summaryHB 514 creates a state-mandated maternal health care workforce campaign to address shortages in maternal health services. It directs the Department of State Health Services to develop a public outreach initiative prioritizing continuing education, trauma-informed care training, and recruiting professionals for rural and underserved areas. The campaign specifically aims to increase the number of maternal health care professionals - such as doulas and certified providers - and boost representation of racial and ethnic minority groups in the workforce. Key provisions include facilitating training programs, expanding equipment and facility capacity, and improving access for underserved women. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.