Rep. Donna Howard

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, no substantive text for HB 44 is available (the bill text section states "This version is not currently available, but is coming soon"). The bill's title indicates it relates to abortion exceptions based on a physician's medical judgment, but the actual provisions, scope, and affected parties are not described in the provided materials. The bill is in early stages (read first time, pending in committee) but no concrete policy details are accessible. For an accurate summary, the full bill text or official summary would be required.

Maddy summaryHR 671 is a symbolic resolution recognizing March 14, 2026, as "Texas Women in STEM Day." It honors Texas women who pioneered in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including NASA engineer Frances Northcutt, computer technology developer Elise Harmon, first licensed female Texas engineer Leah Moncure, and applied mathematician Ruth Gonzalez. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it solely commemorates these individuals' contributions to STEM fields and inspires future generations. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 4303 is not available in the provided context. The summary section is empty, and the bill description only states it relates to establishing a "Texas First Generation Matching Grant Program" for certain students at public higher education institutions. Without access to the full bill text or detailed provisions, a factual summary cannot be generated. The recent actions (filed April 2025, referred to Higher Education committee) do not describe the bill's content.

Maddy summaryThe full text of HB 4277 is not available in the provided context, only its title and basic procedural history. The bill's title indicates it relates to scholarly research and grant applications at public institutions of higher education, but specific provisions cannot be summarized without the bill's content. It was filed on March 10, 2025, and referred to the Higher Education committee on April 1, 2025. Without access to the actual bill language or PDF, a detailed summary of its mechanisms or affected parties cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 4267 proposes requiring Texas law enforcement agencies to submit "handle with care" notices to public school staff when students experience specific traumatic events, such as household arrests, search warrants at home, family violence, or mass shootings. The notices must include the student's name, age, grade, and school, and will be sent electronically to school superintendents and regional education centers. The bill aims to help schools provide supportive, non-interventional care for affected students without singling them out. It applies to students in public primary or secondary schools who have witnessed or experienced one of the defined traumatic events. The legislation is still pending in committee.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) that recognizes March 4, 2025, as "Nurse Day at the State Capitol" in Texas. It formally commends all nurses in Texas for their service, highlighting their roles in healthcare settings and their recognition for honesty and ethical standards. The resolution has no policy impact or new requirements - it is solely a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4117 requires Texas to create a strategic plan ensuring Medicaid and child health program participants have access to home and community-based services (like in-home care for people with disabilities or seniors). The plan must establish fair payment rates for service providers, assess current service gaps, and set measurable access standards - such as agency availability, geographic coverage, and service types - based on actual needs. It also mandates a cost analysis of current service shortages, including potential long-term savings from timely access. The bill directly affects Medicaid recipients, child health program enrollees, and licensed home care agencies operating under Texas health regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 3880 requires Texas public employers (such as state agencies, schools, and local government offices) to provide nursing employees with: (1) reasonable break time to express breast milk, (2) a private, non-bathroom space shielded from view, and (3) a sign-in sheet managed by a designated employee to track room usage. The bill mandates that only employees expressing milk can access the designated room and sign-in sheet. It takes effect on September 1, 2025. This directly impacts nursing employees and public employers across Texas by establishing clear, accessible workplace accommodations.

Maddy summaryHB 1782 amends Texas Medicaid rules to expand eligibility for breast and cervical cancer treatment. It sets a new income threshold at 250% of the federal poverty level (up from prior limits) for low-income Texans needing treatment, ensuring continuous coverage during care. Key provisions simplify the process by removing the requirement for personal interviews during eligibility determination and allowing presumptive eligibility certification. The bill directly affects Texans diagnosed with these cancers who meet the income criteria, aiming to reduce barriers to accessing timely medical assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 4118 requires the attorney general to pay crime victims for health care copays within 10 days of filing an application under the Crime Victims' Compensation Act. This directly affects victims who paid out-of-pocket for medical services related to a crime (referred to as "criminally injurious conduct" in the bill). The key change mandates that compensation for these copays must be issued by the 10th day after application submission, replacing the prior timeline. The law applies only to applications filed on or after September 1, 2025, with pre-existing applications governed by older rules.