Rep. Donna Howard

Maddy summaryHB 502 expands confidentiality protections for victims of specific offenses by redefining "victim" in Texas law to include individuals harmed by stalking, secret filming (invasive visual recording), or certain sexual assaults (indecent assault). The bill ensures that identifying information about these victims - such as names, addresses, or photos - cannot be disclosed publicly without consent, directly affecting those who experience these crimes. Key provisions clarify that the confidentiality rules apply to victims of these offenses and to anyone involved in the same criminal incident. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1686 protects victims of sexual assault, sex trafficking, or related offenses by restricting how evidence from their forensic medical exams can be used. The bill prohibits using such evidence to investigate or prosecute the victim for any offense they allegedly committed, and requires courts to seal all related property or material after legal proceedings conclude. Access to sealed materials is limited to the state attorney, defense attorneys, and experts qualified by the defendant, following specific legal procedures. These provisions aim to prevent retraumatization and ensure victim privacy during legal processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1656 would allow licensed paramedics to temporarily detain individuals experiencing a mental health crisis for a preliminary evaluation at a mental health facility when there is an immediate risk of serious harm to the person or others. To do this, paramedics must have authorization from their medical director, believe the person has mental illness and faces substantial risk (based on behavior or severe distress), and determine that obtaining a warrant or involving police would take too long. The paramedic must then transport the person to the nearest appropriate mental health facility and immediately explain the detention reason in plain language, with facility staff required to detail the person’s rights within 24 hours. This bill directly affects paramedics and individuals in acute mental health crises who meet these specific criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 1442 requires Texas state agencies with budgets exceeding $10 million and 100+ full-time employees to livestream and archive all public meetings online. Specifically, agencies must broadcast meetings live via video/audio on their websites during the meeting, provide archived recordings within seven days, and maintain them for two years. The bill applies only to executive and legislative branch agencies meeting these financial and staffing thresholds, excluding smaller agencies covered under a separate section. Exemptions exist for catastrophes or technical failures, but agencies must make "reasonable efforts" to provide recordings afterward.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 945), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It formally honors Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025, recognizing his life, leadership as the first Latin American pope, and global efforts to serve the vulnerable. The resolution memorializes his legacy, including his work during Argentina's economic crisis, interfaith initiatives, and pandemic-era outreach. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to express collective remembrance.

Maddy summaryHB 1330 allows public Texas colleges to disregard undergraduate applicants' college credits or grades earned more than 10 years before their enrollment semester, except for credits from the most recent five years. It directly affects students applying to Texas public universities who have not attended college for over a decade. Institutions must create and publish clear policies on how long they will consider academic records, and credits disregarded under this policy will not count toward degree requirements. The law applies to admissions starting in the 2025 fall semester.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the Texas Women's Foundation on International Women's Day (March 8, 2025) for its 40-year work supporting women and girls across Texas. It recognizes the organization's history, $85 million in investments, and research on economic barriers faced by Texas women, but contains no policy changes or funding. The Texas House of Representatives adopted the resolution to formally commend the foundation and provide it with an official copy as a gesture of respect. This is a symbolic gesture with no legislative effect beyond the ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 258 is a ceremonial resolution adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on April 17, 2025, to congratulate Dick Lavine on his retirement as a senior fiscal analyst at Every Texan. The resolution highlights his 30-year career with the nonprofit, his background as a licensed attorney and chartered financial analyst, and his service on various boards including the Travis Central Appraisal District and City of Austin Retirement System. It does not create any policy changes or affect any laws, as it is purely a symbolic expression of appreciation for his professional contributions. This procedural resolution was formally adopted and recorded in the House Journal.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, no substantive bill text or summary is available for HB 2433. The bill title indicates it relates to hotel occupancy tax collection by accommodations intermediaries (like online booking platforms), but the actual provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are not described in the materials provided. The "Bill Text" section states it is "not currently available" and directs users to a PDF that is also unavailable. Without the full text or a substantive summary, a factual description of the bill's policy changes cannot be generated.

Maddy summaryHR 236 is a memorial resolution honoring Cecile Richards, former president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, who died on January 20, 2025. The resolution commemorates her life and career, including her 12-year leadership at Planned Parenthood, founding of Supermajority, and receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It does not enact any policy changes or affect any laws or individuals; it is a formal tribute from the Texas House of Representatives. The resolution was introduced by Representative Howard and referred to the Local & Consent Calendars.