Rep. Donna Howard

Maddy summaryHB 5265 creates the Texas Health Care Professional Education Fund to dedicate state funding toward increasing health care degree production at eligible public universities. The bill directly affects Texas public universities designated as "general academic teaching institutions" that offer health care professional degrees (such as bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs in fields listed by federal education standards). Key provisions establish the fund outside the state treasury, managed by the comptroller through a trust company, with distribution rules designed to preserve fund value and ensure predictable annual funding. The goal is to meet state workforce needs by providing a stable, independent funding stream specifically for health care degree programs at qualifying institutions.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution authorizes the burial of Guy Herman, a former Travis County probate judge, in the Texas State Cemetery. It follows existing law (Government Code § 2165.256) requiring the State Cemetery Committee to approve such burials based on a person's significant contribution to Texas history. The resolution specifically cites Judge Herman's 30+ years of service, including his work on mental health reforms, probate court leadership, and community contributions. The authorization is conditional on the State Cemetery Committee approving his burial application as required by law.

Maddy summaryHB 837 requires barber and cosmetology students to learn how to identify and assist domestic violence victims during their initial training. It also mandates that licensed barbers and cosmetologists complete continuing education on the same topic annually. The bill applies directly to all current and future license holders in these professions across Texas. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation must create rules to implement these requirements by September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1949 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to post crematories' compliance history and classification on its website in an easily accessible format, updating within 30 days of any changes. It also mandates that each crematory display a physical notice containing its name, compliance status, complaint instructions, and website link for more details. These requirements directly affect licensed crematories operating under Health and Safety Code permits and provide the public with clear, real-time access to compliance information. The rules for implementation must be adopted by September 1, 2026, with the law taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 463 automatically expunges arrest records for individuals charged with certain controlled substance offenses when their case is dismissed under specific conditions. It directly affects defendants whose charges are dismissed due to completion of court programs (veterans, mental health, or pretrial intervention), lab results showing no controlled substance was present, or dismissal due to lack of probable cause. The bill requires courts to issue expungement orders within 30 days of dismissal in cases where lab analysis confirms no controlled substance was found, and prohibits courts from charging fees for this process. This policy change removes barriers to clearing records for eligible individuals without requiring additional court petitions.

Maddy summaryHB 3618 requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to create policies governing searches of female inmates. It mandates that searches involving unclothed female inmates must be conducted by a female officer when available, and if a male officer must conduct such a search, they must submit a written report within 72 hours. The bill also limits visual body cavity searches (a visual inspection of genital or anal areas with clothing removed) to only "exigent circumstances" like immediate security threats - not routine program access like education or rehabilitation. These policies apply directly to female inmates in TDCJ facilities and must be adopted by September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1775 requires Texas law enforcement agencies and response teams to report on evidence collection kits used in sexual assault cases. The bill mandates annual reports (by December 1) detailing unanalyzed kits and kits not taken possession of within legal timeframes, plus biennial reports (odd-numbered years) on sexual assault case data like reports received, investigations, and indictments. These reports must include specific metrics on kits not properly handled and be posted online as a "Statewide Electronic Tracking System Report." The law affects all local law enforcement agencies and county response teams handling sexual assault evidence, with implementation set for September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3029 allows public and private schools in Texas to administer nonprescription medications (like pain relievers or antihistamines) to students without requiring additional authorization from a healthcare provider. Schools must have a written request from a parent or guardian, use the medication in its original labeled container (unexpired), and follow the dosage instructions on the label. This policy applies to school employees, including nurses, and provides them legal protection from liability claims related to administering such medications. The bill directly affects schools, parents/guardians, and students who need over-the-counter medications during school hours.

Maddy summaryHB 368 prohibits alleged offenders in family violence protective orders from remotely controlling electronic devices affecting the victim's residence, vehicle, or property. It directly affects individuals subject to protective orders in family violence cases, adding this specific conduct to existing prohibitions. The key provision (Section 1(a)(2)(F)) explicitly bans remotely controlling devices like smart home systems or tracking apps without the victim's consent. This targets technology-enabled harassment tactics, such as manipulating devices to monitor or intimidate victims. The bill amends Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to include this as a punishable violation under protective order enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 125 creates the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as a new academic unit within Tarleton State University. The bill establishes that the college will operate under the oversight of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, offer osteopathic medicine degrees under Tarleton's authority, and partner with public or private teaching hospitals. This legislation directly affects Tarleton State University students seeking osteopathic medicine degrees and expands Texas' network of medical education institutions. The bill amends Texas Education Code to formally include the new college in the state's list of authorized medical and dental programs.